Integrated Workflow Solutions Deliver Breakthrough in Sichuan Shale Gas Drilling
Authors: Li Wenzhe , Tang Liang , Zhuang Ye , Zhang Lu , Cai Yifan , Yao Yanhua , Huang Xingning , Gui Feng , Gao Wei , Ma Ji 
Published: June 2021

The Sichuan shale gas deposits are in remote, mountainous regions and the gas-bearing rocks are deep and in tectonically complicated areas. The plan to make shale gas account for more than 40% of the Chinese total natural gas production by 2040 requires shorter well delivery periods and higher well productions. It is therefore crucial to improve the overall drilling efficiency with the limited rig capability and geological challenges.

To improve capital efficiency, a multi-disciplinary approach integrating subsurface understanding with well engineering and drilling practices was implemented. Central to this drilling optimization effort are risk mitigation strategies, utilizing solutions based on robust geomechanical understanding and critical drilling experience reviews, engineered to improve wellbore placement, drilling fluid formulation, and bit and BHA designs. A novel wellbore-strengthening oil-based mud system was implemented to maintain shale stability. A rotary steerable drilling system and reservoir navigation technology were deployed together with the application of specific poly-crystalline diamond compact (PDC) bit design. A new-generation advanced cuttings analysis method was also applied with the lithology, organic matter and fracability of rock could be evaluated in real time to assist the reservoir navigation during the drilling.

This integrated solution was deployed in the drilling of 8 ½" holes of Changning Shale gas field. A cross-functional team was formed so that the operator, the drilling contractor and the service company can collaborate closely with expertise across multiple functions and disciplines. Suitable mud weight was provided by the detailed geomechanical analysis to account for the high pore pressure and near bed-parallel drilling conditions. To place the laterals in the thin targeted sub-layer with high TOC, a rotary steerable system (RSS) with azimuthal GR provide not only precise steering and directional controls, but also enable increased reservoir coverage by expanding the lateral section as well as drilling the build and horizontal sections in a single run without BHA trips. The combination of RSS with specialized bits as an optimized bit and BHA system maximizes the steering performance while delivering superior borehole quality by reducing drill string vibration and the minimizing mechanical specific energy, all of which contribute to the overall improvement in the well delivery efficiency.

This integrated drilling solution has achieved remarkable results by doubling the average rate of penetration (ROP) to 15.5m/h compared to an offset well on the same pad of 7.4m/h. The well was placed successfully in the targeted zone with a 100% reservoir contact. And the total drilling time was shortened by 40% compared to similar wells nearby. The integrated solution has brought breakthrough to improve the well delivery efficiency in the China shale gas development.

This paper describes the integrated workflow solutions and detailed technical optimizations of the 8 ½" section drilling process.