Application of FORM-A-SQUEEZE Pill Boosts Drilling, Controls Losses in Mexico Well | SLB

Application of FORM-A-SQUEEZE Pill Boosts Drilling, Controls Losses in Mexico Well

Published: 09/01/2015

Blue hero texture
Well Information
 
Location Bay of Campeche, Mexico
Fluid type and density VERSADRIL invert-emulsion, density of 1.30 SG (10.8 lb/gal)
Interval drilled 12¼-in hole, interval of 3674 ft (1120 m): 2657–6660 ft (810–2030 m)
Temperature at loss depth 198°F (92°C)

The Situation

Drilling was being performed with a 12¼-in bit at 5853 ft (1784 m) with 1.30 SG (10.8 lb/gal) VERSADRIL invert-emulsion fluid and partial lost circulation at a rate of 11 m3/hr (69.2 bbl/hr) was observed. Pills containing 100 kg/m3 (35 lb/bbl) of lost circulation materials (LCM), M-I-X II Medium and CaCO3 M-70 and M-200 were pumped.

Drilling was continued with a partial loss of 5 to 11 m3/hr (31.4-69.2 bbl/hr) to a depth of 5,938 ft (1810 m) while pumping LCM pills, accumulating 110 m3 (692 bbl) of lost mud, resulting in suspension of the operation.

Client operating personnel met with M-I SWACO engineers in search of a technical alternative to properly seal the loss zone and to continue with normal operations.

The Solution

M-I SWACO recommended the use of a FORM-A-SQUEEZE pill to seal the zone where the partial lost circulation occurred. A 50-bbl, 1.31 SG (10.9 lb/gal) FORM-A-SQUEEZE pill consisting of diesel, FORM-A-SQUEEZE additive, and calcium carbonate was prepared and blended.

  • Having the bit at 5905 ft (1800 m), 40 bbl of FORM-A-SQUEEZE pill was pumped. Pressure: 600 psi, displaced at 800 strokes per min
  • Lifted bit to 5459 ft (1664 m), circulated at a low flow rate of 10 strokes for 5 min; then pumping was suspended, annular preventor was closed, satisfactorily repressurizing with 200 psi for 10 min
  • Pressure was discharged to zero; annular preventor was opened and initially circulated at a low flow rate. The flow rate was gradually increased until initial drilling conditions were attained: 120 strokes, 540 gal/min, 2200 psi. No mud losses to the formation were observed
  • The 12¼-in section was taken to bottom, circulated at a low flow rate, increasing little by little until reaching and maintaining 540 gal/min, and continued drilling with normal circulation
Application of FORM-A-SQUEEZE Pill Boosts Drilling, Controls Losses in Mexico Well
Time (min) (ft) Pressure (psi) Bbl
2.5 50 K 1.6
5 100 3.2
7.5 150 4.8
10 200 6.4
15 150-200 7
Time (min) Pressure (psi) Bbl Remarks
10 150-200 7 Pressure was kept constant

The Results

After pumping the FORM-A-SQUEEZE pill:

  • A complete cycle was circulated at 540 gal/min, keeping normal levels
  • Drilled to bottom without experiencing lost circulation, keeping normal levels at surface
  • No waiting-on-cement times were required
  • Continued drilling at the scheduled depth with normal circulation
  • Waiting times were eliminated
  • Operational costs were reduced
  • Continued drilling the stage below scheduled times

“When a partial lost circulation was experienced during drilling a 12¼-in. interval, attempts to seal the loss zone were unsuccessful. Use of the FORM-A-SQUEEZE pill mixed with diesel allowed us to continue drilling, without loss, reducing time and operational costs.”

Operator Drilling Foreman

Location
Mexico, North America, Offshore
Details

Challenge: Partial lost circulation at a rate of 11 m3/hr (69.2 bbl/hr) was observed.

Solution: Use of a FORM-A-SQUEEZE pill to seal the zone where the partial lost circulation occurred.

Results: Waiting times were eliminated and operations costs were reduced.

Products Used