MLchartDataset catalogue

Lost returns

Term · Oil and gas · MLC-T-OAG-002220

The condition where drilling fluid pumped down the wellbore does not return to the surface through the annulus. This occurs when the fluid penetrates into permeable formations or fractures in the rock, leading to a loss of circulation. Lost returns can cause a reduction in hydrostatic pressure, potentially leading to well control issues, and require remedial actions such as pumping lost circulation material.

Table 1. Record
IdentifierMLC-T-OAG-002220
FieldOil and gas
SubjectDrilling
Record as JSON
{
  "id": "MLC-T-OAG-002220",
  "term": "Lost returns",
  "field": "Oil and gas",
  "definition": "The condition where drilling fluid pumped down the wellbore does not return to the surface through the annulus. This occurs when the fluid penetrates into permeable formations or fractures in the rock, leading to a loss of circulation. Lost returns can cause a reduction in hydrostatic pressure, potentially leading to well control issues, and require remedial actions such as pumping lost circulation material.",
  "subject": "Drilling",
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/oil-and-gas/lost-returns/"
}

Record 2,374 of 4,469 in Oil and gas terminology (MLC-0103). Request the full dataset.