Clay/latex mixture stops lost circulation in large carbonate fractures
- Scientific Research Institute of Drilling Techniques, Moscow (Russian Federation)
A mixture of latex and drilling mud clay controls lost circulation in large carbonate fractures by coagulating when it mixes with the formation fluids. The mixture forms large aggregates capable of plugging large formation fractures and is not prone to being washed out by formation water. The Scientific Research Institute of Drilling Techniques in Moscow (Vniibt) has developed a special lost circulation mixture combining a latex base and clay drilling mud for use in plugging these fractures. Mud powders of bentonite and calcium clays can be used to prepare the clay-latex mixture (GPC). The latex is mixed with drilling mud made from bentonite clay powder and is pumped to the lost circulation zone where it coagulates by reacting with the calcium ions in the formation water. The latex used to prepare GPC must be compatible with the mud being used. After coagulation, GPC changes to a rubber mixture. In the Tataria oil region, one of the drilling enterprises used GPC in 23 wells, with positive results in 20 of the wells. The bentonite powder base GPC mixture remains easily pumpable until the end of the operation. The mixture`s plastic strength increases over time as it is pumped into the lost circulation zone. This type of mixture is typically used to control lost circulation at depths greater than 1,000--1,500 m. GPC based on drilling mud made from calcium clay is used at shallower depths. For GPC pumped into a borehole, the latex/clay drilling mud ratio is typically between 1:1 and 1:2.
- OSTI ID:
- 99288
- Journal Information:
- Oil and Gas Journal, Vol. 93, Issue 35; Other Information: PBD: 28 Aug 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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