Mixing and Drilling: Fluid Loss

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If high rates of fluid loss (seepage of slurry into the soil) are encountered, the polymer dosage and viscosity of the slurry shall be increased as required to provide adequate control of fluid loss, consistent with allowed ranges of slurry viscosity. Alternatively or additionally, fluid loss control agents or other treatments recommended by the Manufacturer may be used. Use only additives that are certified by the Manufacturer to be compatible with the slurry in use.

Stone Stop™ is a specially blended mineral used for fluid loss control especially in sandy soils. Stone Stop added to Shore Pac^® reduces slurry seepage into saturated open sands and gravels. A powdered solid, Stone Stop, is highly recommended as an additive to Shore Pac when drilling in loose saturated sands. When cobble or gravel is encountered, the viscosity may need to be increased to help prevent loss of fluid to these possible theft zones.

If losses are severe, it may be necessary to add Shore Pac Stabilizer to the slurry to either rapidly gain viscosity or use it as a “Bomb” to cut losses. Shore Pac Stabilizer can boost cohesion of sand, gravel, and cobble, to stabilize and control slurry loss to a degree. Shore Pac Stabilizer sharply reduces slurry loss rates in very coarse soils and reduces bottom hole cleaning time. Shore Pac Stabilizer’s thick gelatinous texture combines with fines to assist in plugging up the theft zones and helps to hold back heaving sand. The application for Shore Pac Stabilizer is 5 gallons per hole dropped down in weighted, thin, and sealed plastic bags, which can be torn up and mixed by the drilling tool. Shore Pac Stabilizer may also be poured into the top of the hole, as its weight will allow it to drop through the slurry.