Lost circulation technology development projects
Lost circulation is the phenomenon where circulating drilling fluid is lost to fractures or pores in the rock formation rather than returning to the surface through the wellbore annulus. In geothermal drilling, lost circulation can be a serious problem that contributes greatly to the cost of the average geothermal well. A DOE-sponsored program is underway at Sandia National Laboratories to develop new technology for solving lost circulation problems. The Lost Circulation Technology Development Program currently consists of twelve projects in three areas: technology to plug porous and minor-fracture loss zones; technology to plug major-fracture loss zones; and technology to characterize loss zones. This paper describes the program and highlights recent progress. 12 refs., 10 figs.
- Research Organization:
- Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (USA)
- Sponsoring Organization:
- DOE/CE
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC04-76DP00789
- OSTI ID:
- 6931373
- Report Number(s):
- SAND-90-1075C; CONF-9004131--1; ON: DE90009742
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Lost circulation technology development status
Progress in The Lost Circulation Technology Development Program