An elastoplastic semi-analytical solution for enhanced geothermal wellbore stability considering temperature-sensitive failure criterion

Abstract

Temperature alters the rocks’ mechanical behavior and influences the stability and operation of enhanced geothermal wells. The stability of the well is a concern during construction, just after the construction, at the time of production, and injection. Most available analytical and semi-analytical solutions for wellbore stability do not account for rock's temperature-dependent yield behavior. In the present study, we proposed an elastoplastic constitutive model based on the temperature-sensitive yield criterion and a semi-analytical solution for wellbore stability. The applicability of the constitutive model is demonstrated by comparing the experimental results of Comiso limestone with the model output. The model elastic perfectly plastic assumption reasonability captures the stress-strain behavior at elevated temperatures. Temperature-sensitive yield criterion effectively predicts the yield point of Comiso limestone, even the substantial decay in yield stress after the temperature of 400 οC. The semi-analytical solution of wellbore stability analysis is validated using FE (Finite element) analysis. An implementation of the semi-analytical solution is showcased for a vertical wellbore, considering changes in in-situ stresses and temperature. A parametric analysis establishes that external factors, like vertical stress increase, do not consistently decrease the size of the plastic zone. Instead, a specific threshold of vertical stress exists at which the plastic zone radius reaches its minimum value. In the presented case, the least radius of the plastic zone is observed for in-situ vertical stress of 80 MPa. Furthermore, the parametric study examines the impact of horizontal stress, support pressure, temperature, and dilation parameter, which followed the generally reported trends.