Method and system for minimizing circulating fluid return losses during drilling of a well bore
US6938707B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 15, 2003 |
| Grant date | Sep 6, 2005 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 22, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC09K8/22
- WIPO fieldBasic materials chemistry
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method and a system for minimizing circulating fluid return losses during drilling of a well bore are disclosed. Circulating fluid, or mud, is heated above conventional temperatures for circulating fluids. The heated circulating fluid then contacts a region of a formation, in which a well bore is to be drilled, maintaining the formation at a relative higher temperature than if no special sources of heat were used to add heat to the circulating fluid. The region, at the relatively higher temperature, has a tendency to expand and to be placed in a relatively higher compressive state as compared to a formation at a lower temperature. Consequently, the use of the heated circulating fluid minimizes fracture initiation and growth and circulation fluid losses into the formation.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.