Invention Grant
- Patent Title: Sphere-shaped lost circulation material (LCM) having hooks and latches
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Application No.: US16858056Application Date: 2020-04-24
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Publication No.: US11292950B2Publication Date: 2022-04-05
- Inventor: Raed A. Alouhali , Eric Moellendick , Md Amanullah , Mohammed Arfaj , Mohammed Al Rashead
- Applicant: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
- Applicant Address: SA Dhahran
- Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
- Current Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil Company
- Current Assignee Address: SA Dhahran
- Agency: Bracewell LLP
- Agent Constance G. Rhebergen; Brian H. Tompkins
- Main IPC: C09K8/03
- IPC: C09K8/03 ; E21B33/13 ; E21B21/00 ; E21B21/08

Abstract:
A lost circulation material (LCM) that includes spheres having radially distributed hooks and latches to facilitate engagement (such as interlocking) of the spheres is provided. Each sphere has a plurality of hooks and a plurality of latches to engage latches and hooks respectively of adjacent spheres. Each hook may include two hook arms, and each latch may define an aperture to receive a hook arm. The spheres may form plugs in channels, fractures, and other openings in a lost circulation zone. Additionally or alternatively, the spheres may form a bridge on which other LCMs may accumulate to seal openings in a lost circulation zone. Methods of preventing lost circulation using the spheres are also provided.
Public/Granted literature
- US20210071497A1 Sphere-Shaped Lost Circulation Material (LCM) Having Hooks and Latches Public/Granted day:2021-03-11
Information query