TRIAXIAL COMPRESSION STUDY OF CLAY SAMPLES

Abstract

The paper presents a unique method for studying mudstone samples using an independent triaxial compression unit developed at the Department of Oil and Gas Well Drilling, Samara State Technical University. Drilling directional and horizontal wells has difficulties associated with wellbore stability. Stability is directly determined by the strength and deformation characteristics of the rocks, and also takes into account anisotropy, bottomhole pressure and wellbore configuration. In this regard, there are emergency situations at the rig: scree and collapse of the walls of wells in the intervals of unstable rocks. The purpose of the study is to study the core properties to prevent these complications during the design phase. Analysis of rock compression test methods was performed. The method of study is physical modeling of mountain stress at the plant for triaxial compression. The work presents a phased study plan. Analysis of the problem of microcracking of mudstones was also carried out. Based on the design characteristics of plant classes for independent triaxial loading, the installation of the second class with multi-stop systems was chosen. At this stage, the installation is equipped with software. Experiments were carried out according to the first loading program, that is, first the core sample was uniformly compressed along all three axes in one position, and then in a turned position on the 90º. Pressure versus displacement plots were obtained. After processing the results, you can find the Poisson ratio, Young’s modulus, and shear modulus, as well as determine anisotropy. In the future, it is planned to conduct experiments on core saturation.