Wellbore Stability Analysis Using Elastoplastic and Thermo-Elastoplastic Approaches

Abstract

Abstract Wellbore stability modeling has been known in the oil and gas industry and academia for a long time. The instability-related issues significantly impact field developments, especially in complex deep reservoirs. This instability can substantially jeopardize the drilling objectives, leading to poor wellbore conditions. Most available software uses simple linear elastic modeling approaches to predict wellbore failure and determine the safe mud weight for the planned boreholes. This assumption might lead to inaccurate results. The main objective of this research is to use an elastoplastic modeling approach to predict a yielded zone around the wellbore using Finite Element Modeling (FEM). These elastoplastic models were used in conjunction with the Drucker-Prager yield criteria. The yielded zone is interpreted utilizing volumetric strain analysis. The result of this study will be used for any potential breakout development while drilling that might lead to increase wellbore stability-related problems. The damage or yielded zone results will be used for completion packer positioning to avoid pressure communications while packers expand. These novel techniques will be applied to compute wellbore stability for tight sandstone formation. The methodology can be applied to other locations using the FEM approach.