摘要 |
<p>ENCAPSULATED WATER ABSORBENT POLYMERS AS LOST CIRCULATION ADDITIVES FOR AQUEOUS DRILLING FLUIDS The disclosed invention is a novel drilling fluid additive for use in reducing lost circulation in wellbores and a method for employing the invention additive for reducing such lost circulation. The invention additive is a highly water absorbent polymer encapsulated by a reaction-preventive protective casing to prevent the polymer from expanding by absorbing water until it is desired to breach the casing. The reaction-preventive protective casing may be a film which will dissolve after a desired time of residence in the borehole or a film or waxy substance which will dissolve or melt at a desired temperature in the borehole, releasing the water absorbent polymer to expand by absorbing water. The substantially expanded polymer will seal off thief zones and fissures, reducing lost circulation.</p> |