Capítulo 8 Recommended Treatment

CHAPTER
Recommended Treatment
Introduction
When lost circulation is initially experienced, the drilling fluid weight should
be reduced, if possible. An estimate
of the maximum drilling fluid weight
the formation can withstand can be
obtained by the method described
below:
If the fluid level in the annulus is
falling when the pumps are off, fill
the annulus from the top with a measured volume of water or base oil,
depending on the drilling fluid system, and calculate the new gradient.
If there are no returns when pumping:
Fill the annulus from the top with
water or base oil.
Compare the circulating pressure
(in psi) prior to the losses occurring
(pressure P1) with the pressure at
the same circulating rate after the
losses have occurred (pressure P2).
Length of the empty hole in feet is
calculated
P1 P2
0.052 X MW
8.1
where P1 and P2 are standpipe

pressure in psi, and MW is drilling
fluid density in lb/gal.
If the position of the loss zone is
known, a new drilling fluid gradient can be calculated to balance
the weakened formation.
Reduce the ECD by lowering
pumping rate or conditioning
the fluid to provide for lower gel
strength and plastic viscosity.
The following flow charts and procedures are designed to provide the
responses to the first actions that
should be taken when encountering
losses and when reducing drilling-fluid
density can not be achieved or failed to
work. While these should be adhered
to initially, specific conditions and the
experience gained from previous treatments may dictate change with time.
Pilot tests should be run with all
treatments to ensure compatibility
with mud, effectiveness, etc.
Revision No: A-0 / Revision Date: 033101
CHAPTER
Flow Charts
Losing fluid while drilling
Stop drilling and observe
Losses on surface
Yes
No
Locate and stop losses

Yes
Well flowing?
No
Record shut-in pressure.

Kill the well.
Seepage losses < 10 bbl/hr
Oil/
synthetic
mud
Spot pill:
G-SEAL 15 lb/bbl
Calc.Carb. (M) 10 lb/bbl
Calc.Carb. (C) 7 lb/bbl
Water-base
mud
Measure rate of loss
Partial losses 10 - l00 bbl/hr
Oil/
synthetic
mud
Spot pill:
Mica F 5 lb/bbl
M-I-X II Fine 7 lb/bbl
Calc.Carb. (M) 7 lb/bbl
NUT PLUG F 7 lb/bbl
Water-base
mud
Spot pill:
Mica M 7 lb/bbl
M-I-X II Med. 10 lb/bbl
G-SEAL 20 lb/bbl
No success
Spot plug:
VERSAPAC or
FORM-A pill or
Reverse Gunk or
Cement
No success
Spot pill:
Mica M 10 lb/bbl
M-I-X II Coarse 10 lb/bbl
G-SEAL 20 lb/bbl
NUT PLUG M 10 lb/bbl
Total loss-of-returns
Oil/
synthetic
mud
Water-base
mud
Spot pill:
Mica M 10 lb/bbl
NUT PLUG F 7 lb/bbl
NUT PLUG M 7 lb/bbl
No success
Spot pill:
Mica M 20 lb/bbl
M-I-X II Coarse 7 lb/bbl
NUT PLUG F 7 lb/bbl
NUT PLUG M 10 lb/bbl
No success
Spot pill:
FORM-A pill or
Reverse Gunk or
Cement
8.2
CHAPTER
Losses induced while tripping in
Partial losses 10 - 100 bbl/hr
Total losses; Level drops
Continue RIH at reduced speed

to the last casing shoe
Fill up the annulus

with light fluid
Attempt to establish circulation

while rotating the drillstring
Flow check
Yes
Losses?
Continue RIH
to TD
No
No flow
Well flowing
Go to LossesWhile-Drilling
Chart
Close-in
Spot LCM through

bit and squeeze
into loss zone
Yes
Losses reduced to
acceptable level
No
RIH slowly to casing

shoe or to above
expected/known
loss zone
Strip into
casing hole
Well dead
Well still pressurized
Spot and squeeze

LCM/Cement
Strip into bottom
No
Clean out
Go to BottomKill Diagram
Yes
Losses reduced to
dynamic only
Go to LossesWhile-Drilling
Chart
8.3
CHAPTER
Curing Losses When Drilling

With Water-Base Drilling Fluid
SEEPAGE
LOSSES
Losses up to approximately 10 bbl/hr

normally are considered seepage.
Seepage losses frequently are cured by
simply reducing or stopping the pump
rate and allowing the formation to
heal and become sealed off by the
development of a filter cake. The
pump rate can be gradually increased
after the losses have stopped.
If losses do not heal by themselves
and economics or other reasons dictate the amount of loss can not be tolerated, an LCM pill for curing the loss
must be pumped.
Recommended pill to be used:
Mica F:
5 lb/bbl
M-I-X II Fine
7 lb/bbl
Calcium Carbonate (M) 7 lb/bbl
NUT PLUG F
7 lb/bbl
If seepage losses are expected during
drilling through a certain formation,
treating the whole drilling fluid system with LCM before entering the
loss zone is recommended.
Such a treatment will depend on
pore/fracture size distribution in the
actual formation, but a general recommendation is to treat the system with:
M-I-X II Fine
5 lb/bbl
PARTIAL
LOSSES
Losses from 10 bbl/hr to 100 bbl/hr

often are referred to as partial losses.
Partial losses usually require treatment.
However, as a first action the bit
should be pulled off-bottom, the pump
turned off and the formation given the
chance to heal by itself. If losses stop,
drilling can resume with reduced drilling fluid weight and/or pump rate, if
both or either are possible.
8.4
If the loss does not heal by itself the

following LCM pill is recommended:
Mica M:
10 lb/bbl

M-I-X II Med
10 lb/bbl
Calcium Carbonate (C)
7 lb/bbl
NUT PLUG F
7 lb/bbl
NUT PLUG M
7 lb/bbl
If this pill does not heal the losses,
the pill described under the Total Lossof-Returns section should be pumped.
TOTAL
LOSS-OF-RETURNS
As the priority usually will be well

control, the annulus must be filled
from the top with either drilling fluid,
water or other lightweight liquid.
Unless the fracture is induced, losses
normally cannot be stopped by pumping conventional LCM pills. The alternative is a reinforcing plug or cement.
However, a pill of LCM often is the first
choice since, if successful, it delivers a
quick response and it is easy to apply.
The recommended pill should contain as much LCM as possible. A standard formulation would be:
Mica M:
20 lb/bbl
M-I-X II Med
10 lb/bbl
M-I-X II Coarse
7 lb/bbl
10 lb/bbl
NUT PLUG F
7 lb/bbl
NUT PLUG M
10 lb/bbl
If this pill does not heal the fracture,
a reinforcing plug or cement should
be set across the loss zone.
PREPARATION
AND PROCEDURES FOR

CONVENTIONAL LCM FORMULATIONS
It is important to match the type of

LCM to the type of loss, but the most
successful approach generally is to use
a cocktail of various LCM types and
grades. A dual pill (coarse and medium
followed by fine) should be considered.
CHAPTER
For severe and total losses the LCM

pills should be at least 60 lb/bbl.
A 100-bbl treatment should be tried
initially. Great care must be taken to
avoid plugging the drillstring when
using this concentration of LCM. Keep
the pits well agitated. A displacement
rate of around 400 gpm should be
used. Never stop pumping until the
LCM is displaced to the well.
The LCM particles should be less than
a third of the nozzle size. In some circumstances, increasing the viscosity of
the pills may be more beneficial than
increasing the LCM concentration.
Preparation
When drilling approaches the loss
section, a dedicated pit should be
kept aside for LCM slugs. For severe
losses, at least 100 bbl of usable volume should be built. LCM material
should be mixed to the maximum
concentration that can be kept safely
agitated. It is essential to keep this
mixture fully agitated.
Large bags of LCM should be available
to aid in the rapid mixing of pills.
Ensure that all the restrictions in
the BHA and at surface have been
reduced to a minimum.
Procedures
On encountering severe losses, pump
drilling fluid and LCM down the
annulus, and pump out drill pipe
respectively. The well should be
monitored at all times.
Close the annular preventer if the
drilling fluid level falls from sight.
Pump and displace 100 bbl of the
LCM pill. Pump out of the hole
while displacing the LCM. Keep the
pipe moving to prevent packing-off
as cuttings descend in the annulus.
Monitor the pits when pumping
and displacing LCM. Do not rely
on pump strokes alone.
Pull back to safety. Preferably this
will be to the casing shoe, or at least
to a depth where the bit will be
8.5
above the top of the LCM pill, providing all the LCM stayed in the hole
(i.e., have a minimum of 100 bbl of
open hole beneath the bit or size
LCM pill accordingly).
Monitor the displacement pressure
at all times. Attempt to keep the
annulus full. Use water/seawater if
necessary. Displace all LCM from the
drillstring. Displace to leave the hole
full of LCM across the loss zone.
Circulate across the well head for at
least two hours. If the LCM has begun
to work, close the annular preventer
and apply a light squeeze pressure to
force the LCM into the fractures.
If the treatment does not work, proceed with another LCM pill or alternative treatment. Begin preparing
for this as soon as space becomes
available.
REINFORCING
PLUGS
If the above mentioned pills are unable

to stop the losses, a reinforcing pill
should be pumped. If total losses are
expected, always have a pill readymixed prior to entering the zone. Since
such a pill needs to be spotted across
the loss zone to be effective, it is essential to know the exact location of the
loss zone.
For water-base drilling fluids
the FORM-A cross-linking pills
(FORM-A-SET and FORM-A-SET AK)
are the recommended plugs.
If either of these fails to cure the
losses, a gunk squeeze, barite pill, or
Sodium Silicate and Cement treatment should be tried.
Crosslinking Pills
FORM-A-SET
System Description
FORM-A-SET is a one-sack blend of polymers, cross-linking agents, and fibrous
lost-circulation materials designed to
plug matrix and naturally fractured or
vugular zones. When activated with
time and temperature, FORM-A-SET
CHAPTER
produces a rubbery, ductile, spongy

soft-set gel that effectively prevents
loss of fluid to the formation. The lostcirculation material in FORM-A-SET
package is a fibrous cellulose type
containing a wide variation of
particle sizes.
Two products are available with
the material to help control the
setting times: FORM-A-SET RET
and FORM-A-SET ACC. A retarder,
FORM-A-SET RET is designed for
situations requiring longer setting or
pumping times and higher squeeze
temperatures. FORM-A-SET ACC
(accelerator) is engineered for situations where set conditions are faster
or lower water temperatures will not
allow the polymers to hydrate.
Physical Properties
SG
1.20
Physical Appearance Light tan color
Application
FORM-A-SET can be used in any application where a squeeze plug would be
beneficial. It is particularly advantageous in areas where loss of whole
drilling fluid is prevalent. FORM-A-SET
also may be employed to shut off
water flows and stabilize gravel sections. Equally effective in vertical and
horizontal wellbores, FORM-A-SET can
be weighted with M-I BAR or FER-OX.
FORM-A-SET can be used to shut off
losses to depleted sands and isolate
gas/water zones.
FORM-A-SET may be blended with
either freshwater, seawater or salt water
up to saturation. Seawater and sodium
chloride tend to retard the cross-link set
time. FORM-A-SET may be used to stop
losses drilled with any water and nonaqueous-base fluid systems.
Retarder/Accelerator
The FORM-A-SET RET should be used
with all applications above 100F. A
retarder is required when bottom-hole
temperature and pumping time increase.
Add the retarder to the water before
8.6
adding the FORM-A-SET material. As

a guideline, the typical concentration of
retarder is:
Bottom-Hole
Temperature, F
80-100
100-120
120-150
150-200
200-250
250-300
300-350
FORM-A-SET RET, lb/bbl

(per bbl of mix water)
4
6
10
16
18
20
It is important to pilot test the

retarder to investigate if the time and
temperature will keep the slurry from
crosslinking prematurely.
Physical Properties
FORM-A-SET RET FORM-A-SET ACC
Appearance
Clear liquid Dark green liquid
SG
1.323
1.4
Water solubility
Soluble
Soluble
The FORM-A-SET ACC should be used

to increase set times with the slurry. It
is used when ambient temperatures
or make-up water are below 60F. To
avoid over-treatment, caution must be
exercised when adding the accelerator.
Suggested concentrations of 0.2 lb/bbl
should be used as colder conditions
demand. The FORM-A-SET ACC should
be added after the dry material has
been added to the water. Allow the
dry material to blend thoroughly, then
add the FORM-A-SET ACC to the slurry
slowly to assure that it is well dispersed.
It is suggested that the accelerator be
diluted in 5 to 10 gal of water before
adding to the FORM-A-SET slurry.
Advantages
Since FORM-A-SET contains cross-linking
agents and polymers in the same package, FORM-A-SET RET is not required
at lower temperatures. However, at
increased temperature and longer pumping times, it is recommended to use a
minimum concentration of 6 lb/bbl. At
temperatures of 200F to 350F, it is recommended to use 10 to 16 lb/bbl of
CHAPTER
FORM-A-SET RET. Pilot testing is suggested before pumping, to obtain an

estimate of time needed to create a
firm set plug.
Limitations
The FORM-A-SET plug will not bacterially or time degrade in the wellbore
over a period of time, and should be
used with caution in or near producing zones.
Mixing/Pumping Instructions
To mix a pill of FORM-A-SET, use a
clean pit or blending tank to mix the
FORM-A-SET and water. Allow the
mixture to stir until the entire pill has
been well-dispersed. If the retarder is
to be used, add it to the water before
mixing the polymer. If using the accelerator, add it after the FORM-A-SET
product has been mixed.
Density
(lb/gal)
8.47
9.0
10.0
11.0
12.0
13.0
14.0
15.0
16.0
17.0
18.0
Weighted Slurries
Table 1 should be followed to mix
FORM-A-SET slurries heavier than
freshwater. Mixing order should be:
Add the retarder before the
FORM-A-SET
. The retarder concentration should be proportional
to the water volume.
Add one-half of the FORM-A-SET
material.
Add the barite.
Add the remaining FORM-A-SET.
Add the accelerator concentration
in proportion to the water volume.
Note: The defoamer may be added at
any time air entrapment is observed.
For unweighted slurries, add one
sack (40 lb) to one bbl of water.
Water
(bbl)
0.913
0.896
0.861
0.827
0.792
0.758
0.724
0.689
0.655
0.620
0.586
FORM-A-SET
(lb/bbl)
36.52
35.83
34.45
33.08
31.70
30.32
28.94
27.56
26.19
24.81
23.43
M-I BAR
(lb/bbl)
0.00
27.72
83.17
138.62
194.07
249.52
304.97
360.42
415.87
471.32
526.77
Table 1.
Typical viscosity is from 120 to 160

sec/qt funnel viscosity directly after
initial mixing. A defoamer, such as
DEFOAM-A, should be available in case
any aeration causes foaming. Avoid
using any defoamer containing glycol
or stearate as they might cause changes
in the cross-linking mechanism.
Use approximately 20 to 30 bbl of
viscosified water or drilling fluid as a
spacer both ahead and behind the pill.
Pump the pill to the annulus at the
depth of loss and pull above the loss
zone, being careful not to leave any
pill in the pipe even if losses have
8.7
stopped or slowed. Do not shut down

pumping while the pill is in the drillstring. Watch for any sign of the pill
reaching the loss zone, such as pressure increase or an improvement in
the return flow.
Pull above pill and close annular
preventer to begin squeezing. If pressure is noted, hold for at least three
hours to obtain a firm set of the pill.
Allow about four hours for pill to
obtain maximum strength.
Total time for the job, including
blending, pumping and squeezing
is about six hours.
CHAPTER
Packaging and Handling

FORM-A-SET is packaged in 40-lb
sacks. It should be used in areas
with sufficient ventilation to remove
airborne particulates. The use of eye
and respiration protection is recommended. FORM-A-SET should be stored
in a dry location.
FORM-A-SET RET is packaged in 5-gal
cans. Use in an area that is well ventilated and avoid breathing vapors. Store
in a dry, ventilated place.
FORM-A-SET ACC is packaged in 1-qt
containers. Use in a well-ventilated
area and avoid breathing vapors. Store
in a clean, dry location.
FORM-A-SET AK
System Description
FORM-A-SET AK is a special blend
of polymers and fibrous materials
designed to plug matrix and fractured
zones. When added with DUO-VIS
and activated with a combination of
FORM-A-SET XL, time and temperature, FORM-A-SET AK produces a
firm, rubbery, ductile plug that effectively prevents loss of fluid to the formation. The lost-circulation material
in the FORM-A-SET AK package comprises specially sized and concentrated fibrous cellulose containing a
mixture of fine particle sizes to plug
deep fractures, faults and vugular
formations.
Typical Physical properties
Physical appearance Light tan
powder
Specific gravity
0.96
Bulk density
34.5 lb/ft3
(552.6 kg/m3)
Applications
The FORM-A-SET AK plug can be mixed
in freshwater, seawater or saltwater up
to saturation. FORM-A-SET AK can be
used in any application where a squeeze
plug is beneficial and a smaller particlesize distribution of bridging material is
desired. This enhances the ability of the
8.8
material to penetrate a porous or fractured zone.

FORM-A-SET AK is a variation of
FORM-A-SET
. The cross-linking agent
for FORM-A-SET AK is packaged separately. Thus, the plug without crosslinking agent can be mixed and stored
on location as a contingency.
Once losses are encountered, the plug
is activated by adding FORM-A-SET XL
(see enclosed tables for mixing concentration), mixed for five minutes and
then FORM-A-SET AK is spotted in the
loss zone.
FORM-A-SET AK can be used to stop
losses occurring with any water, oil or
synthetic-base fluid system.
Retarder/Accelerator
Two products are available to help control the setting times of the material:
FORM-A-SET RET and FORM-A-SET ACC.
FORM-A-SET RET, a retarder, is
designed for situations requiring longer
setting or pumping times and higher
squeeze temperatures. FORM-A-SET ACC
(accelerator) is engineered for situations where set conditions are faster
or lower water temperatures slow the
cross-linking process.
FORM-A-SET RET should be used with
all applications above 100F. A retarder
is required when bottom-hole temperature and pumping times increase. The
retarder is added to the water prior
to the addition of FORM-A-SET AK
material. As a guideline, the typical
concentration of retarder is presented
in Table 2.
Bottom-hole
FORM-A-SET RET
Temperature
(lb per bbl of mix water)
F
C
lb/bbl
kg/m3
Up to 100 Up to 37.7
100 120 37.7 48.9

4
11.4
120 150
150 200
200 250
48.9 65.6
65.6 93.3
93.3 121
6
10
16
17.1
28.5
45.6
Table 2.
Note that the FORM-A-SET RET concentration should be proportional

CHAPTER
to the water volume. To ensure that

time and temperature will not cause
the slurry to crosslink prematurely, it
is important to pilot test for sufficient
retarder concentration.
The FORM-A-SET ACC should be used
to speed up the setting time of the
slurry. It is used when ambient temperatures or make-up water are below 60F.
To avoid over-treatment, caution must
be exercised when adding the accelerator. In colder conditions, suggested concentration of FORM-A-SET ACC is
0.2 lb/bbl proportioned to the water
volume. To ensure full polymer hydration, the FORM-A-SET ACC should be
added after the dry material has been
mixed. This procedure will allow the
dry material to blend thoroughly.
Afterwards, the FORM-A-SET ACC
can be added to the slurry to guarantee it is well dispersed. It is suggested
that the accelerator be diluted in 5 to
10 gal of water before adding to the
FORM-A-SET AK slurry.
Unweighted slurries mixing and
pumping instructions
To mix an unweighted pill of
FORM-A-SET AK, use a clean mud
pit or recirculating mixer.
Add the required amount of retarder
to 1 bbl of water before mixing any
polymers.
Add 1.5 lb/bbl DUO-VIS.
Add 25.0 lb/bbl FORM-A-SET AK.
Add 1.5 lb/bbl DUO-VIS.
Note: The defoamer may be added
at any time air entrapment is
observed. Use only alcohol-base
defoamers such as DEFOAM-A.
Defoamers containing stearate or
glycol might cause changes in the
cross-linking mechanism.
Use approximately 20 to 30 bbl of
viscous water or drilling fluid as spacers in front of and behind the pill.
The preferred spacer is 3 lb/bbl
DUO-VIS in water.
8.9
Once losses are encountered, add

5 lb/bbl of FORM-A-SET XL to the
pill and mix thoroughly for approximately five minutes.
Place the bit across the loss zone.
Pump the pill to the bit as fast as possible and continue pumping the pill
until the whole pill has cleared the
drillstring. Even if losses have stopped,
do not shut down pumping while
the pill is in the drillstring. It is
important not to leave any pill in the
pipe. Watch for any sign of the pill
reaching the loss zone, such as a pressure increase or improved return flow.
To begin squeezing, pull above the
pill height. Close the annular preventer and begin applying pressure. If
pressure is noted, hold for at least
three hours to obtain a firm set of the
pill. Allow about four hours for the
pill to obtain maximum strength.
Total time for the job, including
blending, pumping and squeezing is
about five hours.
Weighted slurries mixing and
pumping instructions
Table 3 should be followed to mix
FORM-A-SET AK slurries heavier than
freshwater.
Mixing order should be:
1. Add the retarder before the
FORM-A-SET AK. The retarder
concentration should be proportional to the water volume.
2. Add one-half of the DUO-VIS.
3. Add one-half the FORM-A-SET AK
material.
4. Add the barite.
5. Add the remaining FORM-A-SET AK.
6. Add the remaining DUO-VIS.
7. If needed, add the accelerator
concentration in proportion to
the water volume.
Once losses are encountered add
FORM-A-SET XL to the pill (see
chart) and mix thoroughly for
approximately five minutes.
CHAPTER
FORM-A-SET AK mixing example

Objective: To formulate a FORM-A-SET
AK pill for 200F formation temperature, 15.5 lb/gal density and pumping
time averaging 90 minutes.
From the FORM-A-SET RET table
it can be seen that for the formation
temperature of 200F the retarder concentration should be 10 lb/bbl. From
the tables below the formulation and
mixing order is as follows:
Water: 0.682 bbl
FORM-A-SET RET: 10 lb/bbl
proportional to water volume
Density
lb/gal
8.36
8.5
9.0
9.5
10.0
10.5
11.0
11.5
12.0
12.5
13.0
13.5
14.0
14.5
15.0
15.5
16.0
Water
bbl
.931
.926
.908
.891
.874
.856
.839
.821
.804
.786
.769
.751
.734
.717
.699
.682
.664
DUO-VIS
lb/bbl
2.79
2.78
2.73
2.67
2.62
2.57
2.1
2.05
1.61
1.57
1.15
1.13
0.73
0.72
0.52
0.51
0.33
(10 lb of Retarder per bbl of water X

0.685 bbl water = 6.85 lb/bbl mixing concentration for final barrel)
DUO-VIS: 0.225 lb/bbl (half of the
total required concentration)
FORM-A-SET AK: 8.56 lb/bbl (half of
the total required concentration)
M-I BAR: 393.92 lb/bbl
FORM-A-SET AK: 8.56 lb/bbl (the
second half of the total required
concentration)
DUO-VIS: 0.225 lb/bbl (the second half
of the total required concentration)
FORM-A-SET XL: 3.25 lb/bbl
FORM-A-SET AK
lb/bbl
23.37
23.25
22.81
22.37
21.94
21.50
21.06
20.62
20.18
19.75
19.31
18.87
18.43
17.99
17.56
17.12
16.68
FORM-A-SET XL
lb/bbl
5.00
5.00
4.75
4.75
4.50
4.50
4.25
4.25
4.00
4.00
3.75
3.75
3.5
3.5
3.25
3.25
3
M-I BAR
lb/bbl
0.00
7.87
35.44
63.02
90.59
118.17
145.74
173.32
200.89
228.47
256.04
283.62
311.20
338.77
366.35
393.92
421.50
Table 3: Product concentration for 1 final bbl.
Advantages
FORM-A-SET AK contains only the
polymer and lost circulation material, therefore it may be mixed on
location and stored before the anticipated losses are encountered.
Owing to its increased polymer loading and the smaller size of the fibrous
material, the FORM-A-SET AK has a
much firmer set than the conventional FORM-A-SET
.
Because of the firmer set, FORM-A-SET
AK has a wide range of applications.
These applications range from partial (10-100 bbl/hr) to total losses.
Furthermore, the material can be
8.10
used in both water and gas shutoff

in non-productive zones and may be
used for gravel consolidation.
Extended times in the wellbore will
not cause a FORM-A-SET AK plug to
degrade.
Limitations
Caution should be exercised when it is
used in or near the production zone.
Pilot testing for thermal stability is
recommended when temperatures
exceed 250F.
When premixing the pill, include
0.2 lb/bbl of X-Cide 102 (25% gluteraldehyde biocide) for all plugs. If
X-Cide 102 is not available, pilot
CHAPTER
tests should be run with the locally

available biocides.
Packaging and Handling
FORM-A-SET AK is packaged in 25-lb
sacks. FORM-A-SET AK should be
stored in a dry location.
FORM-A-SET RET is packaged in
5-gal cans. Use in a well-ventilated
area and avoid breathing vapors.
Store in a dry, ventilated place.
FORM-A-SET ACC is packaged in 1-qt
containers. Use in a well-ventilated
area and avoid breathing vapors. Store
in a clean, dry location.
FORM-A-SET XL is packaged in 50-lb
sacks. Use in a well-ventilated area
and avoid breathing vapors. Store in
clean, dry location.
Barite/Hematite Plugs
water-base formulation
Barite and hematite plugs are effective
means of sealing off active borehole
sections in extreme or emergency situations. They can be inserted to provide
an immovable sealing column through
either settling or dehydration, thereby
preventing further formation fluid
intrusion into the wellbore. Barite and
hematite plugs will be referred to as
wellbore plugs in the remainder of
this chapter. Thus, a wellbore plug is
a slurry composed of either M-I BAR,
FER-OX, or both, mixed in water as a
carrier. The slurry is designed for rapid
weight material settling, forming a
hard pack.
Application
The primary application of a wellbore
plug is in a well-control situation
where the well is kicking from a
lower zone and simultaneously losing circulation to an upper zone.
There are other special circumstances
where wellbore plugs may be utilized.
Factors that affect settling rates
The settling rate of wellbore plugs can
be affected by several factors such as
density, contaminants in the makeup
8.11
water, variations in weight material,

pH and type of dispersant.
Density
As mentioned earlier, the settling rate
of a weight material-water slurry is
inversely proportional to the density
of the slurry. Thus, the high concentration of solids and gel strengths in
high-density slurries cause them to
settle more slowly than low-density
slurries. The optimum M-I BAR slurry
weight is between 14.0 lb/gal and
16.0 lb/gal, although a barite slurry
can be weighted up to 22.0 lb/gal.
When FER-OX is used as the weighting agent, the optimum slurry weight
is 16.0 lb/gal to 18.0 lb/gal. Variations
of weight material in certain locales
require different dispersants to gain
optimum settling rates; therefore, if
time allows, pilot testing should be
done, even if the makeup water is
free of contamination.
Contaminants
The gel strengths of weighted slurries increase in the presence of salt
and calcium. Therefore, seawater or
salt water should never be used as
the water phase of the slurry. If
brackish water is used, treatment
with chemicals and pilot testing is
recommended to ensure settling
rates are sufficient.
Weight Material
Either M-I BAR or FER-OX may
be used as weighting agents in
the plug slurries. Both have advantages. Tests show that FER-OX slurries will settle up to twice as fast as
barite plugs when mixed at equal
densities, although barite slurries
tend to pack better.
pH
The pH of the slurry should be controlled between 8.5 to 10.0 with
NaOH. Excessive pH will reduce both
the rate of filtration and the settling
rate of the slurry. A pH of less than
8.5 will also reduce settling rates.
CHAPTER
Dispersant or Deflocculant
To ensure rapid settling rates, a dispersant must be added to the water
phase of the slurry. Sapp, Desco, or
SPERSENE is recommended. The preferred dispersant is SPERSENE and it is
the most effective additive when bottomhole temperatures increases. A
2 lb/bbl concentration is recommended to 200F; from 200 to 300F,
4 lb/bbl; and above 300F, 8 lb/bbl.
One lb/bbl of Caustic Soda should be
Mud Weight
(lb/gal)
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
Water
(bbl)
0.79
0.75
0.71
0.68
0.64
0.60
0.56
0.53
0.49
added for every 8 lb/bbl of SPERSENE

.
Desco is recommended when pH is
a limiting factor.
Lighter weight slurries, in the range
of 14.0 to 16.0 lb/gal, are suggested for
plugs that are to be set inside casing
or drillstring where filtration does not
occur and rapid settling is desired.
Higher weight slurries are suggested
for the open hole where both settling
and high filtration aid in making an
immovable seal.
Caustic
(lb/bbl)
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.30
0.35
SAPP
(lb/bbl)
0.2
0.35
0.50
0.65
0.8
0.95
1.1
1.25
1.4
M-I BAR
(lb/bbl)
312
367
422
477
532
588
643
698
753
Table 4: Water-Base Plug M-I BAR Formulation.

If SPERSENE is used for the dispersant, mix 2 lb/bbl of SPERSENE and 0.5 lb/bbl of Caustic for any weight slurry.
Mud Weight
(lb/gal)
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
24
26
Water
(bbl)
0.83
0.80
0.77
0.74
0.71
0.68
0.65
0.62
0.59
0.53
0.47
Caustic
(lb/bbl)
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.25
0.30
0.30
0.35
0.35
0.40
SAPP
(lb/bbl)
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
1.0
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
FER-OX
(lb/bbl)
297
350
402
455
507
560
612
664
717
822
927
Table 5: Water-Base Plug FER-OX Formulation.

If SPERSENE is used for the dispersant, mix 2 lb/bbl of SPERSENE and 0.5 lb/bbl of Caustic for any weight slurry.
Gunk Squeeze
Product Application
The principle reason for including this
treatment in the contingency plan is
ready availability of the necessary materials. Thus, in an emergency, the materials required are invariably stocked on
the rig. It is essential to thoroughly
flush and clean the mud pit, mixing
8.12
lines and mud pump suction lines.

Afterwards, the mud pit and lines
should be drained and as dry as possible prior to mixing the pill. This is a
time consuming job that requires a substantial amount of effort.
The Gunk referred to is simply a
mixture of clay and a fluid dissimilar to
the active drilling fluid system which,
CHAPTER
when mixed with the fluid lost in the

thief zone, forms an impermeable plug
that seals off the borehole.
A Gunk squeeze to be used with
water-base drilling fluid is formulated
with bentonite and diesel (or base oil);
a Gunk squeeze for oil-base drilling
fluid is formulated with organophilic
clay and water. The bentonite will not
yield in diesel (or base oil) and the oilwet organophilic clay will not yield in
water, thus resulting in a high-solids/
low-viscosity mixture.
The dissimilarity of the fluids in the
Gunk squeeze and the active drilling
fluid system makes it essential that the
mud pit and mixing system be cleaned
thoroughly prior to mixing the pill.
Contamination of the pill with active
drilling fluid can easily result in a mixture that cannot be pumped in the
mud pit. This dissimilarity also means
the pill must be displaced with spacers
of at least 10 bbl, both before and after,
separating the pill from the active mud
system. The fluid used to formulate the
pill should be used for the spacers. For
practical purposes, these are commonly
unweighted.
Bentonite and organophilic clay are
not acid soluble; therefore, this should
be regarded as a conventional (not
acid-soluble) treatment.
The treatment is applied by pumping
the Gunk fluid down the drill pipe or
tubing to the end of the string. When
the Gunk squeeze reaches the bit, the
annular preventer should be closed.
The Gunk fluid should be pumped
down the drill pipe while the drilling
fluid would be pumped in the annulus
simultaneously, at an equivalent flow
rate. Intermixing the Gunk fluid and
the drilling fluid occurs at the end and
below the drill pipe, forming a gelatinous/highly viscous/thick mass that is
squeezed into the loss-circulation
zone. There essentially is no temperature limitation with this technique.
The Gunk fluid can be readily mixed
8.13
and pumped. In water-base drilling

fluids, cement is often added to the
conventional Gunk mixture to provide additional strength to the final
Gunk/drilling fluid combination.
The Gunk fluid must be tested on
location with the drilling fluid in the
hole to ensure the proper consistency
of the final mixture. In addition, the
ratio of Gunk to drilling fluid needs to
be optimized on location using mixing tests, to select the proper pump
rates for the Gunk and the drilling
fluid during the operation.
The advantages of utilizing the
Gunk Squeeze Technique include:
1. Needed materials typically readily
available.
2. Technique not sensitive to
temperature.
3. Effectively seals off severe/total loss
circulation when applied properly.
Special Considerations
1. Drill the Entire Loss Zone: The
entire lost-circulation zone needs to
be drilled to fully expose it before
the treatment. Otherwise, the treatment is unlikely to work.
2. Premature Contamination:
Extreme care must be taken to
insure the Gunk treatment fluid is
not contaminated with a fluid that
would cause premature gelation in
either the surface equipment or the
drillstring. Before pumping the
Gunk fluid, mixing and pumping
equipment must be drained and
flushed with appropriate materials
(for example, diesel for a conventional Gunk treatment). A sufficient
volume of the flush needs to be
pumped ahead of and behind the
(Gunk) fluid.
3. Waiting Time: After squeezing the
treatment fluid into the zone of
interest, circulation of the hole and
resumption of drilling operations
should not begin for a minimum of
three hours to allow the treatment
CHAPTER
fluid to fully yield and provide maximum resistance to further losses.

4. Gunk Placement: The drillstring
needs to be placed close to the loss
zone, but care must be taken to make
sure none of the fluid circulates above
and around the drill pipe. Gelled fluid
around the drill pipe may potentially
cause sticking problems.
DIESEL OIL/BENTONITE (DOB)
GUNK SQUEEZE
A conventional Gunk Squeeze fluid is
a mixture of bentonite and diesel,
which rapidly gels when intermixed
with water-base drilling fluid or some
type of brine.
1. If possible, plan for losses and pull
out of the hole, install large nozzles
and lay down MWD and mud motor
prior to tagging the loss zone. This
will enable pumping of the Gunk.
2. Pump in a 10-bbl cushion of waterfree diesel oil ahead of the slurry.
3. Mix 200 sacks (100 lb/sx) of bentonite with 50 bbl of diesel oil. For
volumes of other sizes, mix four sacks
of bentonite with each barrel of
diesel oil. Mixing can be done continuously using a cementing truck.
This mixture will yield 1.39 bbl of
slurry for each barrel of diesel oil.
For severe loss zones, 600 sacks
of bentonite in 150 bbl of diesel oil
mixed continuously should be used.
Final Volume
20 bbl
25 bbl
30 bbl
35 bbl
40 bbl
Diesel Volume
16 bbl
20 bbl
24 bbl
28 bbl
32 bbl
Bentonite
400.0 lb/bbl
400.0 lb/bbl
400.0 lb/bbl
400.0 lb/bbl
400.0 lb/bbl
The final density of the pill will be 10.0 lb/gal.

The final viscosity will be 40 seconds.
4. Displace the slurry down the drill

pipe and follow with 5 bbl of diesel
oil. When the front of the 10-bbl
diesel oil cushion in the drill pipe
enters the bottom of the open hole,
close the rams and begin pumping
drilling fluid into the annulus at a
8.14
rate of 4 bbl/min with a second

pump.
5. Control the pumping rates so the
ratio of slurry volume to drilling
fluid volume is 1:1. Pump rates of
4 bbl/min down the drill pipe and
4 bbl/min down the annulus usually will be satisfactory with 5-in.
drill pipe in 812-in. and larger holes.
6. Displace one-half the slurry into the
formation at this fast pumping rate
or until pressure begins to build up
on the annulus. When pressure is
obtained, start pulling off-bottom so
the drillstring does not get stuck in
the Gunk. Slow the pump rate on
both the drill pipe and annulus to get
the slurry into the loss zone without
exceeding the maximum pressure set
(100 to 300 psi). Attach a 0 to 300 psi
gauge to the annulus so that lowpressure values can be read easily.
The drill pipe occasionally may be
reciprocated slowly to obtain an indication if the slurry might be moving
up the annulus. If the weight indicator shows any increased drag, break
the connections and raise the pipe
until it is free. Afterwards, make connections and continue displacement.
Since the slurry has no pumping time
limitation inside the pipe, there is no
concern over short shutdown periods.
7. Displace the next quarter of slurry
volume and drilling fluid at onehalf the rate used in Step 6.
8. Displace the last quarter of slurry
volume at a rate of one-half the
rate used in Step 6. Use a hesitation
squeeze to attempt a pressure buildup.
If pressure buildup is achieved, open
rams and stage-up pumps and circulate out long way any DOB Gunk,
which might have moved up the
annulus above the bit. Do not
reverse out, it will set up inside DP.
9. After the squeeze job, dress the Gunk
down to 10 ft above the loss zone.
If no squeeze pressure develops, use
CHAPTER
a diesel oil-bentonite-cement
squeeze.
Precautions
Avoid contamination of the slurry
with drilling fluid or water in the suction lines and pumps. The following
steps will minimize the possibility of
contamination:
A. Field test for diesel oil suitability.
1. Fill a sand content tube to the
20% line with the diesel.
2. Add water to the mud to here
line.
3. Shake vigorously for 10 sec, then
allow to stand for 10 min.
4. If the oil and water separate into
two distinct layers, the diesel is
suitable for use. However, if the
fluid separates into three layers
with the oil on top, the water on
bottom and a white emulsion
between, the diesel is unsuitable
and should not be used.
B. Drain all water and drilling fluid
out of all pumps, lines and tanks
prior to mixing. Or, use a batch
mixing tank and the cement line
and unit to mix and pump the
DOB Gunk.
C. Use 4 bbl of diesel oil to thoroughly
flush the pumps, lines and mixing
facilities.
DIESEL OIL-BENTONITE-CEMENT (DBC)
SLURRY SQUEEZE
Use this technique against complete

losses. These steps should be used in
applying this technique:
11. If possible, plan for losses and pull
out of the hole and install LARGE
nozzles and lay down MWD and
mud motor prior to tagging the loss
zone, to enable pumping of Gunk.
12. Run in hole and position bit 50 ft
above the loss zone.
13. Pump in a 10-bbl cushion of waterfree diesel oil ahead of the slurry.
14. Mix 100 sacks of regular cement and
100 sacks of bentonite with 50 bbl
of diesel oil. For volumes other than
8.15
50 bbl, mix 2 sacks of cement and 2

sacks of bentonite with each bbl of
diesel oil. For big fractures of long
sections of honeycomb, 300 sacks
of each material should be used.
15. For large batches, use a cementing
unit and mix the dry materials with
the diesel oil continuously; for
small batches, use a suitable tank.
This mixture will yield 1.39 bbl of
slurry for each barrel of diesel oil.
This slurry will weight 11.5 lb/gal.
16. Displace the slurry down the drill
pipe and follow it with 5 bbl of
diesel oil.
17. Start pumping drilling mud into
the annulus when the 10-bbl cushion of diesel oil reaches the bit.
Close the rams. Control the pumping rates so the ratio of the slurry
volume to the mud volume is 2 to
1. Pump rates of 4 bbl/min down
the drill pipe and 2 bbl/min down
the annulus will usually be satisfactory with 5-in drill pipe in 812-in.
and larger holes.
18. Displace one-half of the slurry into
the formation at this fast pumping
rate. The drill pipe occasionally may
be reciprocated slowly to indicate
whether the slurry is moving up
the annulus. If the weight indicator
shows any increased drag, break the
connections and raise the pipe until
it is free; then make connections
and continue displacement. Since
the slurry has no pumping time
limitation inside the pipe, there
needs to be no concern over short
shutdown periods.
19. Displace the next quarter of the
slurry volume and drilling fluid
at one-half the rate used in Step 8.
10. Displace the remaining quarter
volume of slurry at one-half of
the rates used in Step 8. If the hole
fills, as shown by pressure on the
annulus, use a hesitation squeeze
to attempt to obtain a pressure
buildup using rates of 1 bbl/min
CHAPTER
into drill pipe and 0.5 bbl/min

into annulus.
11. If pressure builds up, open rams
and stage up pumps and circulate
out long way any DBC, which
might have moved up the annulus above the bit. Do not reverse
out, it will set up inside drill pipes.
12. After the squeeze job, pull string
to shoe and wait on the cement
to set a minimum of eight hours
before dressing it off. If the first
attempt is not successful, repeat
the procedure after waiting on
the cement for 8 hours.
Precautions
Avoid contamination of the slurry with
mud or water in the suction lines and
pumps. The following steps will minimize the possibility of contamination:
1. Field test for diesel oil suitability.
a. Fill a sand content tube to the
20% line with the diesel.
b. Add water to the mud to here
line.
c. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds,
then allow to stand for 10 minutes.
d. If the oil and water separate into
two distinct layers, the diesel is
suitable for use. However, if the
fluid separates into three layers
with the oil on top, the water on
bottom and a white emulsion
between, the diesel is unsuitable
and should not be used.
2. Drain all water and mud out of all
pumps, lines and tanks prior to
mixing. Use a batch mixing tank
and the cement line and unit to
mix and pump the DBC.
3. Use 4 bbl of diesel oil to thoroughly
flush the pumps, lines and mixing
facilities.
Sodium Silicate/Cement Plugs
In severe lost-circulation situations
where previous treatments have
failed, a combination of calcium
chloride, sodium silicate and
cement can be used.
8.16
Calcium chloride is pumped first to

wet the rock, followed by sodium silicate and finally the cement with a
freshwater spacer in between all components. When the sodium silicate comes
in contact with the calcium chloride
brine it forms a gelatinous mass, thus
leaving a pad for the cement to set up
against. Any unused sodium silicate will
consequently flash set with the cement
resulting in either a partial or full sealing off the loss zone.
The application of sodium silicate
without cement may allow some
pressure to be applied to the well,
but usually not enough to offer
any great advantage.
Calcium Chloride Pre-flush
In formations where the rock is not
water-wet, the effectiveness of the
sodium silicate treatment may be limited. To over come these limitations a
pill of calcium chloride (about one-half
to equal the volume of the sodium silicate) can be pumped ahead of the
sodium silicate to wet the rock with calcium ions. Proceed with caution when
attempting this to make sure no calcium chloride comes in contact with
the sodium silicate in the surface lines
or drillstring. If this procedure is used,
pump the calcium chloride with the rig
pumps and the sodium silicate and
cement with the cement unit.
Chemical Mechanism
The sodium silicate forms a crystalline,
insoluble precipitate of calcium silicate and sodium chloride on contact
with connate water or the calcium
chloride pill that is pumped ahead. To
form this precipitate a divalent cation
must be present, usually Ca++ or Mg++.
This precipitate remains in place and
stops the cement from flowing away
until it sets. At the same time, the
unused sodium silicate reacts with the
cement causing the cement to flash
set at the point of contact.
CHAPTER
The operational procedures for

pumping this treatment are critical,
as it is essential that the cement and
sodium silicate are kept separate until
they reach the loss zone. A freshwater
spacer is used for separation between
all pills to be pumped. Placement is
designed to leave the cement in the
wellbore across the loss zone to counteract the tendency of the cement to
leak away. This also leaves something
to squeeze away if a bridge is formed.
After the treatment is placed, keep the
pipe well clear of the cement (always
pull back to the casing shoe or further,
depending on placement location, after
carrying out a sodium silicate/cement
treatment) and be careful not to disturb
the treatment.
Preparation
1. Flush all tanks and lines with drill
water providing they are all clean.
Use a dedicated tank to hold the liquid sodium silicate. The cement and
sodium silicate must never come in
contact while pumping. Sodium silicate must be kept clear of salt water
and calcium chloride brine, as it will
result in a gelatinous precipitate.
For a visual demonstration of what
happens when these two chemicals
are mixed, take the sodium silicate
solution and place it in a glass jar
then add some cement to the solution. This demonstration will clearly
illustrate the need to segregate these
chemicals.
2. Prepare the sodium silicate in the
dedicated cement batch tank. Mix
80 bbl plus dead volume of 50:50
by volume sodium silicate and
freshwater. This applies to all
types of sodium silicate.
3. Prepare mix water and additives for
standard 50 bbl G Neat slurry at
15.85 lb/gal (1.90 SG). Final slurry
composition is to be advised after
testing in the cement companys lab.
8.17
4. Ensure the BHA has been checked

for restrictions. There should be no
nozzles in the bit or floats, and no
motors, or logging tools in the string.
5. Double check all depth and
volume calculations.
Procedure
1. Pull back to the casing shoe while
filling the annulus with fresh mud
(or freshwater/seawater if necessary)
as fast as possible.
2. Space out drillstring to above loss
zone. Place the bottom of the drillstring at a height above the zone
that is equal to the pill volume (A
1214-in. hole has 0.146 bbl/ft and a
130 bbl pill. Thus, the the bottom of
the drillstring can be placed 890 ft
above the thief zone). Close annular
preventer.
3. Pump down the annulus to fill the
riser. At the same time, pump down
the kill line to maintain wellbore
hydrostatic and to prevent U-tubing
back up around the drillstring when
the treatment exits the bit.
4. Rig up circulating head and pressure
test line.
5. Pump the sodium silicate/cement
plug as follows:
40 bbl Freshwater Pre-flush
10 bbl 10% CaCl2
5 bbl Freshwater
20 bbl Sodium silicate
5 bbl Freshwater spacer
50 bbl G-Neat @ 15.85 lb/gal
(1.90SG)
5 bbl Freshwater
x bbl Mud displacement
Assign someone to watch the
batch tanks, particularly checking
on the volume of the sodium silicate pumped. Do not rely on the
cement pump strokes.
6. Displace the treatment. Monitor
pressures and be prepared to slow
down the injection rate as the treatment hits the loss zone. Continue
CHAPTER
pumping the treatment out of the

drill pipe and into the open hole
even if further losses are induced.
Ideally, all the treatment should be
displaced from the drill pipe before
it hits the loss zone.
As the sodium silicate and cement
start to exit the drill pipe, reduce
the pump rate down the kill line to
prevent cement contamination. Do
not at any stage of the operation
attempt to reverse circulate if
the job cannot be completed,
as it is likely to set up inside
the drillstring.
7. Stop pumping down the kill line and
flow-check the well. Open the annular preventer and move the pipe back
to the casing shoe or 500 ft above the
placement depth. Wait on cement
and monitor the well. Keep the
hole full with drilling fluid or freshwater/seawater, monitoring volumes
of each fluid pumped into the well.
8. Repeat the procedure as required
until losses are cured. Use progressively bigger treatments if necessary; but a greater number of small
treatments may be more effective.
9. Once surface cement samples are
set, RIH and drill out cement.
Continue to drill ahead while
observing for losses.
High-Filter-Loss-Slurry Squeeze
Almost any drilling fluid can be used
as a carrier for spotting lost-circulation
materials, but fluids with extremely high
filtration rates are best. It is through
filtration that the lost-circulation materials and drilling fluid solids are left as
a firm plug in the opening which is
taking fluid. Once the initial bridge
forms, filtration allows filtrate to be lost
from the slurry depositing a firm filter
cake within the fracture itself.
This very much resembles a wedge
being driven into the fracture. This
wedge is not only difficult to move,
but stops fracturing the wellbore. This
8.18
technique should be used against

seeping and partial losses, and the
more severe complete losses. The
preparation of high-filter-loss slurries
and their application to loss zones
varying in severity from seeping to
partial to complete are described later.
There are slight differences in application to these zones, but the main distinction is increasing the size of the
bridging agent as the loss zone
becomes more severe.
First, the severity of the loss should be
established from the fluid level and the
rate of loss. Afterwards, the approximate point of the loss should be established, along with the type of formation
taking drilling fluid. If hydraulic fracturing of the formation is suspected, the
most probable point of loss is just
below the casing shoe.
HIGH-FILTER-LOSS-SLURRY SQUEEZE
FOR SEEPING LOSS
1. Mix 100 bbl of slurry:

a. Add 10 to 20 lb/bbl of attapulgite
or sepiolite clay to 80 bbl of water
(attapulgite and sepiolite clays
behave similarly in saltwater). If
these clays are not available, use
5 to 20 lb/bbl bentonite and pretreat the water with 12 lb/bbl of
soda ash and 12 lb/bbl of caustic
soda to remove calcium and magnesium ions. Allow clay to yield.
If bentonite is used, add 12 lb/bbl
of lime to flocculate the bentonite
and increase the fluid loss.
or:
b. Add 50 lb/bbl of diatomaceous
earth materials (Diacel D,
Diaseal M or a suitable substitute such as LO-WATE).
Diaseal M is a mixture of
diatomaceous earth, lime and
paper. If this mixture is used,
attapulgite is not required. Add
different LCM sizes and shapes
to obtain a 10- to 20-lb/bbl total
concentration of LCM.
CHAPTER
2. Set the bit at the top of, or opposite,

the loss zone. Displace the LCM
slurry to the end of the drill pipe.
3. Close the rams. Gently squeeze
(50 psi maximum) material into
the loss zone at a rate of 1 bbl/min.
Hold the squeeze pressure 4 to 8 hrs
or until it dissipates. Measure the
squeeze pressure on the annulus
using a 0- to 300-psi gauge. To avoid
fracturing other zones, safe squeeze
pressures in excess of drilling fluid
hydrostatic pressure should be used.
FOR PARTIAL LOSSES
1. Mix 100 bbl of slurry:

a. Add 10 to 20 lb/bbl of attapulgite
or sepiolite clay to 80 bbl of water.
If these clays are not available and
bentonite is used as the viscosifier,
add 12 lb/bbl of lime to flocculate
the clays and increase the fluid loss.
or:
b. Add 50 lb/bbl of diatomaceous
earth materials (as before) or a
suitable substitute (LO-WATE).
Use barite only if the mud weight
is 12 lb/gal or higher or if it is the
only inert powdered material
available. Add a combination of
different LCM sizes and shapes to
obtain a 15-lb/bbl total concentration of LCM.
2. Set the drill pipe with the open end at
the top of or opposite the loss zone.
3. Displace 25-bbl slurry into the zone
at a rate of 2 bbl/min to 4 bbl/min.
4. Shut down for 20 to 30 min.
5. Displace another 25 bbl of slurry at
the same rate.
6. Continue this procedure, alternately
waiting and displacing until the hole
fills. Sometimes two 100-bbl batches
will be required. The drill pipe should
be reciprocated during these operations to prevent it from sticking.
8.19
7. When the hole fills, close the rams

and squeeze the annulus with 50 to
100 psi by displacing the slurry very
slowly (1 bbl/min) down the drill
pipe. Attach a 0- to 300-psi gauge
to the annulus so that low-pressure
values can be easily read. Maintain
the squeeze for 30 to 60 min.
8. Pull out of the hole, pick up the bit
and continue drilling.
FOR TOTAL LOSSES
The procedure for complete loss is the

same as the procedure for partial loss
except for the composition of the
bridging agents. The composition of
these materials should be as follows:
1. Add 10 to 15 lb/bbl of attapulgite or
sepiolite clay to 80 bbl of water. If
these clays are not available, treat the
water as before. Add 12 lb/bbl of lime.
or:
Add 50 lb/bbl of diatomaceous earth
materials (as before). Use barite only
if the mud weight is 12 lb/gal or
higher or if it is the only inert powdered material available. Add a combination of different LCM sizes and
shapes to obtain a 20- to 30-lb/bbl
total concentration of LCM. For
displacement, see Steps 2 through
8 in For partial loss.
2. When severe, complete lost returns
occur in formations with large, naturally occurring fractures, vugs,
channels or caverns; at least one
conventional lost-circulation pill
such as those previously discussed
should be spotted. If this procedure
fails to improve the lost-circulation
problem, cavern treatments with
bulk fillers such as rags, mud sacks,
hay, paper, wood, etc., should be
considered prior to pumping
cement plugs.
CHAPTER
Curing Losses When Drilling With

Oil-/Synthetic-Base Drilling Fluids
SEEPAGE
LOSSES
Normally, losses up to approximately

10 bbl/hr are considered as seepage
losses. As discussed earlier, seepage
losses frequently are cured simply by
reducing or stopping the pump rate
and allowing the formation to heal
and become sealed off by the development of a filter cake. The pump rate
can be gradually increased after the
losses have stopped.
If losses do not heal by themselves
and the amount of loss cannot be tolerated by economical or other reasons,
an LCM pill for curing the loss must
be pumped.
Recommended pill to be used:
G-SEAL:
15 lb/bbl
7 lb/bbl
If seepage losses are expected during
drilling through a certain formation,
treating the whole drilling fluid system with LCM before entering the loss
zone is recommended. Such a treatment depends on pore/fracture size
distribution in the actual formation,
but a general recommendation will be
to treat the system with:
G-SEAL
15 lb/bbl
PARTIAL
LOSSES
Losses from 10 bbl/hr up to 100 bbl/hr

are often referred to as partial losses.
The situation will usually require treatment. However, as a first action the bit
should be pulled off-bottom, the pumps
turned off and the formation given the
chance to heal by itself. If losses stop,
drilling can be resumed, with reduced
drilling fluid weight and/or pump rate,
if these two actions are possible. If
losses do not heal by themselves the
following LCM pill is recommended:
8.20
Mica M:
M-I-X II Medium
G-SEAL
7 lb/bbl
10 lb/bbl
20 lb/bbl
7 lb/bbl
If this pill does not heal the losses, a

pill with some coarser particles is recommended; and the pill given under
total losses of returns should be
pumped. If that one also fails, one
of the reinforcing plugs or cement
is recommended.
TOTAL
LOSSES OF RETURNS
Again, the priority usually is well control, so the annulus must be filled from
the top with either drilling fluid, water
or other lightweight liquid. Unless the
fracture is induced, losses can normally
not be stopped by pumping conventional LCM pills. The alternative then
is a reinforcing plug or cement.
However, a pill of LCM is often
the first choice since it gives quick
response if it works and it is easy
to do. Recommended pill to pump
should contain as much LCM as possible. A standard formulation would be:
Mica M:
10 lb/bbl
M-I-X II Medium
15 lb/bbl

M-I-X II Coarse
10 lb/bbl
G-SEAL
20 lb/bbl
10 lb/bbl
NUT PLUG M
10 lb/bbl
If this pill does not heal the fracture,
a reinforcing plug or cement should
be set across the loss zone.
REINFORCING
PLUGS
If the above mentioned pills are not

able to stop the losses, a reinforcing
pill should be pumped. If total losses
are expected, always have a pill ready
prior to entering the zone. When
using a pill like this, it is essential to
know the location of the loss zone,
CHAPTER
since the pill needs to be spotted

across the zone to be effective.
For oil-base drilling fluid VERSPAC
oil-base LCM plug and the FORM-A
crosslinking pills (FORM-A-SET and
FORM-A-SET AK) are recommended.
If this fails to cure the losses, a Gunk
squeeze, barite pill or Sodium Silicate
and Cement treatment should be tried.
VERSAPAC THERMALLY ACTIVATED

GELLING AGENT
INTRODUCTION
VERSAPAC is a thermally activated
gelling agent that will generate viscosity and develop gel structure as soon
as the temperature exceeds 140F. It is
important to keep in mind that melting point for VERSAPAC is 248F.
VERSAPAC is activated by a combination
of temperature and shear (Figure 1 stage
1). The gelling mechanism of the material involves a swelling of the initial
agglomerates and a gradual release of
the individual oligomer chains (Figure 1

stage 2). The oligomers associate with
other particulate material in the system
to give the rheological effect.
The buildup of this structure also is
thixotropic as it involves re-alignment
to the most thermodynamically stable
configuration. When totally activated,
a type of micelle structure is formed
involving the gelling agent and the
other components in the system. In
the absence of shear and below the
temperature of activation, rheological
activity is minimal as the particles do
not swell.
As the temperature rises, the swelling
starts to take place and eventually a
stable system forms when equilibrium
is achieved. In the presence of shear
and temperature, this process takes
place much faster (Figure 1 stage 3).
When the system is totally activated, it
remains stable even if the temperature
drops (Figure 1 stage 4).
stage 2
swollen and deagglomerated
stage 1
agglomerated
time, shear,
warming
stage 3
activated
time, shear
shear
heat
cool down
solvent
swelling
a
stage 4
activated
Figure 1.
FORMULATION
VERSAPAC can be formulated in diesel,
mineral and synthetic oil. The tests
done in the laboratory showed it possible to engineer a 100% oil-base
drilling fluid system, where both the
rheology profile and the fluid loss
are controllable.
8.21
A standard VERSAPAC formulation

(one-barrel) is:
1 bbl
Base fluid
10 lb/bbl VERSAPAC
7 lb/bbl
ECOTROL
10 lb/bbl M-I-X II/CaCO3
3 lb/bbl
VERSAMUL
CHAPTER
The following table shows the rheology profile after each drilling fluid system has been sheared to 176F. The
Rheology
Temp
600 RPM
300 RPM
200 RPM
100 RPM
6 RPM
3 RPM
GELS 10'/10"
PV/YP
HTHP
Units
Celsius
RPM
RPM
RPM
RPM
RPM
RPM
Diesel
50
90
60
45
30
13
12
12/14
30/30
120C
Mineral
50
45
28
21
14
8
7
8/11
17/11
The table below shows the static

shear test data after each mud system
Mud system
Mud
[ml]
350
350
350
350
350
350
350
350
350
VERSAPORT
VERSAPORT
VERSAPORT
NOVAPLUS
NOVAPLUS
NOVAPLUS
Diesel
Diesel
Diesel
yellow background indicates rheology

profile after aging the samples @ 212F
for 16 hours:
Synthetic
50
69
40
30
21
10
9
14/16
29/11
Diesel
50
79
45
35
23
11
10
12/15
34/11
10
Mineral
50
55
35
26
19
11
10
8/10
20/15
7
Synthetic
50
59
44
35
22
13
11
16/20
15/29
3
has been sheared to 176F and then

static aged at 167F for three hours:
M-I-X II
[lb/bbl]
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
VERSAPAC
[lb/bbl]
10
15
20
10
15
20
10
15
20
ECOTROL
[lb/bbl]
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
5
Static Shear
51
117
238
60
129
225
69
132
177
Note: Static shear strength > 150 indicating not pumpable.
The results are showing higher shear

strength with a increased VERSAPAC
concentration. To have a closer look at
setting behavior versus temperature, the
Mud system
VERSAPORT
VERSAPORT
NOVAPLUS
NOVAPLUS
Diesel
Diesel
Mud
[ml]
350
350
350
350
350
350
VERSAPAC was tested in a consistometer.

The tests were conducted with mineral
oil, synthetic oil and diesel.
M-I-X II
[lb/bbl]
5
5
5
5
5
5
VERSAPAC
[lb/bbl]
20
20
20
20
20
20
ECOTROL
[lb/bbl]
5
5
5
5
5
5
Temp.
[C]
75
120
75
120
75
100
Set up
[Hours]
3.5
No set
3.5
No set
4.5
No set
Note: The tests were run with a setting pressure of 3000 psi and a heating period of 30 min. At this test, a reading of 70 BC was the upper limit for
when the fluid was pumpable, and 100 BC was the endpoint where the plug setting was completed.
8.22
CHAPTER
The results clearly demonstrate the

effect of temperature. As long as it is in
the range of 140 to 212F the VERSAPAC
will set up. When the temperature
exceeds 212F and increasing towards
the critical temperature at 250F (melting point of VERSAPAC), it will not set.
6
5
Time (hrs)
4
3
VERSAPORT
NOVAPLUS
Diesel
1
0
Cement
20
40
60
80
Thickening time
100
120
Figure 2: Thickening time.
Figure 2 also shows the thickening

time for the various LCM plugs tested
on the consistometer. All samples
were tested at 167F. For comparison,
a cement plug is also plotted in the
same graph.
As the graph shows, the thickening
time for drilling fluid and cement is
different; but the final endpoint (100
BC consistometer units) eventually
will be reached for all the samples,
and thereby form the plug.
LIMITATIONS
The temperature range for this system
is therefore 140 to 212F. When the
VERSAPAC is totally activated, it
remains stable even if the temperature
drops below 140F.
RECOMMENDATIONS
It is recommended to use the standard
VERSAPAC formulation when mixing
the drilling fluid (see Formulation). Of
course, a different concentration of
VERSAPAC will influence the rheology
profile. The larger the vugs/fractures
that have to be sealed, the higher the
desired rheology/static shear.
A small amount of emulsifier should
be added to the pill to emulsify any
formation water incorporated, as well
as help oil-wet solids.
8.23
FORM-A-SET and FORM-A-SET AK

FORM-A-SET is a one-sack blend of polymers, crosslinking agents and fibrous
lost-circulation materials designed to
plug matrix, and naturally fractured or
vugular zones. When activated with
time and temperature, FORM-A-SET produces a rubbery, ductile, spongy soft-set
gel that effectively prevents loss of fluid
to the formation. The lost-circulation
material in the FORM-A-SET package is
a fibrous cellulose type containing a
wide variation of particle sizes.
FORM-A-SET AK is a special blend
of polymers and fibrous materials
designed to plug matrix and fractured
zones. When added with DUO-VIS
and activated with a combination of
FORM-A-SET XL, time and temperature, FORM-A-SET AK produces a
firm, rubbery, ductile plug that effectively prevents loss of fluid to the formation. The lost-circulation material
in the FORM-A-SET AK package comprises specially sized and concentrated
fibrous cellulose containing a mixture
of fine particle sizes to plug deep fractures, faults and vugular formations.
For system properties, mixing instructions and spotting/squeezing procedures
refer to FORM-A-SET and FORM-A-SET AK
under crosslinking pills.
The only differences from waterbase drilling fluids are the surfactant
sweeps that have to be pumped with
a FORM-A pill.
The recommended surfactant sweeps
are:
10 bbl (1.59 m3) of 3% by vol.
SAVE-SOLV OM.
20 bbl (3.18 m3) of 25% vol.
SAFE-SURF O.
SAFE-SOLV OM is a combination of
powerful solvents and surfactants with
exceptional oil and grease solvent
properties.
SAFE-SURF O is a concentrated blend
of surfactants, solvents and powerful
water-wetting agents designed to clean
CHAPTER
up and displace oil- and syntheticbase mud and solids.

These pills should be mixed in freshwater and pumped before the highviscosity pill. Use approximately 10
to 20 bbl (1.59 to 3.18 m3) of highviscosity spacers in front of and
behind the pill (2 lb/bbl DUO-VIS in
freshwater).
BARITE/HEMATITE PLUGS
OIL-/SYNTHETIC-BASE FORMULATION
Plug slurries can be prepared with oil
and weight material. A certain sequence
Mud Weight
(lb/gal)
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
Oil
(bbl)
0.729
0.691
0.653
0.615
0.577
0.539
0.501
of mixing of the various products is

desirable for optimum performance.
Always mix the oil-wetting agent,
preferably VERSAWET in VERSADRIL/
VERSACLEAN systems or NOVAWET in
NOVADRIL/ NOVAPLUS systems with the
base oil thoroughly before adding the
weight material. This will aid in keeping the slurry pumpable, and increase
settling rates. Refer to the formulation
tables for the recommended concentration of wetting agent.
VERSAWET
(lb/bbl)
1.0
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
M-I BAR
(lb/bbl)
362.9
415.4
467.9
520.4
572.9
625.5
678.0
Table 6: Oil-base plug M-I BAR formulation.
The use of some synthetics can

increase M-I BAR consumption with
18 to 22 lb/bbl (due to different densities of the base oil). However, 1 lb/bbl
Mud Weight
(lb/gal)
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
Oil
(bbl)
0.777
0.746
0.714
0.683
0.652
0.621
0.590
0.558
0.527
of NOVATHIN\VERSATHIN is recommended in all the above formulations

for increase in rate of settling.
VERSAWET
(lb/bbl)
1.0
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
FER-OX
(lb/bbl)
348.7
399.2
449.6
500.1
550.6
601.1
651.5
702.0
752.5
Table 7: Oil-base plug FER-OX formulation.
The use of some synthetics can

increase FER-OX consumption with
18 to 24 lb/bbl. NOVATHIN/VERSATHIN
(1 lb/bbl) is recommended for all the
above formulas for increase in rate
of settling.
Variations in weight material require
different concentrations of VERSAWET/
NOVAWET for an optimum settling
8.24
rate. Increases of 20% total rate of

settling has been noted by the addition of 1 lb/bbl NOVATHIN/VERSATHIN
to the formulation. Pilot testing
should be done with the available
materials. The amount of oil, wetting
agent, and weight material necessary to
make a one-barrel pumpable slurry of
the desired weight can be estimated
CHAPTER
from the previous tables. The use of

some synthetic base fluids will increase
the consumption of weight material.
RECOMMENDED PLUG PROCEDURES
Length of Compacted Plug
Wellbore plugs are designed to control
formation pressures by providing an
immovable, impermeable seal at the
point of influx. Its success depends
entirely on the ability to mix the plug
slurry with optimum settling properties, spotting the slurry by the recommended displacement procedures, and
minimizing the amount of contamination that may adversely affect the settling rate and prevent the formation of
a firm plug. In some instances, several
attempts must be made in order to
successfully seal off the influx of formation pressures.
The length of the desired compacted
wellbore plug column is a wellsite
determination and should be based on
the severity of the situation. The length
of the plug can be approximated by the
following equation:
sx
L=
s.g. x VR x 3.5
Where:
L = Length of compacted plug
sx = Desired number of sacks of
weight material in plug
s.g. = Specific gravity of the weight
material
VR = Volume per foot of hole (bbl/ft)
The maximum slurry length should
not exceed the distance between the
pressured and lost-circulation zones.
This prevents losing a portion of the
slurry to the formation. Long barite
plugs are not desirable, because of the
distance the drillstring would have to
be pulled for complete withdrawal
from the plug slurry.
In other cases where formation pressures can be estimated, the length of the
plug can be calculated to balance this
pressure. Under these circumstances, the
8.25
plug is being used as both a kill fluid

and an immovable seal. The following
equation can estimate the length of
plug required to balance a known formation pressure:
P
Lplug =
s.g. x 0.434
Where:
Lplug = Required length of compacted
plug (ft)
P
= Pressure to balance (psi)
s.g. = Specific gravity of the weight
material
Wellbore Plug Density
The weight (lb/gal) selection for the
wellbore plug should be 0.5 to 1.0 lb/gal
greater than the fluid that is currently in
the hole. This is to ensure that once the
plug is spotted, there will be no movement or migration.
Determining Maximum Slurry Length
Determine maximum slurry length
(Lmax), i.e., distance between lost circulation and pressured zone, if applicable.
Calculating Total Slurry Volume
The proper volume of slurry can
be determined using the following
relationship:
L x VR x LB/BBL
VOLTOT =
WTM
Where:
VOLTOT = Total volume of slurry (bbl)
L
= Plug length (ft)
LB/BBL = Weight of one barrel of
the specified weight
material (lb/bbl)
M-I BAR = 1,470 lb/bbl
FER-OX = 1,751 lb/bbl
VR
= Volume per foot of hole
(bbl/ft)
WTM = Weight material from chart
formulations
Materials
Calculate the amount of materials to
be added according to formulation
charts (charts based on per-final-barrel
of slurry).
CHAPTER
Mixing
Two different mixing procedures can
be incorporated when mixing the
weighted slurries.
The first is a mix and displace
method, very similar to a cementing
operation. The weight material is
added on the fly to the pre-mixed
chemical water and pumped immediately downhole. This method requires
the cooperation of a cementing company to optimize and regulate the
density of the slurry as it is being
mixed and displaced. All chemicals
should be mixed with the water or oil
prior to adding the weight material.
The alternate method is to mix the
weighted slurry in batch form. This
method requires a recirculating system
or sufficient agitation in the holding
tanks to minimize the danger of the
weight material settling out before the
slurry is displaced.
Displacement
Displacement techniques are similar
to those of cementing in that the
slurry should be under-displaced.
When calculating the volumes for
the displacement, adjustments should
be made so the heights of the slurry
will be two barrels greater inside the
drill pipe than outside. This allows the
drill pipe to be withdrawn with a natural slug. Contamination caused by
slurry movement is also minimized.
The following calculations are
required to efficiently displace a
wellbore plug.
1. Find the height at which the total
slurry volume (less 2 barrels, which
will be left in the drill pipe as a
slug) is equalized in the hole.
Determine how much volume is
inside and outside the drill collars.
VolDC = (CapacityHole
DisplacementDC) x LDC
Height of the remaining volume:
VolDP = VOLTOT VOLDC VOLSLUG
8.26
LDP =
VolDP
(CapacityHole DisplacementDP)
Check to see if the total slurry annular height is less than the maximum
length calculated earlier.
LDC + LDP < LMAX
2. Find the height that two barrels of
slurry will occupy in the drill pipe.
2
Height =
CapacityDP
Where:
CapacityDP = Capacity of the drill pipe
(bbl/ft)
3. Add this to the length of the drill
collars and the height of the slurry
equalized around the drill pipe.
4. Once the total height of the slurry
inside the drillstring has been determined, the remaining length of the
drillstring represents the volume of
mud required to displace the slurry
into the position desired.
After Displacement
The circumstances of the particular
situation will dictate whether or not
the drill pipe can be withdrawn. In
some cases, safety considerations will
dictate planting the pipe and not
withdrawing it.
Reverse Gunk Squeeze
The Gunk referred to is simply a mixture of clay and a dissimilar fluid that,
when mixed with the fluid lost in the
thief zone, forms an impermeable plug
that seals off the borehole. A Gunk for
use with oil-base drilling fluid is formulated with organophilic clay and
water. The organophilic clay will not
yield in water, thus resulting in a highsolids low-viscosity mixture.
REVERSE GUNK PILL FORMULATION
Final
Volume
20 bbl
25 bbl
30 bbl
35 bbl
40 bbl
Water
Volume
16 bbl
20 bbl
24 bbl
28 bbl
32 bbl
Organophilic
Clay
200.0 lb/bbl
200.0 lb/bbl
200.0 lb/bbl
200.0 lb/bbl
200.0 lb/bbl
CHAPTER
The final density of the pill will be

11.5 lb/gal.
The final viscosity will be
40 seconds.
This treatment is not compatible
with MWD tools.
MIXING PROCEDURE
20 to 40 bbl is the optimum pill volume and usually can be mixed in
the slug pit. All of the materials are
freely mixed through a standard
hopper although the mixing will be
more difficult as the material concentration increases.
Flush and clean out the mud pit
and mixing system. Ensure the
mud pit, mixing lines and mud
pump suction lines are drained
and as dry as possible.
Add the required volume of water.
Add the required amount of
organophilic clay, circulate for
an homogeneous mixture.
OPERATIONAL PROCEDURE
Run in so that the bottom of the
drillstring is above the thief zone.
Pump and displace so that all of
the pill is outside the bottom of the
drillstring. Pump at least 10 bbl of
water both before and after the pill.
Pull out so that the bottom of the
drillstring is inside the last casing shoe.
If the hole is full, close the annular
rams and squeeze the pill into the
thief zone at 300 to 500 psi, stop
squeezing once the total pill volume
has been squeezed away.
If the hole is not full, close the
annular rams and pump the pill
at 1 bbl/min down the drill pipe
and drilling fluid at 1 bbl/min
down the annulus.
8.27
Allow at least 4 hrs for the plug to set.

Run in and carefully wash and ream
through the thief zone.
Note: Ensure the entire pill is pumped
out of the string. Do not attempt to
reverse circulate.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT ORGANOPHILIC CLAY
Several tests were conducted with different organophilic clays and base oils to
determine the best formulation for the
Reverse Gunk. Candidate organophilic
clays in this evaluation included:
Bentone 128
Bentone 38
Geltone II
VG-69
Laboratory Procedure
With the exception of the base oils, the
components were mixed together in a
Hamilton blender. The base oil was
finally added and stirred in by hand.
The resultant Gunk formed very
quickly.
Conclusions
Successful Gunking can be achieved
with any of the base oils studied or
with drilling fluids formulated with
these base oils.
However, clearly Gunks derived
from Bentone 128 or Geltone II have
far better properties for successful
plugging of lost circulation than those
built with VG-69 or Bentone 38.
It is recommended to use Bentone
128/Geltone II for all reverse Gunking
applications.

Capítulo 8 Recommended Treatment

Cargado por

Información del documento

Derechos de autor

Formatos disponibles

Compartir este documento

Compartir o incrustar documentos

Opciones para compartir

¿Le pareció útil este documento?

¿Este contenido es inapropiado?

Copyright:

Formatos disponibles

Capítulo 8 Recommended Treatment

Cargado por

Copyright:

Formatos disponibles

CHAPTER

where P1 and P2 are standpipe

Revision No: A-0 / Revision Date: 033101

Stop drilling and observe

Locate and stop losses

Record shut-in pressure.

Seepage losses < 10 bbl/hr

Measure rate of loss

Partial losses 10 - l00 bbl/hr

Revision No: A-0 / Revision Date: 033101

Losses induced while tripping in

Partial losses 10 - 100 bbl/hr

Total losses; Level drops

Continue RIH at reduced speed

Fill up the annulus

Attempt to establish circulation

Spot LCM through

RIH slowly to casing

Well still pressurized

Spot and squeeze

Revision No: A-0 / Revision Date: 033101

Curing Losses When Drilling

Losses up to approximately 10 bbl/hr

Losses from 10 bbl/hr to 100 bbl/hr

If the loss does not heal by itself the

As the priority usually will be well

AND PROCEDURES FOR

It is important to match the type of

Revision No: A-0 / Revision Date: 033101

For severe and total losses the LCM

If the above mentioned pills are unable

produces a rubbery, ductile, spongy

adding the FORM-A-SET material. As

FORM-A-SET RET, lb/bbl

It is important to pilot test the

The FORM-A-SET ACC should be used

Revision No: A-0 / Revision Date: 033101

FORM-A-SET RET. Pilot testing is suggested before pumping, to obtain an

Typical viscosity is from 120 to 160

stopped or slowed. Do not shut down

Packaging and Handling

material to penetrate a porous or fractured zone.

100 120 37.7 48.9

Note that the FORM-A-SET RET concentration should be proportional

to the water volume. To ensure that

Once losses are encountered, add

Revision No: A-0 / Revision Date: 033101

FORM-A-SET AK mixing example

(10 lb of Retarder per bbl of water X

Table 3: Product concentration for 1 final bbl.

used in both water and gas shutoff

tests should be run with the locally

water, variations in weight material,

Revision No: A-0 / Revision Date: 033101

added for every 8 lb/bbl of SPERSENE

Table 4: Water-Base Plug M-I BAR Formulation.

Table 5: Water-Base Plug FER-OX Formulation.

lines and mud pump suction lines.

when mixed with the fluid lost in the

and pumped. In water-base drilling

fluid to fully yield and provide maximum resistance to further losses.

The final density of the pill will be 10.0 lb/gal.

4. Displace the slurry down the drill

rate of 4 bbl/min with a second