Research of the Lost Circulation Curing

Accident-free construction of controlled directional and horizontal wells, as well as the use of an economically profitable and effective method of lost circulation curing, is an urgent problem. In order to opt for the optimal method for lost circulation curing, it is necessary to investigate the causes of losses and methods of studying the absorbing formation, analyze the experience of lost circulation control in the regions, and take up an economically profitable and effective method of lost circulation curing. The work identifies the factors impacting the occurrence of the drilling mud losses. Geophysical research methods are considered to study thief formations. The peculiarities of the considered methods and their economic analysis are given. The identified Selection Method for the measures to prevent and control fluid loss is based on quantitative criteria allowing for the geological structure and hydrodynamic characteristics of formations. The lost circulation curing based on placing cement plugs, the QUICK-STONETM technology, the lost circulation curing based on insulating compound chromium acetate are considered. The economic analysis of the considered methods is given. It has been found that the use of an insulating compound based on chromium acetate is 3.2 times more economical than QUICKSTONETM technology, as well as 1.4 times more than placing the cement plug.