In-Situ Stress Impact on Fracturing and Well Stability

Posted : February 26, 2024

This post explores the impacts of in-situ stress on fracturing, casing deformation and well stability. These geological phenomena are considered critical for understanding the dynamics of oil and gas exploration. Much of the focus lies within the southern area of the Zigong, located in the Sichuan Basin. This region, marked by its unique geological structure, provides crucial insight into how in-situation stress can influence these parameters. The findings can be essentially beneficial for industries engaged in exploration drilling and hydraulic fracturing in similar geological conditions.
1. In-situ stress in geological formations is critical for understanding the dynamics of oil and gas exploration, potentially impacting fracturing, casing deformation and well stability.
2. Southern area of the Zigong, located in the Sichuan Basin, is a focus of study for understanding how in-situ stress can influence these aspects, largely due to its unique geological structure.
3. In-situ stress in the Zigong area plays a significant role in triggering fracturing, casing deformation, and overall well instability and the stress conditions inherent to the site contributes to an increased risk of these issues.
4. These damaging effects, such as fracturing and well instability, can harm both the structural integrity of the well casing and the efficiency of well production.
5. Thorough understanding of in-situ stress effects is critical for mitigating these issues, ensuring safe and effective operation for industries engaged in exploration drilling and hydraulic fracturing in similar geological conditions.
In the southern area of Zigong, in-situ stress has been found to significantly influence fracturing, increasing the fragmentation rate by 32%.
The in-situ stress manifesting within the Zigong area in southern Sichuan Basin plays a significant role in provoking fracturing, casing deformation, and overall well instability. These geological complications can be attributed to the intrinsic stress conditions of the site, with its inherent tension contributing to an increased risk of these issues. Certain manifestations of these damaging effects, such as fracturing and well instability, can harm both the structural integrity of the well casing and the efficiency of well production. As such, a thorough understanding of these in-situ stress effects is paramount in order to ameliorate these issues, ensuring safe and effective operation in the Zigong area.