Williston Basin: An analysis of salt drilling techniques for brine-based drilling-fluid systems

Journal Article · Tue Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1988 · SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Drill. Eng.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2118/15152-PA· OSTI ID:6983375

Stash, S M; Jones, M E

Williston Basin salt intervals, ranging in depth from 5,000 to 12,500 ft (1525 to 3810 m), have been responsible for widespread casing collapse because of the plastic movement of evaporites and the subsequent point loading of casing. This phenomenon is attributable to poor cement jobs across excessively eroded salt sections. A 2-year study led to the realization that this erosion is a function of not only salt dissolution but also the mechanical action of turbulent flow in the wellbore. A laminar flow regime can be realized and salt enlargement limited by careful control of annular flow rate, jet velocity, and drilling-fluid rheology.

• Research Organization: Arco Oil and Gas Co. (US)
• OSTI ID: 6983375
• Journal Information: SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Drill. Eng.; (United States), Journal Name: SPE (Society of Petroleum Engineers) Drill. Eng.; (United States) Vol. 3:1; ISSN SDENE
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020300* -- Petroleum-- Drilling & Production
03 NATURAL GAS
030300 -- Natural Gas-- Drilling
Production
& Processing
BRINES
CEMENTING
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
CORROSIVE EFFECTS
DAMAGE
DRILLING FLUIDS
DYNAMIC LOADS
EROSION
FLUID FLOW
FLUID MECHANICS
FLUIDS
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
HYDRODYNAMICS
LAMINAR FLOW
MECHANICS
NATURAL GAS WELLS
OIL WELLS
SALT DEPOSITS
SEDIMENTARY BASINS
STRATA MOVEMENT
WELL CASINGS
WELLS