Studying the Wellbore Stability Enhancement Mechanism during Drilling through Fractured Argillites

Abstract

The paper presents the relevance of enhancing wellbore stability by developing and applying efficient drilling fluid compositions for well constructions in fractured argillite. In the process of well constructions, there comes a range of complications associated with instability of rocks forming borehole walls, which sometimes results in lower penetration rates, higher construction costs and well abandonment. Often, drilling problems occur at drilling through mudrocks that account for up to 70 % of field sections. When using water-base drilling fluids, the mudrock swelling due to the contact with the fluid dispersion medium adversely affects the drilling process and can significantly increase well construction costs. The accumulation of wellbore cavings inhibits well circulation, causes landing of drilling tools and may result in tool sticking. An analysis of drilling problems in fractured argillite is presented; the mechanisms affecting open hole stability in the fractured argillite deposits are shown. The use of potassium chloride is recommended to enhance the stability of argillite-formed borehole walls. The results are supported by experimental studies using the Chenevert method, as well as fracture propping tests. When the argillite sample was placed in potassium chloride (KCl) solution, there was a minor fracture expansion and propagation over the entire sample length, which is a positive result. To enhance wellbore stability, further study approaches are proposed: upgrading mud by adding inhibiting compounds, such as salt solutions in combination with high-molecular polymer compositions.