Problems associated with excess overbalance Lost circulation

- probably the commonest hole problem encountered. Lost circulation can range from the slow seepage
losses which can be treated with a little addition of LCM (Lost Circulation Material) into the mud, to
catastrophic losses which can be incurable and may ultimately lead to a kick due to loss of hydrostatic
head. Mud is lost into natural fractures and fissures in the formation, but these may be opened or even
generated by the mud weight exceeding the fracture pressure of the formation. Once these fractures
have been opened it is not always possible to close them by reducing the mud weight. Formation
damage - reservoir flushing and loss of porosity and permeability are also associated with high
overbalance. Borehole erosion and washouts may also occur leading to poor quality logs. Differential
sticking - thick filter cake may build up on the borehole increasing the area in contact with the drill string