Numerical Simulation and Analysis of Leakage Resistance of Plugging Materials

DOI: https://doi.org/10.62517/jcte.202406219

Author(s)

Chen Wang1, Weiyuan Pan1, Tingting Yu2,*

Affiliation(s)

1CNOOC Changzhou Paint and Coatings Industry Research Institute Co., Ltd, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China 2Institute of Petroleum Engineering, Northeast Petroleum University, Daqing, Heilongjiang, China *Corresponding Author.

Abstract

Addressing the well leakage issues encountered during drilling in volcanic clastic rock formations, this paper thoroughly analyzes the causes of well wall instability and frequent loss, and explores the possibility of improving plugging efficiency and well wall stability through scientifically formulated plugging materials (lost circulation materials, LCMs). Focusing on the common problems of plugging materials in such complex formations—such as poor adaptability to the leakage layer, inadequate temperature resistance, and insufficient pressure-bearing capacity, the paper introduces a new scientific plugging strategy aimed at increasing the success rate of plugging and improving the replicability of plugging methods. The study employs experimental and numerical simulation methods to optimize and evaluate different formulas of plugging materials for their leakage resistance and borehole wall stabilization in the drilling fluid system. The research results show that a carefully designed combination of rigid and flexible materials can achieve better plugging results in performance tests for fractures of various widths, with formulas one and four performing particularly well. Therefore, choosing the appropriate plugging material formulation plays a significant role in enhancing the success rate of a single plugging attempt and well wall stability, which is crucial for ensuring drilling safety and progress.

Keywords

Plugging Material; Leakage Resistance; Borehole Wall Stabilization; Numerical Simulation

References

[1] Wu Xiaohong, Lu Shuqin, Zhu Kuanliang. Research and effect evaluation of drilling fluid system for protecting reservoir in deep natural gas reservoir in Nanbotan Sea. Offshore Oil, 2017, 37(03):23-28. [2] Wu Xiaohong, Cui Yingzhong. Characterization of mudstone in Jidong 1 and 2 formations and optimization of drilling fluid system. Chemical and Biological Engineering, 2021, 38(04):52-55. [3] Chen Jinxia, Zhou Yan, Zhu Kuanliang, Ding Yi, Liang Lixi. Stability analysis of well wall in hard and brittle mud shale of Dongying Formation in Jidong Oilfield. Science, Technology & Engineering, 2018, 18(20):109-115. [4] Lv Jinshuai, Li Yuxiong, Yu Hui, Ren Huipeng. Well leakage prevention and plugging technology in drilling engineering. Automation Application, 2024, 65 (02): 126-128. [5] Wang Luyi, Li Deping, Zhao Chenggang, Chen Shengmao. Discussion on the causes of well leakage and leakage prevention and plugging technology. China Petroleum and Chemical Standards and Quality, 2023, 43(08):140-142. [6] Wang Jian, Lu Shuqin, Zhu Kuanliang, Xiang Xingjin, Chen Jinxia, et al. Study on drilling fluids for wall stabilization in medium-depth mud shale in Nanbao Oilfield. Offshore Oil, 2012, 32 (01): 92-96. [7] Li Zhanwei, Jiang Zhuo, Deng Wei, Xiao He, Yu Guowei, Li Quanle. Research on the evaluation method of anti-collapse performance of deep mudstone drilling fluid in Jidong Oilfield. Inner Mongolia Petrochemical, 2017, 43 (10): 103-106. [8] Wang Jianhua, Yan Jenian, Su Shanlin. A new method for evaluating well wall stability in hard and brittle mud shale. Oil Drilling Technology, 2006, (02): 28-30+83. [9] Yang Xianjun. Analysis of well leakage prevention and plugging technology in drilling en-gineering. China Petroleum and Chemical Standards and Quality, 2019, 39 (11): 231-232. [10] Tang Deyong. Well leakage prevention and plugging technology in drilling engineering. Western Exploration Engineering, 2022, 34(06):95-97. [11] D Sui, Y Sun, J Zhao, D Sui, F Zhao, J Xu. Research on a New Oil Based Drilling Fluid System. IOP Conference Series: Earth and Environmental Science, 2018, 170(2): 022044-022044. [12] J. Cai, M. E. Chenevert, M. M. Sharma, J. Friedheim. Decreasing Water Invasion Into Atoka Shale Using Nonmodified Silica Nanoparticles.SPE Drilling Completion, 2012, 27(01):103-112. [13] Adam W. Wellbore Strengthening in Shales With Nanoparticle-Based Drilling Fluids.Journal of Petroleum Technology, 2015, 67(11):80-81. [14] Sun Jinsheng, Su Yinao, Luo Pingya, Liu Yuqing. Study on the mechanism of ultra-low-permeability drilling fluids to improve formation pressure-bearing capacity. Drilling Fluid & Completion Fluid, 2005, (05):1-3+81.