Acceleration Potentials Analysis of Shale Gas Horizontal Well Drilling in the South Pingqiao Block of Fuling

Abstract

The Fuling South Pingqiao Block is the main production area for the second phase of the productivity construction of Fuling Shale Gas field. This paper provides technical reference and guidance for further accelerating the development and improving the efficiency of this block, and for the efficient exploration and development of subsequent peripheral blocks. First, the current drilling technical systems of this block were analyzed. Based on the mature experiences of Fuling Phase Ⅰ, rotary steering drilling technology was applied in the drilling scheme. At the same time, foam cementing test was carried out while geo-steering while drilling technique was improved to establish the drilling technical systems with regional characteristics. The combination of improvements greatly reduced the drilling cycle compared with the initial stage of development. On this basis, taking the stratum and spud times as the boundaries, the acceleration potentials and challenges in South Pingqiao Block were analyzed. It was found that the second spud section presented the maximum acceleration potentials, and the challenges limiting acceleration were the low ROP and small single bit footage in the Longtan Formation/Maokou Formation of the second spud section, as well as the long drilling period and frequent lost circulation in the Hanjiadian Formation and the Xiaoheba Formation, etc. In view of the difficulties of acceleration, the technical plans for acceleration with rotary/percussion drilling and lost circulation control with pressure control and density management were developed. The research results could provide guidanceand serve as a model to accelerate the exploration and development of the South Pingqiao Block of the Fuling Gas Field.

AAPG Datapages/Search and Discovery Article #130003© Petroleum Drilling Techniques, Issue 4, 2018