Wellbore Trajectory Control Techniques for Horizontal Well in the Jiangdong and Pingqiao Blocks of the Fuling Shale Gas Field

The geological conditions of Jiangdong and Pingqiao Blocks can be characterized as fault development and significant stratigraphic traps.Trajectory control in horizontal well drilling encountered large deviations in geological prediction,frequent trajectory adjustments,difficulty in hitting the target,heavy directional back pressures and other challenges.To solve these technical problems,research was conducted in wellbore track parameters and profile optimization,collaboration and optimization of drilling tools’ assemblies and drilling parameters and the introduction of rotary steering system,near-bit MWD and other guided drilling techniques.In addition,operations deployed gauge protecting PDC bits,mixed bits,hydraulic oscillators and other trajectory control techniques in horizontal well drilling in the Jiangdong and Pingqiao Blocks of the Fuling Area.Field application results showed that direction drilling operation efficiency can be enhanced significantly through borehole profile and drilling parameters optimization as well as the deployment of optimal drilling assemblies.Through the application of a rotary steering system,near-bit MWD and other guided drilling techniques,the rate of penetration (ROP) can be enhanced for 161%,whereas the drilling rate in high quality reservoirs achieved 90% or more.Through the comprehensive deployment of friction reduction tools,the ROP can be further enhanced for more than 20%,whereas direction backing pressures can be minimized effectively.The innovative wellbore trajectory control techniques in drilling horizontal wells in Jiangdong and Pingqiao Blocks,Fuling Area can effectively remove relevant difficulties and might provide reliable support for productivity enhancement.