A Date Tree Fiber-Based LCM for Severe Loss Control

Different types of conventional and unconventional fibrous LCMs have been used in the design of loss control slurry and/or LCM pill to overcome the loss circulation problems. Almost all of these fibrous LCM products are imported from overseas countries. Hence, the objective of this pioneering research is to develop an eco-friendly fibrous LCM product using a locally available raw materials that has a sustainable source of supply in the Kingdom or in this region to ensure continuous support for exploration and exploitation of oil and gas resources in the region. Review of all locally available natural resources lead to the identification of a sustainable source of high fiber containing raw materials for localization of fibrous LCM production to combat moderate to severe loss of circulation. A physio-mechanical process involving collection, washing, drying, chopping and grinding were used to prepare the fibrous LCM product using the whole date tree wastes. Several widely used water-based muds such as bentonite mud, NaCl-polymer mud, KCl-Polymer mud and CaCl2-Polymer mud were used to evaluate the sealing and plugging performance of the Fibrous LCM. 10 and 30 ppb novel fibrous LCM were added to each mud system and then mixed properly to make a homogenous loss control slurry. Test conducted using PPT apparatus and 2-mm slotted disc at 1500 psi pressure and 250° F temperature showed effective sealing and plugging performance with all the mud systems. Test conducted using a 20-30 mm pebble bed simulating a rubble type super-K loss zone under 100 psi overbalance pressure also showed effective sealing and blocking potential for the newly developed LCM product when incorporated in a 65 pcf bentonite mud. Two high performing commercial LCM products such as STOPLOSS and Soluseal also showed similar performance. However, test conducted with an in-house developed Vug Test apparatus with a 10mm circular hole simulating an equivalent vug showed effective sealing and plugging for the newly developed LCM product. But the two high performing commercial LCM products mentioned before failed to seal the 10-mm vug. This indicates that the newly developed date tree waste-based LCM product has superior sealing and blocking capacity than the commercial products used for comparative evaluation. Hence, it could be concluded that the eco-friendly and biodegradable date palm industry waste can provide a sustainable source of local supply of fibrous LCM product to meet the industry demand.