Specifics of mechanical and strength rock properties estimation for wells drilling and exploitation

Abstract

The paper describes the estimation specifics of mechanical and strength rock properties for well drilling and exploitation. Important processes throughtout oil and gas fields’ lifetime (well drilling, exploitation, hydraulic fracturing, etc.) need accurate estimation of current stress state, correct well logs and core data interpretation, position identification of layers intersected by well, etc. The authors of this paper demonstrate problems in the process of coring, core transportation, lab studies, interpretation and usage of experimental data for borehole stability models creation. These models can be used in forecasting hole wall while well drilling and exploitation. Specifics of each step are described, starting with the first vital step in core research workflow – core extracting, and finishing with specifics of hydraulic fracture strength estimation.