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Lost Circulation Plug
Description
Uses
Benefits
GEO�STOP�LOSS
High Filtration Lost Circulation Squeeze
GEO�STOP�LOSS is a high filtra�on lost circula�on treatment that
has been found to meet a number of drilling needs. Mixed without
weight material, the squeeze has a density of 9.3 ppg, a design which
helps minimize further fracturing associated with losses. The
fundamental process of the squeeze relies on uncontrolled filtra�on to
concentrate the ingredients producing a thick, tough and stable cake.
Mixing of the GEO�STOP�LOSS can be performed ahead of �me. A
separate pit (50 to 100 bbls) with an agitator will keep the prepared
slurry ready for use. This can be prepared while drilling to save �me in
the event of losses. Obviously this is a procedure to be used when
losses are an�cipated or when losses have occurred and addi�onal
losses may be expected. The “pill” may be held for an extended period
(days or perhaps even weeks) with out degrada�on of the materials.
Placement of this lost circula�on treatment may be performed without
dropping the bit, MWD or mud motor (depending on addi�onal LCM
addi�ons). By placing the material above a loss, the weight of the fluid above
PAGE 2 www.geodf.com 1-800-GETS GEO
Lost Circulation Plug
Drillout
Rubble Stabilization
Procedure
will push the pill into the loss zone where the water will quickly leave. GEO�STOP�LOSS�(Continued)�
The residual material forms a thick tough cake that bridges and seals
both fractures and extremely high permeability.
Drillout of GEO�STOP�LOSS is not as damaging to a fresh water based
mud system as a cement plug would be. While the pH of the plug is
12.3 and the filtrate pH is 12.1, the Pf of the filtrate is only 1.2. Most of
the alkalinity is lost to the forma�on as the plug dewaters. Lower pH
and Calcium levels than cement allow Bentonite to con�nue to
func�on as a viscosity and fluid loss agent a5er drillout. The risk of
sidetracking the hole is reduced because this material though hard
does not have compressive strength great enough to cause a sidetrack.
Rubble stabiliza�on is also an appropriate applica�on. By gently
squeezing the material into the coarse spaces between unconsolidated
rubble a new and stronger matrix material is subs�tuted for the
original. Because of its lower alkalinity this plug has a minimal effect on
forma�ons that are prone to swell or slough when exposed to hydroxyl
ions.
Simula�on of the plugging ac�on at the surface is not as simple as
allowing a cement plug to harden. Allowing a sample of the pill to sit in
a container will not result in dewatering and produc�on of a cake. In
order to observe the nature of the cake deposited, a sample of the
finished mix should be placed in a filter press and filtered at 30 psi. In a
ma:er of minutes all the free water will be expelled and a sample of
the cake can be observed.
GEO�STOP�LOSS�cakes from development series .
PAGE 3 www.geodf.com 1-800-GETS GEO
Lost Circulation Plug
Mixing Procedure
�
STOP�LOSS�(Continued)�
�
GEO�STOP�LOSS�PROCEDURE
1. GEO�STOP�LOSS is a high solids/high filtra�on lost circula�on squeeze. It will not suspend well without agita�on although it does
not se:le out hard or set up if held unagitated for prolonged
periods.
2. Select a mixing pit that has excellent agita�on and a good suc�on
directly to the mud pump. Remove any drilling fluid or Gel based
LCM. The more mud le5 behind the less effec�ve the GEO�STOP�
LOSS will be. Fill the pit with water or oil to 83% of the final desired volume, leaving space for expansion while adding material.
3. Add 100 pounds per barrel GEO�STOP� LOSS. For 50 bbls of finished volume start with 41 bbls of water (or oil) and mix 5,000
pounds (200 of the 25-pound sacks) of GEO STOP LOSS blended
LCM material.
4. For a weighted pill see the table below. Mix GEO�STOP�LOSS�first, then add Barite.
5.
6. Allow this slurry to mix un�l the rig crew is ready to spot the pill. Make
sure everyone knows what to do and that all valves operate properly.
7. If the slurry is too thick, add water (or oil) to thin. DO NOT use any
chemical thinner.
8. Pump the pill away with or without the bit, hanging the pipe at or below
the loss zone. Calcula�ons for hydrosta�c pressure should use 9.3 ppg for
Mud Weight 9.3 ppg 12.0 ppg 13.0 ppg 14.0 ppg
Water or LVT 41.5
sacks
37 bbls 35 bbls 33 bbls
STOP LOSS 200 sacks
170 sacks 140 sacks 120 sacks
Barite none 76 bbls 104 sacks 140 sacks
To Build 50 bbls of GEO STOP LOSS
PAGE 4 www.geodf.com 1-800-GETS GEO
Mixing Procedure (cont.)
Typical Physical Properties
Safe Handling Recommendations
Packaging
the density of the pill unless weighted with Barite. Displace the GEO�
STOP�LOSS�pill to the bit.
STOP�LOSS�(Continued)�
9. Flush the mixing pit with water (or mud or oil). This may be used as part
of the displacement fluid.
10. Pull the drill pipe above the theore�cal top of the plug and flush the pipe.
Trying to fill the hole at this point may help gently squeeze the plug into
the forma�on. If the loss is due to natural fractures in a competent
forma�on, squeezing with up to 200 psi is effec�ve in geFng the material
away from the well bore and into the fractures. In weak forma�ons where
the loss is pressure induced do not squeeze (shut in).
11. To gently squeeze calculate the volume of squeeze to leave in the hole.
For instance 100 lineal feet in 12 ¼” hole would be 14.6 bbls. Pump no
more fluid than the pill volume less the amount to be le5 in the hole. Thus
for a 50 bbl pill as above, only 35.4 bbls would be pumped. Too much
volume may propagate the fractures as well as ini�a�ng new fractures
and push the plug so far from the well bore that it looses its effec�veness.
12. Allow the GEO�STOP�LOSS�plug to dewater. This reduces the volume by
approximately 50% and may require an addi�onal pill to fill the loss zone.
13. Wait 2-4 hours before drilling out to allow the plug to dewater.
14. Treat for calcium contamina�on with Bicarb if needed while drilling out.
Many �mes this is unnecessary so wait un�l seeing signs of contamina�on
before trea�ng.
15. GEO�STOP�LOSS�may also be used as a sweep in whole mud or as a pill
spo:ed on trips.
Physical Appearance ..................Gray Powder
Specific Gravity ...........................
Hygroscopic ................................no
pH in water .................................Slightly Alkaline
U�lize normal precau�ons for employee protec�on when handling
chemical products. Use approved dust mask for silica dust. Use of
appropriate respirator, gloves, goggles and apron is recommended for
employee comfort and protec�on. See Material Safety Data Sheet
(MSDS) for this prodyuct prior to use.
GEO�STOP�LOSS�is packaged in 40 pound mul�-wall bags.