Expandable profile liner technology for mitigating lost circulation and wellbore instability in geothermal drilling

Le Zhao, Chao Yuan, Ke Shan, Mingzhong Gao, Xiting Long, Meng Xu, Tianxiang Ao and Yikun Yang

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 2025, vol. 209, issue C

Abstract: This research presents a comprehensive review of lost circulation and wellbore instability challenges in geothermal drilling, complemented by an original case study demonstrating the application of Expandable Profile Liner Technology (EPLT). The review synthesizes and analyzes current mitigation strategies, highlighting their limitations in complex geothermal environments. In response to the inadequacies of traditional methods and the imminent risk of well abandonment, EPLT was implemented as an innovative solution. The case study of the J-1 well demonstrates EPLT's novel application in severe lost circulation conditions, showcasing its ability to effectively seal large fractures and high-permeability zones without reducing wellbore diameter and breakthrough — a common limitation of conventional techniques. Quantitative analysis reveals significant improvements in drilling efficiency, wellbore stability, and cost-effectiveness. This research contributes to the field by introducing EPLT as a groundbreaking approach to lost circulation management and wellbore strengthening in geothermal drilling, potentially revolutionizing industry practices and enhancing drilling performance in high-temperature environments.

Keywords: Geothermal drilling; Lost circulation; Lost circulation mitigation; Wellbore instability; Wellbore strengthening; Trouble zones isolation; Expandable profile liner technology (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1364032124008359
Full text for ScienceDirect subscribers only

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eee:rensus:v:209:y:2025:i:c:s1364032124008359

Ordering information: This journal article can be ordered from
http://www.elsevier.com/wps/find/journaldescription.cws_home/600126/bibliographic
http://www.elsevier. ... 600126/bibliographic

DOI: 10.1016/j.rser.2024.115109

Access Statistics for this article

Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews is currently edited by L. Kazmerski

More articles in Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews from Elsevier
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Catherine Liu ().