The Evaluation of Coconut Fibre as a Loss Circulation Material in Drilling Operation

Abstract

Abstract This study attempts to show the effectiveness of using coconut fibre as a loss circulation material in drilling operation. The research incorporated a practical approach. Laboratory experiments was conducted to design drilling muds with the desired loss circulation materials. Their rheological properties and permeability plugging ability was ascertained and compared to determine the most effective loss circulation material blend. To formulate the loss circulation materials, the coconut fibre was processed and particle sizing distribution was conducted on the processed coconut fibre. The coconut fibre was separated into coarse sizes (3350, 2360, 1700 and 1180) and medium be sizes (850 and 425). The distinction between the formulated muds is the loss circulation material combination in them. The three drilling muds had medium-coarse coconut fibre ratio of 60:40, 40:60 and 30:70. The rheological properties of each drilling mud was determined to show suitability of use as a drilling fluid. Experimental results showed similar rheological properties for each mud and they are all suitable for use. The PPT test and ES test were conducted on the mud samples as well. These experiments were conducted at a desired temperature of 200°C and filter press pressure of 1500psi. The thickness of the produced mud cake was measured. By comparing the amount of unrecovered fluid (fluid loss), the least fluid loss was observed in the mud with medium-coarse coconut fiber combination of 60:40