Advancing Wellbore Stability: A Data-Driven Study on Lost Circulation Spacer Efficiency Application in the Middle East

Abstract Lost circulation is a critical challenge in Middle Eastern oil and gas operations. This paper analyzes six years of data on the efficiency of a lost circulation spacer, highlighting its role in reducing fluid losses during cementing operations. The study identifies key success factors and failure conditions, offering insights to improve treatment outcomes. The lost circulation spacer is an engineered fluid forming a thin impermeable barrier that mitigate pressure transmission to the formation, combined with an eco-friendly material capable of sealing fractures up to 1,000 microns. Six years of field data of hundreds of field applications analyzed to assess top of cement (TOC) achievement and treatment reliability. Particular attention given to failed TOC cases to identify patterns and well conditions that affected outcomes. This structured approach aims to validate the treatment’s overall performance and adaptability under varied operational scenarios. The analysis revealed an average efficiency of 93% over six years, with two years achieving a perfect 100% success rate. Cases with failed TOC highlighted specific conditions, such as extreme fracture widths, presence of cavernous formations, or unusual well parameters, where the treatment was less effective. Despite these challenges, the lost circulation spacer demonstrated consistent reliability when paired with eco-friendly loss circulation materials, making it a robust solution in most scenarios. For wells with unique conditions leading to treatment failure, alternative loss circulation methods recommended. The study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the spacer’s performance; field case examples and identifies critical considerations for optimizing future applications. This paper presents a replicable evaluation framework, enabling engineers to maintain high success rates with lost circulation treatments. By analyzing six years of field data, the study offers actionable insights for improving treatment planning and addressing unique operational challenges.