US3788406A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Lost circulation control
Assignee: Mobil Oil AS
•
Filing: 1971-12-27
•
Granted: 1974-01-29
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Expires: 1991-12-27
Abstract
Abstract This specification discloses a method of controlling the loss of drilling fluid into subterranean formations penetrated in the drilling of a well. An aqueous mixture comprising an emulsifying agent and preferentially oil-wettable granular particles in an amount greater than 100 pounds per barrel of mixture is introduced into the well. This aqueous mixture is circulated down the well and into the formation into which the drilling fluid is being lost. The high concentration of granular particles serves to plug the formation and prevent loss of circulation thereinto.
Inventors
- 👤 J Messenger
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-25 19:04
CPC Classifications
C; C09; C09K; C09K8/00; C09K8/02; C09K8/04; C09K8/14; C09K8/18; C09K8/22; E; E21; E21B; E21B21/00; E21B21/003; C09K2208/00; C09K2208/18
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 9
Claim 1
Independent Claim
25 words
The method of claim 1 wherein said preferentially oil-wettable granular particles are selected from the group consisting of asphaltic material, ground coal, and mixtures thereof.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said asphaltic material is gilsonite.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 2 wherein said emulsifying agent is selected from the class of polyoxyethylene-aryl ethers of the structural formula:
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
39 words
In the method of claim 4 the emulsifying agent wherein R is a nonyl group and n is 30, said emulsifying agent being preseNt in an amount within the range of 0.5 to 5.0 pounds per barrel of mixture.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method of claim 5 wherein said aqueous mixture further includes a dispersing agent in an amount of up to 8 pounds per barrel of mixture.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
12 words
The method of claim 6 wherein said dispersing agent is ferrochrome lignosulfonate.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
132 words
In the drilling of a well with an oil base drilling fluid, the method of alleviating loss of said drilling fluid into a lost circulation zone of a subterranean formation penetrated by said well, comprising: introducing into said well a slug of an aqueous mixture of an emulsifying agent, a dispersing agent, and granular asphaltic material in an amount greater than 100 pounds per barrel of said mixture; circulating said slug down said well and into the vicinity of said lost circulation zone; mixing said slug with said oil base drilling fluid in the vicinity of said lost circulation zone to form a combined mixture; and forcing said combined mixture into said lost circulation zone to bridge said lost circulation zone of said subterranean formation into which said drilling fluid is lost.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
11 words
The method of claim 8 wherein said asphaltic material is gilsonite.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method of claim 9 wherein said gilsonite is present within a size range of 4 to 200 mesh.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-01-28 | 1977-07-30 | 1978-01-29 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-01-28 | 1981-07-30 | 1982-01-29 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-01-28 | 1985-07-30 | 1986-01-29 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |