Executive Summary

Lost circulation is defined as the escape of drilling fluid into subsurface formation voids. This is a costly challenge in oil and gas exploration. Abraj Energy Services has adopted a fiber-enhanced cementing solution that quickly and permanently seals these voids, mitigating severe losses. Key features and benefits of this approach include:

• Single-Trip Remedy: A specially formulated fiber-cement slurry is pumped through the bottom-hole assembly (BHA) into the loss zone, immediately bridging fractures and forming a durable plug. Circulation is typically restored within hours rather than days.
• Reduced NPT and Costs: Lost circulation commonly accounts for over 10% of drilling downtime and up to 20% of total drilling costs. One study reported more than 100 hours of non-productive time (NPT) and $185,000 in added costs per well. In Oman, Abraj Energy Services' method restored circulation after a single treatment, saving 72 hours (equivalent to $100,000).
• Improved Well Integrity and Safety: The fiber-cement plug rapidly stabilizes the wellbore, maintaining control and supporting successful casing cementing, thereby mitigating risk and eliminating the need for costly remediation efforts.

This paper outlines the challenges associated with lost circulation, Abraj Energy Services' innovative solution, and field results demonstrating the method's operational and financial impact in Oman and other regions.