Resolving Shale Drilling Instabilities in the Middle East: A Holistic &amp; Pragmatic Geomechanical Method

Singh, Hemant; Yadav, Prahlad; Imtiaz, Saad; Perumalla, Satya

doi:10.2118/188681-ms

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 10 publications

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“…Calcium carbonate nanoparticles in suspension form at a concentration of 0.5 wt% were added to an oil-based drilling mud, and the amount of lost mud decreased by 22-34% [24]. According to Singh et al, 2017, proper sealing of pores and microfractures within a shale formation implies the use of sealing polymer, graphite nanoparticles and microparticles as well as marble particles for plugging wider fractures [25]. The sealing polymer selection process depends on fracture dimensions, temperature, particle size distribution, environmental concern, hydraulics etc.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Experimental Research of Shale Pellet Swelling in Nano-Based Drilling Muds

et al. 2020

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The drilling of clay-rich formations, such as shale, is an extremely demanding technical and technological process. Shale consists of mixed clay minerals in different ratios and in contact with water from drilling mud. It tends to swell and cause different wellbore instability problems. Usually, the petroleum industry uses various types of salt and/or polymers as shale hydration inhibitors. The aim of this research was to determine whether nanoparticles can be used as shale swelling inhibitors because due to their small size they can enter the shale nanopores, plug them and stop further penetration of mud filtrate into the shale formation. Swelling of bentonite-calcium carbonate pellets after 2 and 24 h in water and drilling mud (water, bentonite, PAC and NaOH) without nanoparticles and with addition of TiO2 (0.5, 1 and 1.5 wt%) and SiO2 (0.5, 1 and 1.5 wt%) nanoparticles was measured using a linear swell meter. Additionally, granulometric analyses of bentonite as well as the zeta potential of tested muds containing nanoparticles were performed. Based on the laboratory research, it can generally be concluded that the addition of SiO2 and TiO2 nanoparticles in water and base drilling mud reduces the swelling of pellets up to 40.06%.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Experimental Research of Shale Pellet Swelling in Nano-Based Drilling Muds

et al. 2020

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Novel Sub-core Extraction Method Using CNC Milling for Water-Sensitive and Fragile Rock

Abdelaziz,

Ha,

Grasselli

2024

Rock Mech Rock Eng

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Customization and Implementation of Geomechanics to Successfully Drill High Angle Wells through Ahmadi and Wara Shales, Greater Burgan Field, Kuwait - A Case Study

Rane¹,

Al-Zankawi²,

Al-Ghareeb³

et al. 2018

Day 2 Tue, November 13, 2018

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The mature Greater Burgan field is the largest clastic oil reservoir in the world producing from multiple clastic reservoirs. With growing surface area congestion affecting rig moves, current wells are drilled with high deviation often through unstable overburden shales. Well trajectories are getting more complex, resulting in a large increase in hole instability events associated with stuck pipes, loss of bottom hole assemblies often leading to side-tracks, challenging well logging conditions and well completion operations. This paper discusses a holistic and practical geomechanical approach to solve the instability problems, based on understanding the rock failure mechanism of shale, and also discusses the implementation of an integrated solution to drill, log and complete the wells successfully. A thorough geomechanical analysis was done on several wells. Drilling data analytics helped to understand the relationship among formation instability, well trajectory and mud parameters. Lab tests (chemical and mechanical) were performed to determine the chemical and mechanical behaviour of the rock and its interaction with drilling fluid. Anisotropic shale strength tests were targeted to know the rock strength variation with respect to angle of attack. Geomechanical models were prepared and calibrated with observations of drilling problems. Based on integration of models and experiences, effective solutions were devised to implement at well planning as well as drilling stages. A combination of measured and modelled parameters suggested that multiple failure mechanisms are active to induce shale failure including (a) stress induced borehole breakouts, (b) chemoporoelastic interaction of mud and rock fluid and (c) weakening of shale bedding planes and micro fractures. A customized real-time geomechanical monitoring solution was implemented for improved drilling performance and efficient completion of new wells. Specific mud design and mud weights for drilling high angle wells (65-70 deg) were generated and used in real-time while drilling. With the help of LWD and mud logging data, real-time decisions were taken based on well behaviour to drill the wells in a single casing section. Wireline logging and lowering of completion string was completed without any resistance even after the long section of shale was exposed for several days. This entire re-engineering of the process was accepted as a cost-effective and efficient solution that is being recorded as a best practice for implementation in future wells. Integration of diverse disciplines (geomechanical, geochemical, petrophysical and drilling engineering) was successfully implemented to drill a complex well. Real-time geomechanics along with customized drilling fluid and drilling practices enhanced the drilling efficiency. This integrated solution is expected to significantly reduce non-productive time in future upcoming wells with complex well profiles.

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Resolving Shale Drilling Instabilities in the Middle East: A Holistic & Pragmatic Geomechanical Method

Cited by 3 publications

References 10 publications

Experimental Research of Shale Pellet Swelling in Nano-Based Drilling Muds

Experimental Research of Shale Pellet Swelling in Nano-Based Drilling Muds

Novel Sub-core Extraction Method Using CNC Milling for Water-Sensitive and Fragile Rock

Customization and Implementation of Geomechanics to Successfully Drill High Angle Wells through Ahmadi and Wara Shales, Greater Burgan Field, Kuwait - A Case Study

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