Drilling Research Program - Brief Project Descriptions

Please see the Drilling Research page for more information.

Membrane Effiency Behavior of Shale

Principal Investigators: Martin E. Chenevert, Mukul M. Sharma
Background - Shales are sedimentary rocks that have distinct laminated layers and moderate to
high clay content. Shales are vulnerable to phenomena such as swelling, shrinking, hydration,
strength reduction and failure. Dzialowski et al. (1993) states that over 90% of the formations
drilled worldwide are classified as shale formations. He further explains that about 75% of drilling
operationsÕ problems are related to Shales. Wellbore instability, hole enlargement, stuck pipe, high
torque and drag, and side tracking are some of the most challenging drilling problems related to
shale formations. Wellbore instability problems cost the petroleum industry an estimated $500
million a year (van Oort et al., 1996). There is a great need for understanding shale and drilling
fluids interactions.
Motivation - Most shale problems stem from the fact that shales are highly water-sensitive
formations. Shale hydration leads to strength reduction and failure. Researchers have found that
dehydration of the shale could lead to an increase in the shale strength and thus avoid wellbore
failure. Chenevert (1970) states that stimulating the water flow out of the shale and into the
wellbore can strengthen the shale. Water flow out of the shale and into the wellbore requires the
existence of an effective osmotic gradient in the wellbore. In order to build an effective osmotic
pressure gradient in the wellbore, a shale and drilling fluid system must produce a high osmotic
pressure gradient in the wellbore and exhibit high membrane efficiency. The osmotic pressure
gradient and shale membrane efficiency concepts have spurred much research and interest.
Objectives
 1. To investigate and analyze the mechanisms that control the membrane behavior of shales
through the use of pressure transmission and electrochemical potential tests.
2. To study the effects of salt type and concentration gradients on the membrane efficiency and
the modified diffusion potential for different shales and drilling fluid systems.
3. To qualitatively establish a relationship between the membrane efficiency and the modified
diffusion potential for shales.
4. To verify the validity and limitations of existing mathematical models presented by Lomba et
al. (2000). Modifications to these mathematical models will be introduced if necessary.

Strength and Sonic Properties of Shale

Research Objectives:
 Study the influence of flux of ions and water on the sonic
velocity and shale strength
 Obtain the relationship among water activity , sonic velocity
and shale strength
 Use sonic logging data to determine shale strength and well
bore state

Experimental Approach:
 Obtain atmospheric and sonic properties of shale before and
after contact with various fluids
 Perform uniaxial and/or biaxial compressive strength tests
 Measure sonic and strength properties concurrently under
biaxial conditions, while contacting with various fluids

Conclusions:
 Micro-cracks in most rocks decrease their strength
 The sonic velocity decreases as water activity increases and
different rocks have a different response to the water activity
change
 Acoustic logging data can be used to determine the
formation mechanical parameters
 Shale strength reduction reflected in decrease in sonic velocity

Shale Coating Agents

Principal Investigators: Martin E. Chenevert, Mukul M. Sharma
Research Objectives:
 To develop a reliable and simple testing method that uses laboratory-scale equipment to
investigate shale/water-based drilling fluid interactions
 To study the working mechanisms and evaluate the performances of shale coating agents to
have a better understanding of how they work in shale stabilization

Scope of Work:
  Experimental study of asphaltic-type additives, i.e, Bore-Plate (blended Gilsonite) and Soltex
(sulfonated asphalts)
o Simple concept in shale stabilization: physical action to plug shale pores, resulting in
minimizing filtrate invasion (permeability reduction)
o Simple mud system
o Proven as a borehole stabilizer in some degree
 Quantification of their performances by the measurement of permeability reduction

Conclusions:
1. Modified static filtration study can be a method to investigate the effects of the asphaltic-type
additives on the shale stabilization
2. Bore-Plate and Soltex show the ability to reduce fluid invasion rate into the shale matrix in the
freshwater-based mud system
3. The reduction in fluid invasion rate results from the reduction of shale permeability
4. Soltex as well as Bore-Plate requires temperature to perform their functions
5. Both Bore-Plate and Soltex can reduce the shale permeability up to 50% under static filtration
condition and at high temperature, i.e. 180 deg F
6. The working mechanism of these asphaltic additives is to form a physical block inside the
shale pores at specific temperature and pressure, consequently decrease the shale
permeability
7. The hydraulic invasion as well as the osmotic invasion is minimized

See the Drilling, Well Completions, and Rock Mechanics page for information on related research.
Last updated: May 5, 2003
URL: http://www.cpge.utexas.edu/dwcrm/drilling.html