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A stability analysis for an extended reach horizontal well in an unconsolidated sand

Conference ·
OSTI ID:468275
 [1]
  1. Heriot-Watt Univ., Edinburgh (United Kingdom)
The sands of a North Sea reservoir are poorly consolidated and problems with sand production are anticipated for horizontal wells. This paper presents work on the determination of the in-situ stresses and geomechanical characteristics of the reservoir and the prediction of wellbore stability during drilling and production. Leak-off tests from appraisal wells were used to estimate the in-situ stress state. However, a lack of suitable core samples necessitated that rock mechanical tests be performed on core from a similar interval in another reservoir. The validity of its use as an analogue to this reservoir was examined. The rock mechanical properties were used to evaluate yield zone formation during drilling, allowing a safe minimum mudweight for horizontal wells to be determined. A computer model simulating well performance and near-wellbore flows predicted that a yield zone would form under most operating conditions and sand production should therefore be anticipated.
OSTI ID:
468275
Report Number(s):
CONF-961003--
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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