Publications

One of the biggest challenges during drilling operation is combating loss circulation. Loss circulation is where the formation pressure cannot hold the annulus hydrostatic of drilling fluid therefore all the fluid is loss. In extreme condition where only narrow window of equivalent circulation density resulting total loss together with gas kick happen at the same time. Gas kick contain H2S (sourgas) adding another hazard for drilling operation. In Tiung Biru Field and Kedung Tuban, East Java, Pertamina Region Jawa, top formation of Kujung has this extreme condition for loss and kick at the same time. Lost Circulation Material (LCM), Acid Soluble Cement are not effective to cure the loss circulation and over budget of drilling cost become another concern during combating loss. Gunk plug is one of the conventional loss circulation solutions where it can be the last option for curing the losses. Gunk plug have the ability to build gel up strength quickly to close the thief zone, normally, cementing string for gunk plug is through drill bit because changing to open end cementing string is impossible because total loss and kick gas (H2S) happen at the same time. This paper describes the new NS- method execution monitoring optimization in details and contingency plan to prevent and mitigation the hazard of gunk plug operation including the case studies in exploration well TBR-1 and NKT-1 that successfully cured the loss circulation.