3. It is generally best to begin with 80% of the liquid volume of fluid (as per tables 1,2,or 3).
To the fluid add:
a. 1 – 2 defoamer when using water;
b. all the FRAC-PAK;
c. barite;
d. remainder of the fluid.
When mixing in diesel or oil mud, additional wetting agent is required. Always pilot test for proper concentration.
When mixing in fresh or salt water, an additional thinner may be required. Always pilot test for proper concentration.
4. The slurry should be weighted to the same as the drilling fluid in the hole.
5. An additional 5 to 20 ppb medium size LCM will often be beneficial depending upon hole conditions. To avoid plugging the drill string, be certain that any additional LCM is smaller than any restrictions in the drill string.
6. Place the bottom of the drill pipe or bit at depth that will allow the slurry to clear the drill string plus 5 bbls of slurry.
7. Pump the slurry at 2 bbls per minute until slurry plus 5 bbls clears the drill string.
8. Pump approximately 20% of slurry into thief zone at 1 bbl/min.
9. Shut down and observe well. Before beginning the hesitation squeeze, check the annulus. If no fluid can be seen, attempt to fill the backside.
10. Close the annular BOP and begin pumping the hesitation squeeze down the backside at .25 to .5 bbls/min. in 5 bbls increments or when a pressure of 50 psi is obtained discontinue pumping for 15 minutes. Repeat this procedure until 50 psi can be maintained, and then attempt at progressively higher pressures in 25 psi increments. With this hesitation squeeze method there will be a pressure bleed off each time the pump is stopped. However, with each successive squeeze, the pressure should stabilize at a higher level.
11. When the maximum holding pressure is obtained, shut down and wait for four hours.
12. Bleed pressure from annulus slowly, and then circulate any water/oil and remaining FRAC-PAK out of the hole.
13. Begin staging in the hole slowly monitoring the weight indicator, and checking for bridges. Wash to bottom drilling any FRAC-PAK plug encountered. FRAC-PAK will not set up like cement, so there is no danger of sidetracking the hole.
