BAKER HUGHES - Drilling Fluids Reference Manual

Hydraulics
Fluid Loss
In general, completion fluids are used to create hydrostatic pressures greater than the pore pressures of
permeable producing zones. The completion fluid invades the permeable zone. The degree of
invasion is dependent on the amount, size, and type of solids present in the fluid and the type of
porosity in the permeable zone. When losses of whole fluid to the formation occur, the situation is
referred to as lost circulation, either total, severe, partial, or seepage. These terms denote the severity
of loss, although any loss of whole fluid or any degree of invasion of solids or liquids into producing
zones is considered undesirable.
Controlling fluid loss is important for preventing the impairment of production and the loss of
expensive completion fluids during workover, drill-in, and gravel pack operations. The selection and
use of fluid loss control media and methods should be carefully considered prior to any drilling
operation.
Reference Manual
Baker Hughes Drilling Fluids
1-46 Revised 2006