Patterns of drilling fluid losses based on fracture propagation mechanisms of rock mass

Journal of Engineering Research

Lijun You¹  Chenyuan Xu¹  Hao Zhang¹  Yili Kang¹  Jiping She² 

[1] Southwest Petroleum University

关键词: Drilling fluid loss;    five stages of loss;    loss prevention;    fracture occurrences;   

DOI  :  

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Kuwait University * Academic Publication Council

【 摘 要 】

Loss of drilling fluid in fracture formation severely restricts the exploration and development of oil and gas resources. However, for formations with complex fractures, judgment of fracture propagation and choice of appropriate prevention technology are essential for prevention of loss. In this paper, based on the conditions for fracture propagation of different fractures occurring, a loss pattern of Zhenzhuchong Group (ZZC Group) in Sichuan Basin was established. The losses in the drilling processes were divided into five stages and the laws for fracture propagation and loss features were discussed. Using the same analysis methods and considering the range of ratios of vertical principal stress to minimum horizontal stress, four loss patterns were established in the formation of fractures. These are: type I, type II, type III, and type IV. By summing up the features and the conditions applicable for commonly used loss prevention techniques, eight prevention measures can be used in different stages of loss. This study provides a theoretical guidance for prevention loss and controlling the formation damage.

【 授权许可】

Unknown