Lost Circulation: Mechanisms and Solutions provides the latest information on a long-existing problem for drilling and cementing engineers that can cause improper drilling conditions, safety risks, and annual losses of millions of wasted dollars for oil and gas companies. While several conferences have convened on the topic, this book is the first reliable reference to provide a well-rounded, unbiased approach on the fundamental causes of lost circulation, how to diagnose it in the well, and how to treat and prevent it in future well planning operations. As today's drilling operations become more complex, and include situations such as sub-salt formations, deepwater wells with losses caused by cooling, and more depleted reservoirs with reduced in-situ stresses, this book provides critical content on the current state of the industry that includes a breakdown of basics on stresses and fractures and how drilling fluids work in the wellbore. The book then covers the more practical issues caused by induced fractures, such as how to understand where the losses are occurring and how to use proven preventative measures such as wellbore strengthening and the effect of base fluid on lost circulation performance. Supported by realistic case studies, this book separates the many myths from the known facts, equipping today's drilling and cementing engineer with a go-to solution for every day well challenges.

This book covers the major physical and mechanical processes that unfold during cementing and subsequent well service, and which can affect the well integrity. Focusing on the underlying physics, it concisely presents the central concepts of well cementing. The authors discuss the displacement of different fluids in the annulus, the mechanical stability of cement subject to varying downhole temperature, pressure and in-situ stresses, and the impact of defects on cement integrity under different mechanical and thermal loads over the course of the well's lifetime. The book identifies knowledge gaps and unresolved issues, and proposes new directions for future research and development. The book is a valuable resource for practising engineers in the oil and gas industry, academic and industrial researchers involved in oil and gas engineering, and to graduate students within this same sector.