Bridging Agent Research Articles

Some Effects of Size Distribution on Particle Bridging in Lost Circulation and Filtration Tests

Introduction A common cure of lost circulation is the introduction of granular bridging agents into the mud system. Many materials, such as ground nut shells, are used for this purpose. If the trouble causing void (fracture, fissure, vug, etc.) is not too large, the granular agent forms a "bridge" across or within the opening. Successively smaller particles in the mud stream then accumulate on and/or within this bridge until normal filtration is finally established. The efficiency of many bridging agents has been studied in the laboratory using various slot testers. Many investigators have remarked that a granular bridging material should have the proper particle size distribution. With the exception of the broad range specified in the patent of Goins and Nash, there is apparently no definition as to what this distribution should be. A bridge may be initiated when several particles of lost circulation material lodge against each other in a fracture or other void. Smaller particles then may bridge the openings between the larger, previously bridged particles. This process continues until the voids become quite small and the problem becomes one of filtration. It would seem logical that an optimum particle size distribution exists, i.e., one containing the proper quantity of properly sized material to fill the successively smaller voids of the bridge. The filtration characteristics of drilling fluids may be subject to a similar analysis. It has been clearly demonstrated by many workers that the filtration behavior of various muds can be altered by particle size control. Slusser, et al, divided filtration into three periods and showed that particle sizes affecting a given period did not necessarily affect other portions of the filtration curve. An analagous problem is the proper sizing of gravel, liner slots and screen sizes in various sand-exclusion problems. Here the situation is reversed in that a proper "void" size, rather than the size of the bridging agent, is sought.

Experimental Recanalization of the Fallopian Tubes in the Macacus Rhesus Monkey

It is a clinical fact that many fallopian tubes which have been closed due to infection recanalize after many years resulting in pregnancy in the late childbearing years. This study explores the possibility of developing an operative procedure which could produce physiologic recanalization of the fallopian tube as the natural tendency of that organ is to reestablish its lumen. 4 medium sized sexually mature Rhesus monkeys (weight > .25 kg.) had their fallopian tubes severed in midportion; the resulting gap was studied for growth urge and recanalization. Dial anesthesia was used and laparotomy was performed on the monkeys. In monkey no. 1 silver wire was used to thread the lumen of the proximal cut portion; stainless steel wire was used in monkey 2 while stainless steel wire and a fine whalebone filament were used in monkey 3. The bridging material for monkey 4 was a synthetic plastic Dupont polyethylene tubing. Histologic findings revealed moderate inflammatory cell infiltration; some fibrous tissue formation and; some destruction of the epithelium in monkey 3. None of the monkeys exhibited morbidity; there was no gangrene; gross hemorrhage nor; anemia necrosis. The results showed that 1) recanalization and regeneration of fallopian tubes in monkeys occur after intubation; 2) use of silver wire and steel wire filaments in intubation results in inflammation fibrosis and adhesions (whalebone produced fibrosis) and; 3) the new plastic polyethylene tubing is an effective innocuous bridging agent. This method appears to be beneficial in managing infertility problems.