New Approach to Geomechanics Solves Serious Horizontal Drilling Problems in Challenging Unconventional Plays

Abstract

Summary URTeC 1560046 A new risk-based approach to geomechanics analysis, called ‘depth of failure,’ is having game-changing results and solving serious problems when constructing horizontal wells in troublesome unconventional shale plays. This approach combines technically sound engineering with drilling and geomechanics integration and provides a solution that is more valuable to the drilling community. This workflow is being implemented to allow complex wells to be drilled successfully, where failure had previously been a high risk.