Application of research of the relationship between ground stress and fractures in the trajectory optimization of horizontal wells

From the perspective of improving single well production and wellbore stability, stress field and natural fractures are the factors which have to be taken into account in the development of horizontal wells of the complex carbonate oil and gas fields in Kuqa piedmont and platform-basin transitional area. On the one hand, as the present stress field is the key factor to control fracture permeability, the trajectory of horizontal wells should pass through fracture system with good permeability as much as possible, being conducive to the effective stimulation of the reservoir. On the other hand, at the state of specific stress, the stability of well trajectory varies with directions. Therefore, before drilling horizontal wells, it is necessary to fully analyze the quantitative relationship between the present stress state and natural fracture occurrence and mechanical characteristics, etc., to optimize and determine a well trajectory conducive to high yield and wellbore stability. In this study, firstly, the fundamental principles for evaluating the present stress state and analyzing the relationship between the stress and fractures were described. Then based on the relationship between them, the occurrence and longitudinal positions of permeability fractures were analyzed. Apart from that, the stability index and fracture opening pressure distribution of wells in different directions at given stress state and fracture system were also analyzed. Finally, the optimization scheme for trajectory of horizontal wells under complex conditions was discussed with three aspects taken into account, i.e. best drilling in permeability fractures, wellbore stability and drilled reservoir stimulation. © (2013) Trans Tech Publications, Switzerland.