Laboratory and field evaluation of polyurethane foam for lost circulation control
- Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
A two-part polyurethane foam has been tested in the laboratory and in the field to assess its utility in controlling lost circulation encountered when drilling geothermal wells. A field test was conducted in The Geysers in January, 1988, to evaluate the chemical formulation and downhole tool used to deploy the chemicals. Although the tool apparently functioned properly in the field test, the chemicals failed to expand sufficiently downhole, instead forming a dense polymer that may be ineffective in sealing loss zones. Subsequent laboratory tests conducted under simulated downhole conditions indicate that the foam chemical undergo sever mixing with water in the wellbore, which disturbs the kinetics of the chemical reaction more than was previously contemplated. The results indicate that without significant changes in the foam chemical formulation or delivery technique, the foam system will be ineffective in lost circulation control except under very favorable conditions. 4 refs., 6 figs., 2 tabs.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- DOE/CE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76DP00789
- OSTI ID:
- 5532917
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-89-0791C; CONF-891031--3; ON: DE89014551
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
CHEMICAL REACTIONS
CONTROL
DRILLING
FIELD TESTS
GEOTHERMAL WELLS
Geothermal Legacy
HIGH TEMPERATURE
LOST CIRCULATION
MATERIALS
MEDIUM TEMPERATURE
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
ORGANIC POLYMERS
PETROCHEMICALS
PETROLEUM PRODUCTS
PLASTICS
PLUGGING AGENTS
POLYAMIDES
POLYMERS
POLYURETHANES
SEALING MATERIALS
SYNTHETIC MATERIALS
TESTING
TOOLS
WELL DRILLING
WELLS