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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Gilsonite leads fight against lost circulation

Journal Article · · Petroleum Engineer International; (USA)
OSTI ID:6843015
A solid hydrocarbon called Gilsonite is widely and effectively used to prevent or cure loss of slurry circulation while cementing oil and gas wells. The low specific gravity (1.05) and sealing characteristics of this material give it the qualities that make it effective against loss of slurry to permeable zones, natural and induced fractures, and caverns. Since Gilsonite was first used for these purposes in 19576, over 200,000 wells have been cemented with Gilsonite slurries. More than one-half billion sacks of the product have been used to mix lost circulation-preventing slurries to bridge thief zones that were accepting cement slurries and preventing achievement of the desired full sheath of cement around the casing.
OSTI ID:
6843015
Journal Information:
Petroleum Engineer International; (USA), Journal Name: Petroleum Engineer International; (USA) Vol. 61:4; ISSN 0031-6466; ISSN PEEID
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English