SECTION 4
Providing A Stable Wellbore
4.1 Planning A Stable Wellbore
4.2 Warning Signs /Corrective Action
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Wellbore Stability
4.0 PROVIDING A STABLE WELLBORE
4.1 Planning A Stable Wellbore
1. Potential Stability Indicators
.
If the answer to any of the questions below is "yes", preventive measures
should be taken.
Indications of tectonic activity in the area?
o
Sudden pressure transition zones expected?
Adverse formations expected (reactive shale, unconsolidated or fractured
formations, abnormal or subnormally pressured zones, plastic formations?
o
Is wellbore inclination greater than 30 ?
2. Identify Stress Regime
σ1 = Greatest effective stress
Normal σv = σ1 σ2 = Intermediate effective stress
Fault
σ3 = Least effective stress
σh = σ3
Reverse σH = σ2 σv = σ 2
Strike-slip
Fault σv = σ3 Fault
σH = σ1
σH = σ 1
σh = σ 2 σh = σ3
3. Determine Magnitude of In Situ Condition (sv , sh , sH)
Overburden - sv
Obtained from density logs of offset wells.
Formation Pore Pressure -p
Estimated by seismic and logs.
Minimum Horizontal Stress - sh
Determined by LOT and/or logs.
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Wellbore Stability
4. Use Core Tests or Logs to Determine Formation Rock Strength
Core Tests
Unstable
or Failure
Shear
Stress
. Stability
S0 Envelope
Effective Compressive Stress
Logs
Rock strength is estimated through correlations with sonic density logs
since slow sonic velocity and high porosity generally relate to lower rock
strength.
5. Research Offset Wells for Indications of Stability Problems
Offset well data is invaluable information for identification of stability
problems in the field.
! Identify hole sections with stability symptoms.
! List the conditions that caused the stability problem.
! Identify similar problems in offset wells occurring at the same vertical
depth. Look for similarity in the conditions that caused the problem.
! List the drilling parameters effecting the problem (i.e., mud type and
weight, hole angle, adverse formations, unusual drilling practices).
WELLBORE STABILITY PROBLEMS
CHEMICAL MECHANICAL
(Hole Enlargement /Hole Cleaning)
Reactive Shale
TENSILE COMPRESSIONAL PLASTIC
FAILURE FAILURE DEFORMATION
(Lost Circulation) (Hole Caving /Collapse) (Tight Hole /Casing Collapse)
Excessive Overburden Stress Mobile Salt
Wellbore
Pressure Tectonic Stress Mobile Shale
Geo-Pressured Shale
Unconsolidated Formation
Fractured Formation
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Wellbore Stability
6. Select Mud System and Determine Mud Weight Window
Stability spreadsheets and analysis tools are used to determine the mud
weight window for each hole section.
7. Avoiding Stability Problems
! Select an inhibitive mud for reactive formations.
! Casing points should allow for mud weight windows determined
from stability analysis.
! Maintain mud weight/ECD in stability window. Use down hole
ECD monitoring tools in critical wells.
! Optimize well trajectory based on drilling days vs. stability.
! Plan for effective hole cleaning and stuck pipe prevention.
! Follow defensive drilling practices. Control ROP, surge pressures.
! Train drilling team members..
4.2 Warning Signs and Corrective Action
No single action can prevent stability problems. Wellbore stability must be
managed by the controllable parameters.
! Mud type, composition and density.
! Drilling practices (minimize ECD, swab /surge pressures).
! Wellbore angle and direction.
Chemical Stability
Chemical stability problems occur when reactive shales are drilled with a
non-inhibitive drilling fluid. Chemical stability is time dependent and
difficult to quantify. The drilling fluid interaction results in shale hydration
and swelling which leads to shale falling into the wellbore causing hole
enlargement and tight hole conditions.
Warning Signs of Chemical Stability Problems
! BHA balling and slow drilling, flow line plugging, soft mushy
cuttings on shaker.
! Smooth increases in torque/drag
! Overpull off slips, pump pressure increasing.
! Increases in mud parameters (mud weight, plastic viscosity, yield
point, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and low gravity solids).
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Wellbore Stability
Preventive /Corrective Measures
Chemical stability problems are prevented by selecting proper mud type and
composition. Initial corrective measures are to use suitable mud additives. If
the problem persists, replacing the existing mud with a more inhibitive mud
may be necessary.
! Addition of various salts (K, Na, Ca) to balance water activity.
! Addition of glycol to reduce chemical attraction of water to shale.
! Addition of various "coating" polymers (PHPA, etc.) to reduce
water contact with shale.
! Use of oil base or synthetic oil base mud to exclude water contact
and entry into shale.
! Minimize the open hole exposure time.
! Plan regular wiper trips.
! Minimize surge/swab pressures.
! Ensure adequate hydraulics for bit and hole cleaning.
! Maintain required mud properties.
! Use minimum mud weight, if possible.
Mechanical Stability
Mechanical instability is related to incorrect mud weight /ECD and/or
well trajectory. Too low mud weight can cause hole cavings or collapse
resulting in stuck pipe. Too high mud weight /ECD can cause excessive
fluid losses to the formation or total loss of returns.
Warning Signs of Mechanical Stability Problems
! Large size and volume of cavings over shakers.
! Erratic increase in torque/drag.
! Hole fill on connections or trips.
! Stuck pipe by hole pack-off /bridging.
! Restricted circulation /increases in pump pressure.
! Loss of circulation.
! Loss/gain due to ballooning shales.
Two indicators of mechanical stability problems are loss of circulation
and increased volume of cavings. Partial or total loss of circulation may
be due to pressure induced or naturally existing fractures. The reduced
hydrostatic associated with loss of circulation may cause formation caving
and collapse.
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Wellbore Stability
Preventing Mechanical Stability Problems
The constraints on wellbore pressure are dictated by formation pressure on
the low end and fracture strength on the high end. Hydraulics planning
must also consider minimizing the shock load imposed to the wellbore.
SHEAR FAILURE STABLE TENSILE FAILURE
Pore Hydrostatic Frac
Shear Press Pressure Press
Envelope Partial Total
Collapse Caving Loss Loss
Break Circ
Well Depth
Circ Solids
Press Loading
Swab Surge
Press Press
Wellbore Pressure Shock
Measures to prevent/correct mechanical stability problems include:
! Increase the mud weight (if possible). The mud weight values
should be determined using a stability analysis model and past
experience if drilling in a known field.
! If drilling fractured formations, it is not recommended to increase
MW. Increase the low end rheology (< 3 RPM Fann reading).
! Improve hole cleaning measures. Maintain 3-rpm Fann reading
greater than 10. GPM for high-angle wells equal to 60 times the
hole diameter in inches and half this value for hole angle of less
than 350.
! Circulate on each connection. Use back reaming and wiper trips
only if hole conditions dictate.
! Minimize surge/swab pressures.
! Monitor torque/drag and the size and amount of cuttings on
shakers.
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Wellbore Stability
Controlling Stability Problems
The entire rig team is responsible for detecting stability problems. Once
detected, there are many controls to consider that can provide for a stable
wellbore. The drilling supervisor, with input from rig team members must
be aware of the parameters that restore the balance between rock stress and
rock strength.
- Wellbore Stability -
Maintaining the Balance of
Rock Stress and Rock Strength
STABLE
UNSTABLE
Formation
Pore
Tensile Shear Pressure
Failure Failure Active
Mud Tectonics
Rock Strength
Rock Stress
MW MW Trip Tensile
Reaming Speed Sand
High Low Failure
Time Hole Mobile Strike Reverse
ECD Shale
Exposed Cleaning Salt Slip Fault
The drilling team must recognize the warning signs of an unstable
wellbore and adjust the drilling program accordingly to maintain the
balance of rock stress and rock strength.
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