Experimental Investigation on Wellbore Strengthening Mechanism and Tight Fracture Plugging Drilling Fluid Based on Granular Matter Mechanics

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junyi Liu ◽  
Baoyu Guo ◽  
Zhengsong Qiu
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Investigation ◽  
Drilling Fluid ◽  
Granular Matter ◽  
Strengthening Mechanism ◽  
Wellbore Strengthening

Pushing the Frontier in Deepwater HP/HT Drilling by Application of Wellbore Strengthening—A Practical Approach

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sultan Alimuddin ◽  
Catalin Aldea ◽  
James Hunter Manson ◽  
Kantaphon Temaismithi
Keyword(s):  
High Pressure ◽  
Drilling Fluid ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Strengthening Mechanism ◽  
Management Program ◽  
Case Scenario ◽  
Well Design ◽  
High Pressure High Temperature ◽  
Fluid Formation ◽  
Wellbore Strengthening

Abstract This paper presents a comprehensive laboratory and field study, discussing the development, formulation, and application of a wellbore strengthening mechanism, for strengthening weak formations while drilling in a deepwater high-pressure/high-temperature (HP/HT) well environment. The use of this technology has potential to eliminate nonproductive time (NPT) related to downhole losses, along with extending the drillability of sections and eliminating additional casing strings, during exploratory drilling. During the planning phase of a sequence of deepwater and HP/HT exploration wells, the potential high-pressure case scenario drove the planned and contingency well casing designs. This led to an extensive casing program with a 16-in. sub mudline hanger casing string added to the base design, as well as the normal 36-in. conductor, 20-in. surface casing, 13 ⅜-in. intermediate casing, and 9 ⅝-in. casing, which would enable reaching total depth (TD) within a planned 8 ½-in. hole. The realistic offset well driven by the high-pressure case also required two further contingency liner strings (11 ¾ in. and 7 in.), to be included in the well design. A key enabler for the sequence of wells was that the semisubmersible rig was upgraded to include a managed pressure drilling (MPD) below tension ring (BTR) arrangement. This was enhanced by the MPD well control system and associated risk assessment, allowing working to reduced acceptable kick tolerance limits. In addition to the outlined base and contingency plans, wellbore strengthening was also to be available, as an additional contingency application, to reach TD objectives. Thus, extensive laboratory tests were performed for wellbore strengthening design, using proprietary software, along with past established practices. Subsequent to laboratory testing and the optimal formulation, a detailed wellbore strengthening program was prepared and included in the drilling program, for potential use at any point while drilling ahead. On one well, after cementing of 13 ⅜-in. casing and performing a leakoff test (LOT), it was found that the value was insufficient for drilling through the entire planned section. A contingency 11 ¾-in. liner was being enabled before it was decided to pump the wellbore strengthening pill and strengthen the casing shoe. The pill application gave sufficient increased formation strength, leading to the well section being successfully drilled and cased with no losses, even though the high-pressure well scenario was actually encountered. This solution eliminated the time and cost implication and considerable operational challenges of the 11 ¾-in. contingency liner. This paper presents the study of conceptualizing the wellbore strengthening mechanism and implementing this customized solution in the field. A detailed analysis is also done to identify the optimal products, compatibility with drilling fluid, formation and existing chemical permit, and cost-effectiveness and savings using wellbore strengthening practice. The paper also discusses the comprehensive pit management program and required treatment plan while drilling.

scholarly journals Laboratory Study on Core Fracturing Simulations for Wellbore Strengthening

Geofluids ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
Biao Ma ◽  
Xiaolin Pu ◽  
Zhengguo Zhao ◽  
Hao Wang ◽  
Wenxin Dong
Keyword(s):  
Bearing Capacity ◽  
Laboratory Study ◽  
Drilling Fluid ◽  
Drilling Fluids ◽  
Lost Circulation ◽  
The Core ◽  
Fracture Pressure ◽  
Fluid Systems ◽  
Fracturing Process ◽  
Wellbore Strengthening

The lost circulation in a formation is one of the most complicated problems that have existed in drilling engineering for a long time. The key to solving the loss of drilling fluid circulation is to improve the pressure-bearing capacity of the formation. The tendency is to improve the formation pressure-bearing capacity with drilling fluid technology for strengthening the wellbore, either to the low fracture pressure of the formation or to that of the naturally fractured formation. Therefore, a laboratory study focused on core fracturing simulations for the strengthening of wellbores was conducted with self-developed fracture experiment equipment. Experiments were performed to determine the effect of the gradation of plugging materials, kinds of plugging materials, and drilling fluid systems. The results showed that fracture pressure in the presence of drilling fluid was significantly higher than that in the presence of water. The kinds and gradation of drilling fluids had obvious effects on the core fracturing process. In addition, different drilling fluid systems had different effects on the core fracture process. In the same case, the core fracture pressure in the presence of oil-based drilling fluid was less than that in the presence of water-based drilling fluid.

Risk Planning and Mitigation in Oil Well Fields

2015 ◽  
Vol 4 (4) ◽  
pp. 27-48
Author(s):  
Nediljka Gaurina-Međimurec ◽  
Borivoje Pašić ◽  
Petar Mijić
Keyword(s):  
Preventive Measures ◽  
Drilling Fluid ◽  
Oil Well ◽  
Remedial Measures ◽  
Successful Management ◽  
Lost Circulation ◽  
Wellbore Strengthening ◽  
Lost Circulation Materials ◽  
Industry Experience ◽  
Tools And Methods

Lost circulation presents one of the major risks associated with drilling. The complete prevention of lost circulation is impossible but limiting circulation loss is possible if certain precautions are taken. Industry experience has proved that is often easier and more effective to prevent the occurrence of loss than to attempt to stop or reduce them once they have started. The problem of lost circulation was magnified considerably when operators began drilling deeper and/or depleted formations. A strategy for successful management of lost circulation should include preventative (best drilling practices, drilling fluid selection, and wellbore strengthening materials) and remedial measures when lost circulation occurs through the use of lost circulation materials. In this paper the authors present lost circulation zones and causes, potential zones of lost circulation, excessive downhole pressures causes, preventive measures, tools and methods for locating loss zones and determining the severity of loss, lost circulation materials, and recommended treatments.

An Experimental Evaluation of the Effects of Filtercake in Wellbore Strengthening: Filtercake Rupture Resistance and Fracture Sealing Time

2019 ◽  
Vol 142 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mingzheng Yang ◽  
Yuanhang Chen
Keyword(s):  
Drilling Fluid ◽  
Experimental Tests ◽  
Fracture Initiation ◽  
Vital Role ◽  
Fracture Sealing ◽  
Initiation Stage ◽  
Induced Fractures ◽  
Wellbore Strengthening ◽  
New Criterion

Abstract Recent research studies have indicated that filtercakes play a role in preventing fracture initiation, blocking pre-existing narrow fractures, and isolating drilling-induced fractures at the initiation stage. The ability of the filtercakes to effectively strengthen the wellbore expectedly depends on its capability in maintaining its integrity and providing the barrier to isolate pressure and fluid transmission between the wellbore and fractures. In this research, a modified permeability apparatus was used to evaluate the quality of drilling fluid filtercakes. A new criterion defined as filtercake rupture resistance is proposed to characterize the filtercake quality regarding its ability to sustain pressure over an open fracture. Experimental tests were conducted to investigate how filtercake thickness and filtercake yield strength affect the rupture resistance. The mechanism of filtercake in sealing the narrow fractures is explored, and it was observed that solid's plugging/bridging plays the vital role in this mechanism. A thicker and stronger filtercake also contributes to a faster establishment of complete fracture seal. The results of this research can be utilized as a reference that guides the optimization of drilling fluid for continuously strengthening the wellbore.

An Experimental Investigation of Filtercake Reinforced Wellbore Strengthening and Fracture Sealing

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mingzheng Yang ◽  
Yuanhang Chen ◽  
Frederick B. Growcock ◽  
Feifei Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Investigation ◽  
Critical Role ◽  
Fracture Initiation ◽  
Fluid Loss ◽  
Lost Circulation ◽  
Fracture Sealing ◽  
Sealing Pressure ◽  
Wellbore Strengthening ◽  
Mud Loss ◽  
Lost Circulation Materials

Abstract Drilling-induced lost circulation should be managed before and during fracture initiation rather than after they propagate to form large fractures and losses become uncontrollable. Recent studies indicated the potentially critical role of filtercake in strengthening the wellbore through formation of a pressure-isolating barrier, as well as plugging microfractures during fracture initiation. In this study, an experimental investigation was conducted to understand the role played by filtercake in the presence of lost circulation materials (LCMs). A modified permeability plugging apparatus (PPA) with slotted discs was used to simulate whole mud loss through fractures of known width behind filtercake. Cumulative fluid loss upon achieving a complete seal and the maximum sealing pressure were measured to evaluate the combined effects of filtercake and LCMs in preventing and reducing fluid losses. The effects of some filtercake properties (along with LCM type, concentration and particle size distribution) on filtercake rupture and fracture sealing were investigated. The results indicate that filtercake can accelerate fracture sealing and reduce total mud loss. Efficiently depositing filtercake while drilling can reduce the concentration of LCM that is required to plug and isolate incipient fractures.

scholarly journals Experimental investigation of environmentally friendly drilling fluid additives (mandarin peels powder) to substitute the conventional chemicals used in water-based drilling fluid

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 407-417 ◽  
Author(s):  
Abo Taleb T. Al-Hameedi ◽  
Husam H. Alkinani ◽  
Shari Dunn-Norman ◽  
Mustafa A. Al-Alwani ◽  
Abdullah F. Alshammari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Investigation ◽  
Drilling Fluid ◽  
Environmentally Friendly ◽  
Water Based
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