Rock mechanics aspects of drilling and completing highly inclined wells in weak formations
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This paper reviews how rock mechanics concepts may be used to predict borehole stability during the drilling and production phases of field development. Cases are presented to illustrate the impact of in-situ stresses on drilling, completion, and production operations. The stability of highly inclined or horizontal wells is greatly influenced by rock strength and the effective vertical stress; which increases as the pore pressure in the reservoir drops. Factoring rock mechanics data into reservoir development plans can potentially save millions of dollars by reducing drilling and completion costs, and earn additional revenue through having more productive wells.