An operator in South America faced significant challenges managing lost circulation offshore. To stabilize the wellbore, the treatment requires placing specialized materials, such as lost circulation material (LCM), and cement into the annulus. However, traditional BHA configurations limited the deliverability of these treatments as they lack the flexibility and adequate flow paths to handle complex fluid designs and coarse materials. Previous attempts to address lost circulation using alternative technologies were met with limited success due to insufficient port size, material bridging, and contamination of the lower BHA. As a result, the operator required a solution that would achieve successful cementing while protecting the BHA from cement exposure.
The WELL DEFENDER valve was chosen to address the operator's lost circulation challenges. This advanced valve enabled an effective cementing treatment while protecting the BHA from cement exposure. Designed for demanding drilling environments, the WELL DEFENDER valve features enlarged ports that provide industry-leading total flow area (TFA) and support the placement of complex fluid treatments, including coarse and fibrous materials as well as cement. In addition to improving LCM placement, the valve can boost annular velocity, jet BOPs, and facilitate fluid exchange for displacement. Following placement of the treatment, the valve was deactivated, and full curculation returns to the shale shaker confirmed the success of lost treatment, allowing the operator to continue drilling without delays.
