Investigation of Formation Damage Induced During Drill-In Process of Ultradeep Fractured Tight Sandstone Gas Reservoirs

Abstract

Ultradeep fractured tight sandstone gas reservoir is easy to suffer from severe formation damage during the drill-in process, yet few papers have been published on the corresponding formation damage mechanisms. This paper focuses on a typical ultradeep fractured tight sandstone reservoir in the Tarim Basin, China. Fluid sensitivity damage, phase trapping damage, and the formation damage induced by oil-based drill-in fluids were evaluated by a serious of modified experimental methods. As a supplement, the rock physics and surface property were analyzed deeply. Results showed that severe fluid sensitivity damage occurred with a decrease in fluid salinity (critical value: 3/4 formation water salinity (FWS)) and an increase in fluid pH value (critical value: pH = 7.5). The change in water film thickness, the enhancement of hydrophilia, particle detachment, and dissolution of quartz/albite under high formation temperature are the main damage mechanisms. Abnormal low water saturation, mixed wettability, abundant clay minerals, and complex pore structures are contributing to the severe phase trapping damage. The dynamic damage rate of oil-based drill-in fluids is 60.01%, and inadequate loading capacity is the main trigger of lost circulation. Finally, a formation damage control strategy was proposed, and a field test proved its feasibility.