Laboratory development and field testing of succinoglycan as a fluid-loss-control fluid

Journal Article · Thu Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1994 · SPE Drilling and Completion (Society of Petroleum Engineers); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/26724-PA· OSTI ID:6652895

Lau, H C ^[1]

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1. Shell Development Co., Houston, TX (United States)

Research has shown that the biopolymer succinoglycan possesses a unique combination of desirable properties for fluid-loss control, including ease of mixing; cleanness; shear-thinning rheology; temperature-insensitive viscosity below its transition temperature, T[sub m]; and adjustable T[sub m] over a wide range of temperatures. Because succinoglycan is a viscous fluid, it relies solely on viscosity to reduce fluid loss. It does not form hard-to-remove filter cake that can cause considerable formation damage. On the basis of these findings, the author used succinoglycan successfully as a fluid-loss pill before and/or after gravel packing in > 100 offshore wells. Calculations based on laboratory-measured rheology and field experience have shown succinoglycan to be effective in situations where hydroxyethyl cellulose (HEC) is not. Even fluid loss > 40 bbl/hr was reduced to several bbl/hr after application of a properly designed succinoglycan pill. Most wells experienced no production problem after completion.

• OSTI ID: 6652895
• Journal Information: SPE Drilling and Completion (Society of Petroleum Engineers); (United States), Journal Name: SPE Drilling and Completion (Society of Petroleum Engineers); (United States) Vol. 9:4; ISSN 1064-6671; ISSN SDCOE5
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
03 NATURAL GAS
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FLUIDS
LOST CIRCULATION
MITIGATION
NATURAL GAS WELLS
OFFSHORE DRILLING
OFFSHORE SITES
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RHEOLOGY
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WELLS