Comparison of Permeability Plugging Characteristics of Locally Sourced Wellbore Strengthning Materials for Mature Fields Drilling

Abstract

Abstract There is a lot of room for improvement in oil and gas technology among the complex processes in exploration and production. However, the need to prolong the value of mature assets and provide better access to their reserves focuses considerable investment on drilling programs. Pore pressure depletion and its consequent loss circulation problems make up the wellbore instability concerns in mature fields as they translate to cost overruns, Non-Productive Time, Equipment damages. Although loss circulation problems are not new to the industry, repeatedly the need arises to design optimally plugging system to isolate thief zones from the well, while drilling. Wellbore Strengthening materials available to the industry put significant weights on mud costs and usually availability as when needed is not guaranteed. In this work, the performance of a locally sourced Wellbore strengthening material, palm kernel shell (a waste product) is compared with materials used in field operations. The Particle sizing and size distribution as well as permeability filtration tests were conducted to assess and compare the performance of these materials with regards to loss circulation control. Results from these tests showed that permeability plugging characteristics of these local materials compared favorably with those used in field operations.