A semi-analytical approach to model drilling fluid leakage into fractured formation

Abstract

Loss of circulation while drilling is a challenging problem that may interrupt operations and contaminate the subsurface formation. Analytical modeling of fluid flow in fractures is a tool that can be quickly deployed to assess drilling mud leakage into fractures. A new semi-analytical solution is developed to model the flow of non-Newtonian drilling fluid in fractured formation. The model is applicable for various fluid types exhibiting yield-power law (Herschel-Bulkley). We use finite-element simulations to verify our solutions. We also generate type curves and compare them to others in the literature. We then demonstrate the applicability of the proposed model for two field cases encountering lost circulations. To address the subsurface uncertainty, we combine the semi-analytical solutions with Monte Carlo and generate probabilistic predictions. The solution method can estimate the range of fracture conductivity, parametrized by the fracture hydraulic aperture, and time-dependent fluid loss rate that can predict the cumulative volume of lost fluid.

An Experimental and Numerical Approach for the Best Enhanced Oil Recovery Strategy in Capillary-Dominant Reservoirs

“…Heterogeneity can occur at various scales, ranging from microscopic to megascopic. It can take multiple forms, including changes in geological sequences, unconformities, rock grading variations, significant grain sorting differences, and the presence of channels, vugs, or fractures (Albattat & Hoteit, 2021;Hoteit, 2013;Satter & Iqbal, 2016). These variations have the potential to significantly impact reservoir performance and reserves.…”

Enhancing Wear Resistance of Drilling Motor Components: A Tribological and Materials Application Study

“…Given their critical role in the drilling process, a focused analysis on these components is essential to enhance the efficiency and longevity of drilling operations. The thrust pin typically crafted from hardened steel, transmits axial loads, and counter abrasive forces during drilling, which can stem from weight on the bit, torque, or drilling forces [9]. Partnering the thrust pin is the thrust insert, generally composed of low-friction or self-lubricating materials, ensuring the efficient transfer of these axial loads [10].…”

An experimental evaluation method of drilling fluid lost control efficiency considering loss types

“…Since 1960s, scholars have been continuously improving the experimental means to simulate and evaluate the formation loss and to evaluate the appropriate plugging materials and technologies. However, at present, laboratory instruments are diversified, such as the API static plugging tester, crevice plugging tester, and hightemperature and high-pressure drilling fluid loss dynamic evaluation tester [8,[12][13][14][15][16][17]. There are different experimental methods, such as thin-fractured plate fracture plugging, standard core fracture plugging, and long core fracture plugging [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25].…”

“…However, at present, laboratory instruments are diversified, such as the API static plugging tester, crevice plugging tester, and hightemperature and high-pressure drilling fluid loss dynamic evaluation tester [8,[12][13][14][15][16][17]. There are different experimental methods, such as thin-fractured plate fracture plugging, standard core fracture plugging, and long core fracture plugging [17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24][25]. Therefore, this will lead to deviation of the experimental results, which cannot reflect the evaluation results of the drilling fluid lost control efficiency of specific loss types.…”