Abstract Lost circulation is one of the most serious and complex situations that affect the safety of drilling operations. The occurrence of lost circulation not only causes losses to drilling engineering, but also poses great difficulties for the exploration and development of oil and gas resources. Only by solving the problem of well leakage can drilling operations be carried out effectively and economically. Lost circulation can have a significant impact on exploration and development work. However, everything has two aspects. In the case of the same reservoir and leakage, once a well leakage is found, it indicates the appearance of an oil and gas reservoir, which is more common in fractured reservoirs. Therefore, in the expected drilling of reservoir sections, it is necessary to analyze and judge leaks well to avoid human error. Leakage can occur in shallow, medium, and deep layers, as well as in different geological epochs, such as from the Quaternary to the Paleozoic, and can occur in various rock formations. From the perspective of drilling, with long open holes, multiple pressure layers, and complex formations, especially when drilling adjustment wells, the problem of well leakage appears to be common and more serious, and the occurrence of well leakage will cause significant economic losses. So, we should prioritize prevention and try to avoid the occurrence of well leakage. If drilling is carried out in formations with well leakage, but appropriate drilling techniques and measures are taken, it is possible that well leakage will not occur, and at least the degree of leakage can be greatly reduced. In case of a well leakage, effective measures should be taken in a timely manner to block it and ensure the smooth progress of drilling. Therefore, the significance of researching leak prevention and plugging technology is significant.
Read full abstract