Project Info

Lost Circulation Study

We will be working in the Apache Drilling Laboratory in MZ006 with various lost circulation materials (LCM). The operations are to determine the physical properties of the LCM with sieves, viscometers, and an automated Clemex PS Filter microscope as well as performance properties using the Automated Permeability Plugging Apparatus. The outcome will be a catalog of physical and performance properties for various LCMs for drilling operational usage.

For more resources, there are various papers on lost circulation in oil and gas drilling in Onepetro.org and in geothermal drilling in the GRC.org site. Here is an online site for geothermal drilling: https://www.nationaldriller.com/articles/88299-geothermal-drilling-challenges-part-1-lost-circulation

Student Preparation

Qualifications

An inquisitive and curious mind set. Must consider safety and environmental protocols at all times. Have a careful and meticulous methodology in building and executing experiments. Should be data analytically adept.

Student is required to attend the basic lab safety training offered by Environmental Health and Safety at Mines.

Time Commitment

5 hours/week

Skills/Techniques Gained

-Experiment planning and execution experience
-Data analytical processing

Mentoring Plan

Weekly meetings with ad-hoc opportunities. Other continuing research assistants will be available for guidance.