Drilling fluids in complicated conditions: a review

Abstract

The review in this article focuses on various aspects of drilling extended reach (ERD) wells. Reaching extreme depths and setting world records for deviation illustrates the importance of well design and operating strategies. Studies of articles describing various locations, including Sakhalin Island in Russia and offshore Vietnam, provide insight into ERD operations. Furthermore, the challenges of drilling in specific geological conditions, such as layered sandstones and reactive clay, are considered. Particular attention is paid to issues related to wellbore instability and drilling fluid optimization. The results of technical studies highlight the key role of maintaining wellbore stability in achieving successful ERD results. The articles emphasize the importance of understanding geomechanical factors, employing optimal mud weight, lubrication, and specialized drilling fluids to counteract instability. It demonstrates that maintaining appropriate mud weights and employing specific drilling techniques are crucial for mitigating instability-related issues. The integration of mechanical and chemical approaches is advocated for effectively managing shale-related instability. The utilization of innovative materials and fluid systems is central to the successful resolution of stability-related problems. The incorporation of micronized sealing polymers in conjunction with conventional plugging materials is detailed as an effective approach to counter wellbore instability. The synergistic combination of materials, additives and mud salinity is showcased to achieve effective shale stabilization and optimize drilling time. The authors emphasize the importance of selecting the optimal composition for each well based on experience and laboratory testing and present laboratory-tested solutions that have been successfully applied in field operations. In summary, these articles collectively offer insights into a range of strategies to combat wellbore instability. They cover the use of advanced materials, innovative fluid systems, and chemical approaches to maintain wellbore stability, improve drilling efficiency, and reduce nonproductive time.