Methods of using a polymeric precipitate to reduce the loss of fluid to a subterranean formation

Abstract

Methods are provided for reducing the loss of a wellbore servicing fluid to a subterranean formation. A polymeric solution and an activator may be contacted in the formation, thereby forming a precipitate to at least partially block fluid from flowing further into the formation. The fluid may be, for example, a drilling fluid, a cement composition, a workover fluid, or combinations thereof. The polymeric solution may comprise a polyvinylpyrrolidone aqueous solution, and the activator may comprise a formate brine. In one embodiment, the polymeric solution and the activator are contacted before completing a drilling operation in the wellbore. In another embodiment, they are contacted before completing a primary cementing operation in the wellbore. In yet another embodiment, they are contacted before completing a secondary cementing operation in the wellbore. When desirable, the precipitate may be easily and quickly removed from the subterranean formation by dissolving it in fresh water.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.