Case Study: a Middle East operator achieves reduced circulation losses with SLB ThixoCRETE cementing solution

Middle East Operator Minimizes Drilling Losses with Fast Gel Strength Cement Technology

SLB worked with a Middle East operator company drilling offshore in the Middle East that faced total circulation losses and shallow water flow while drilling high-inclination surface sections through a vugular, naturally fractured formation. Conventional lost circulation material reduced losses at lower inclinations but failed when the wells were drilled at higher inclinations, creating stuck-pipe risk, high fluid costs, surface handling issues, and well control concerns.

SLB used ThixoCRETE lightweight lost circulation cementing solution to plug the loss zone and rapidly build gel and compressive strength. Pumped across the zone, the solution reduced losses from total circulation losses to about 42 bbl/h and enabled the operator to continue circulating with about 90% returns to surface, allowing drilling to continue.