Case Study

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

Published: 09/01/2015

Case Study

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

Published: 09/01/2015

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