1. n. [Drilling, Drilling Fluids]

Solid material intentionally introduced into a mud system to reduce and eventually prevent the flow of drilling fluid into a weak, fractured or vugular formation. This material is generally fibrous or plate-like in nature, as suppliers attempt to design slurries that will efficiently bridge over and seal loss zones. In addition, popular lost circulation materials are low-cost waste products from the food processing or chemical manufacturing industries. Examples of lost circulation material include ground peanut shells, mica, cellophane, walnut shells, calcium carbonate, plant fibers, cottonseed hulls, ground rubber, and polymeric materials.

Alternate Form: lost-circulation material