Work

Collapse Pressure Prediction for Marine Shale Wellbores Considering Drilling Fluid Invasion-Induced Strength Degradation: A Bedding Plane Slip Model

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The stability of deep marine shale wellbores is influenced by both bedding anisotropy and drilling fluid intrusion. Existing models fail to adequately account for the coupled effects of intrusion depth and strength degradation. This study, targeting Longmaxi Formation shale, established a collapse pressure prediction model incorporating drilling fluid intrusion depth through direct shear tests and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) techniques. Experimental results indicate that shear strength reaches its minimum at β = 45°, decreasing by approximately 60% compared to β = 0° or 90°. Intrusion causes exponential decay in bedding plane strength, with the cohesion degradation coefficient λc = 0.158 mm−1 significantly exceeding the internal friction angle degradation coefficient λφ = 0.089 mm−1. Sensitivity analysis indicates that bedding angle and invasion depth rank third (±3%) and fourth (±1.5%), respectively, in influencing collapse pressure. Field validation confirmed excellent model prediction accuracy (R2 = 0.956; RMSE = 0.55 MPa; MAPE = 1.05%), with all errors below 4%. This model accurately predicts the time-varying characteristics of collapse pressure, providing a theoretical basis for optimizing the design of drilling fluid density.

Source: Eng—Advances in Engineering

DOI: 10.3390/eng6120353

Authors: Zhilei Zhang, Chunping Li, Yuan Geng, Baohua Yu, Sicong Meng, Lihui Wang

Institutions: China University of Geosciences (Beijing), China University of Petroleum, Beijing, Shandong University

Language: English

Topic: Drilling and Well Engineering

Subfield: Ocean Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,448

Funder: China National Petroleum Corporation