SPE 78494
A mechanical model of shale instability problems offshore Abu Dhabi
K. Yamamoto, Y. Shioya, Japan National Oil Corporation, T. Matsunaga, Japan Oil Development Corporation,
S. Kikuchi and Ibrahim Tantawi, Zakum Development Company
Copyright 2002, Society of Petroleum Engineers Inc.
This paper was prepared for presentation at the 10
th
Abu Dhabi International Petroleum
Exhibition and Conference, 13-16 October 2002.
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Abstract
Natures of Nahr Umr shale instability problems in Zakum
field are studied in Geomechanical and chemical views.
Literatures, past drilling data, wireline logging and well test
data, and analysis of cuttings and cores are studied to define
the cause of the problem and find the way to fix it.
By using the record of past drilling troubles, problems are
likely in the highly deviated well, and relationship between
drilling direction and trouble occurrence is not clear. It has
obvious relationship with mud weight and chemicals, however
the causality is not clear.
The Geomechanical model was set for the formation from
the analyzed data, available literatures and measured data in
the recently drilled well. Also, mechanical and chemical
characteristics of the shale are examined with cuttings
recovered from wells, and cores from past wells.
Mineralogical test are mechanical strength measurements are
performed for the samples. Observation and testing of the
samples unveil the fact that the shale has severe anisotropic
feature of the mechanical strength and physical feature such as
permeability.
By integrating the facts and findings, the authors determine
the failure mode as bedding plane failure caused by its
anisotropic feature and pressure penetration. Counter measures
are proposed based on the numerical studies of poro-elastic
and discontinuous modeling.
Introduction
Nahr Umr formation constitutes the cap rock of Thamama
formation, the main reservoir of Upper Zakum field. The shale
formation spread widely in the southern part of Arabian Gulf,
and hole instability problems occurred in the shale is one of
the key interests for the oil industry in the Middle East.
However, nature of the rock varies place-by-place, and depth-
by-depth, the troubles we encounter are unique for each field,
and we do not expect any single solution to overcome them.
Recent development of Geomechanics and Rock
Mechanics approaches for wellbore instability issue gives
opportunity to find solutions of such problems. However, the
shale instability is complicated phenomenon, and integration
of the knowledge and expertise are required. (Fadaq and
Tantawi, 2000). In the real situation, available data is limited,
nature of the rock failure is far complicated than simplified
mechanical models, and many elements are involved in the
phenomena. Furthermore, the controllable factors for drilling
engineers are limited. Thus, we should carefully watch the
nature, and continuously improve the understanding of it.
ZADCO (Zakum Development Company), JODCO (Japan
Oil Development Corporation) and JNOC (Japan National Oil
Corporation) have jointly studied the nature and counter
measures of the shale troubles. In this paper, we show
available information about failure modes of the shale, and
model the mechanical failures.
Scheme of the study
The scheme of the study is summarized in Fig. 1.
Available data for us is past drilling trouble reports (morning
reports and documents), rock samples (cores and cuttings),
electrical logging, and knowledge and experiences of
engineers.
Since a shale section is not an interest of production, rock
samples and logging data is limited. Furthermore, critical hole
conditions in the shale prevent us to gather new data. In the
past two years, we have collected information available in
Nahr Umr formation in Upper Zakum field with the
cooperation of managements, geologists, and drilling
engineers and crews, and looked over them. Chemical and
mechanical information of the formation rock are collected.
Geomechanical condition is tentatively set up, and failure
mechanism is anticipated. Both of them should be corrected
and improved through the implementation of proposed counter
measures, and monitoring.
Various aspects of shale instability
Solutions of the drilling troubles are derived through
comprehensive scientific and technical studies. Especially,
2 Y. SHIOYA, K. YAMAMOTO, T. FUJIEDA, S. KIKUCHI, I. TANTAWI
shale problem is complicated because the rock is involved in
many in various views of
Failure modes Any sedimentary rock shows more ductile
and less brittle nature than crystalline material such as granite.
In many cases in shallow shale formation, plastic deformation
and subsequent sloughing is the dominant mechanical failure
mode. However, the situation in deeper formation is different.
Well-compacted shale is hard and brittle, and loses soundness
soon after peak strength. The typical depth of Nahr Umr
formation (2500-3000m) is a transition zone of two opposite
failure mode.
Chemical reaction between clay mineral and drilling
fluid The first viewpoint to see the shale is its chemical
activity. If the shale contains higher active clay mineral
(smectite and illite-smectite mixed layers) contents, the main
cause of the trouble is considered to be the hydration of the
minerals, which cause swelling of the shale minerals, reduce
the strength and sloughing. However, it does not mean that the
chemical aspect is negligible in lower smectite content cases.
In case of Nahr Umr shale in Zakum field, the chemical
reaction between drilling fluid and clay minerals is still
important even though the smectite contents is not
significantly high.
Anisotropy and discontinuity To setup a mechanical
failure model, we often assume that the rock is isotropic,
continuous, and homogeneous, and overall material properties
such as elastic modulus, porosity, permeability are represented
by a single value for each parameter. This assumption can lead
complete misunderstanding of the nature of the failure. In
many cases, rock failure is dominated not by overall parameter
but by local heterogeneity and anisotropy. In case of laminated
shale, the bedding plane is the origin of the anisotropy of
strength, elasticity, and permeability. Also, the natural and
drilling induced micro fissures along the bedding plane cause
discontinuity of the rock matrix, and enhance the anisotropy
again.
Pore fluid motion and poroelasticity Exchange of pore
fluid and drilling fluid through the wellbore cause not only
chemical reaction of clay but mechanical failures. Generally
speaking, the shale has very low permeability which causes
time dependent pore-pressure change, and reduce or increase
effective stresses, and leads delayed failure. In case of fissured
shale, fluid can move in both rock matrix and fractures.
Analysis of drilling troubles
We investigate the past drilling troubles occurred in 12-
1/4 section of more than 140 wells which have been drilled
from 1990 to 1993 in Upper Zakum field. Here, the troubles
include stuck pipes and subsequent bit back off and side
tracking. It is difficult to distinguish stuck pipe caused by
another reason from hole instability related phenomena.
However, most of the events should be related to shale
instability because other troubles such as differential stuck are
not common in this section. Our viewpoints to look over the
records are relations between trouble occurrences and hole
conditions such as hole trajectories, mud types, and mud
weight.
SPE 78494
History of the troubles Fadaq and Tantawi (2000) show the
examples of the changed situation in an original hole drilled
earlier and sidetrack hole drilled recently from the mother
hole. In the examples, higher mud weights are applied to
sidetrack holes, however it does not work well to improve the
conditions. We proved the fact statistically.
The troubles increased since 1993 as shown in Fig. 2, and
the situation was worsened through 1990s. In the year of
2000, a Gilsonite polymer mud inhibitor was used, and
believed to contribute the improvement of the situation. The
fact that the situation was changed through past 12 years
suggests that 1) the troubles are related to changeable causes.
2) The situation can be improved if the condition is adjusted
more suitable.
Hole trajectory The relation between drilling troubles and
hole direction (azimuth and deviation angle) is shown in Fig.
3. Most of the troubles are occurred in highly deviated wells.
No obvious worse or better orientation is found. No
trouble is occurred in the holes with lower than 30 degree
deviation.
Mud weight Generally speaking, higher mud weight reduces
the compressional tangential stress and increases the normal
stress on wellbore, and keep the hole stable. However, in Nahr
Umr formation of Upper Zakum field, the troubles are not
reduced by higher mud weight as shown in Fig. 4. There are
two interpretations for the fact; 1) even higher mud weight
applied to the drilled holes is not sufficient and 2) higher mud
weight has counter effects on the hole stability. This is argued
later.
Mud salinity Appling high salinity mud is a conventional
measure to inhibit the shale sloughing. In the cases of Zakum
Nahr Umr formation, concentration of Cl- ion seems no
relationship with trouble occurrence as shown in Fig. 5.
Again, we can have two interpretations that the salinity is
insufficient, or too much. Tantawi (1999) suggested that the
too much high salinity dehydrate shale and lead a shrinkage of
the rock, and even cause fracturing, or reopen natural
fractures. In case of the data we obtained, Cl- concentration is
lower than pore fluid salinity. Thus, too much high is not
expected in those cases.
Observation of rock samples and measurements of
rock properties
Cuttings samples from borehole show different features for
each depth, such as various colors and qualities. On the
surface two different types of the cuttings are seen. One is a
hard splinter, and the other is clod of fine particles.
Chemical composition of the shale is determined from
cuttings obtained from recently drilled wells. We have
obtained the samples of total 72 intervals of 5 wells.
Cores Cores of the shale are available in a few wells, and
most of them are recovered from the bottom of Nahr Umr. The
available cores are dehydrated, so we can acquire only
qualitative information.
SPE 78494 A mechanical model of shale instability problems offshore Abu Dhabi
Core samples are categorized as two different types:
massive but heavily disking samples, and smaller splinters as
shown in Fig. 6. Fine laminations of bedding planes are
observed on the samples, and the samples are easily broken
along the bedding plane. When the sample is immersed in
fresh water or low salinity brine (5% NaCl), it is immediately
fractured and split as shown in Fig. 7. In case of high salinity
brine (20% NaCl) and mineral oil, the fluids permeate, but the
sample is stable after 1 month.
Data acquisition program to obtained mechanical
information in a well
Intensive data gathering campaign in Nahr Umr formation was
carried out in a well drilled in 2001. Both LWD and wireline
logging tools were used to collect information of wellbore.
Summarized results are shown in Fig. 8.
Mechanical property related information Density and
compression and shear wave are measured with resistivity by
wire line logging. The dynamic elasticity is determined. The
data is used to determine the existence of overpressure.
Hole enlargement Sonic caliper data of LWD, and 6 arm
caliper data of wireline logging show severe hole enlargement
especially in the bottom part of Nahr Umr formation. The
wellbore instability is severer in the bottom part than other
sections, and is progressing along time. The hole diameter is
apparently widened between drilling and wireline logging, and
this suggest that the time dependent failure occurred around
the borehole.
Stress related information The sonic velocity anisotropy
measured by Dipole sonic tool is used to determine the stress
orientation. The result is described later.
Mini frac test Mini frac, direct and the most accurate method
to measure the minimum horizontal stress, is carried out with
MDT. The results are not valid to determine the stress because
the hydraulic fracture was not created, but a formation of the
sleeve fracture is used to constrain the stress states.
Mini frac test Mini frac, direct and the most accurate method
to measure the minimum horizontal stress, is carried out with
MDT. The results are not valid to determine the stress because
the hydraulic fracture was not created, but a formation of the
sleeve fracture is used to constrain the stress states.
Images Borehole images are available by a resistivity tool of
LWD.
Interpretation and analysis of the records are mentioned in
the next section.
Geomechanical condition
Stress state
Tectonic condition and literatures The southern part of
Arabian Gulf is southeastern edge of Arabian plate that is
bordered with Central Iranian Plate through Zagros crush zone
and Lut block through Makran fold belt. Focal mechanism of
seismic activities in the Iranian side of the Gulf suggests that
the tectonic stress of the region is dominated by compression
stress that is normal to Zagros range. Other minor tectonic
3
structures inside of the plate, and local salt dome formation
and faults may affect the stress state of each point.
Onaisi et al. (2000) interpreted pressure test records and
break-out analysis with DSA core testing, and determined the
stress state of 3000m depth in ABK field as reverse fault type
(Shmin=2.44, Sv=2.26SG, and SHMAX=3.43SG), and the
maximum horizontal stress axis is NE-SW. According to a
fracture and breakout study carried out by ADMA-OPCO
(2000) in Umm Shaif field, the stress regime in Thamama
formation is strike-slip fault type, and the maximum horizontal
stress axis is NW-SE.
Geomechanical analysis of Zakum reservoir Recent study
about natural and drilling induced fractures in Thamama
formation of Upper Zakum field conducted by ZADCO and
JNOC also suggests that the stress regime in the depth is also
strike-slip type, and the maximum horizontal stress direction is
N-S. In the depth of Nahr Umr shale is expected to be similar
to Thamama condition, but slight higher horizontal stresses
due to dense and harder (so higher Poisson's ratio and Young's
modulus) characteristics of the shale is expected.
Breakout direction Data from recent data acquisition
campaign also give some information about the stress states.
Hole diameters measured by LWD and wireline logging are
shown in Fig. 8. In the most section, diameters of both major
and minor axis are increased, so the data does not give direct
information of the stress orientation. From the image data, no
drilling induced fractures and break out was found. In the
shale section, the lamination is very thin and some time under
the resolution.
Dipole sonic log Dipole sonic tool (X-MAC) gives
maximum stress direction through sonic velocity anisotropy.
The data suggest that the maximum horizontal stress direction
is NW-SE which agrees with the macroscopic trend mentioned
above. However, the direction is also agreed with the hole
azimuth, so other factors such as bedding plane and anisotropy
of the elasticity may affect the results.
Mini frac Mini frac tests conducted twice in a formation
above the Nahr Umr formation do not give accurate minimum
horizontal stress, because sleeve fracture was created instead
hydraulic fracture at an interval, and no fracture was created in
another interval.
However, it can be used to constrain the stress state, and
suggested that Shmin does not exceed 2.0SG, and if Shmin is
1.75SG or higher, strike-slip fault type stress regime is likely,
as shown in Fig. 9.
Stable and instable drilling direction In case of strike-slip
stress regime, deviated holes to a certain direction is more
stable than vertical wells. As mentioned above, however, we
did not find any relation of drilling troubles and hole
orientation, and deviated holes are less stable. The reason of
this will be argued latter.
Overpressure Reduction of formation density and shear wave
velocity is observed in the bottom section of Nahr Umr
formation as shown in Fig. 8. The both information suggest
higher pore fluid saturation and porosity, therefore slight
4 Y. SHIOYA, K. YAMAMOTO, T. FUJIEDA, S. KIKUCHI, I. TANTAWI
overpressure. However, The section is same as severe wash
out zone, so the condition may affect the accuracy of the data.
Mechanical properties of the rock We have measured the
elastic wave velocities and strength of the shale samples
plugged out from core samples. Because available cores are
dehydrated and apparently weakened, we could not obtain
accurate data of the rock strength in the formation. Then, we
mainly watched the magnitude of the anisotropy.
Direct shear test was done for plugged cores with parallel
and normal direction of the bedding plane (Fig. 10). Also,
elastic velocities are measured through and along the bedding
plane. As the results, high strength and elasticity anisotropy is
measured as shown in Table 1.
Shale chemistry A typical mineral composition determined
by X-ray diffraction test, and water reactivity information of
CEC (Cation exchange capacity) determined by MBC
(Methylene blue capacity) and CST (Capillary saction time) is
shown in Fig. 11.
In the XRD data, Kaolinite is dominant component, and
illite-mica mixed layers is found in some depth. Reactive
smectite and illite-smectite mixed layers are not found. The
reactivity is moderate or slight high, and higher in the top of
Nahr Umr.
CEC values are moderate or slight reactive. CST values are
higher and water sensitive in the shallower depth. Hard
splinter cuttings are found in the mid depth of lower CST and
CEC. However, clod like shape is also found in lower
CST/CEC bottom section.
Model of the instability
According to the findings for Nahr Umr shale, we propose the
following failure mechanism.
Shear failure along bedding plane Strike-slip stress regime
is likely in the formation; so deviated holes to any direction
are anticipated to be more stable than vertical wells. However,
drilling troubles are recorded in drilling reports of highly
deviated wells. Operational factors such as hole cleaning is
one reason, but the shale instability might be also a cause of
such pipe stucks in the deviated hole.
By looking at other observation and measurements, the
failure of the shale must be related to the heterogeneity and
anisotropy of the strength which is caused by the existence of
the bedding plane and lamination.
The horizontal lamination is weak for shear stress as
presented by the direct shear tests. When a well is inclined,
shear stress is induced on the horizontal bedding.
Fig. 12 shows the schematics of a stress state near an
inclined well, and relation of normal stress to the bedding and
shear stress on the plane around the borehole which is
calculated in strike-slip fault type stress regime. If we consider
isotropic and homogeneous formation, a well inclined to the
minimum horizontal stress direction is the more stable than
vertical well or inclined well to other directions. On the other
SPE 78494
hand, shear failure is more likely for the well inclined to the
safer direction for the isotropic case.
Pressure penetration and chemical reaction In an
overbalanced case, drilling fluid in a borehole is penetrating
into surrounding formation. When the fluid flows through
bedding plane, the normal effective stress is reduced, and the
shear failure becomes more likely. One shear displacement is
induced, the fracture permeability is increased around the
borehole. Such fluid flow into the formation under critical
shear stress condition can be occurred even if the pressure is
lower than minimum principal stress.
Chemical reaction between drilling fluid and clay minerals
enhance the fracture permeability and decrease normal stress.
Also swelling of the clay minerals are reducing the normal
stress.
Although the clay mineral contents and CEC/CST test
results represent moderate chemical reaction capacity, the
sample taken into water/low salinity brine are broken down
along the bedding plane. This fact suggests that the water
sensitive clays make thin and reactive lamination, and water is
penetrating and eroding these laminations.
Therefore, the shear failure along bedding plane is
regarded as a coupled phenomenon of mechanics, hydraulics
and chemistry as shown in Fig.13.
Drilling operation and instability In an overbalanced case,
drilling fluid in a borehole is penetrating into surrounding
formation. When the fluid flows through bedding plane, the
normal effective stress is reduced, and the shear failure
becomes more likely. Once shear displacement is induced, the
fracture permeability is increased around the borehole. Such
fluid flow into the formation under critical shear stress
condition can be occurred even if the pressure is lower than
minimum principal stress.
Proposal of counter measures and analysis method
Design tool Numerical modeling and software for proposed
failure model should be developed. Poroelasticity,
discontinuous modeling, and chemical reaction should be
included in the currently available tools. Here, one example of
discontinuous modelling is presented.
Discrete Element Modelling (DEM) has become popular to
solve the macro scale rock failure such as rock sliding. We
apply the method to the shear failure modeling around
wellbore in fluid-solid coupled system.
Fig. 14 shows that the failure occurrence with same mud
weight can varied with angle between bedding plane and
principal stress axes. Also, this result suggests that too much
high pressure can cause bedding plane failure and fractures,
even the pressure is appropriate in another stress condition.
Preventing pressure penetration If the wellbore is
impermeable, enough high mud weight can maintain the
wellbore stability effectively, and prevent the hydration of the
clay minerals around the hole as well.
SPE 78494 A mechanical model of shale instability problems offshore Abu Dhabi
Recent implementation of asphalten mud additive gave good
result. This suggest that the effect, because such material can
seal the shale surface and plug the micro fissures. The effect of
such materials is shown numerically in Fig. 14.
Temporal mud weight change is also critical for the
wellbore stability. Pressure surge can cause pressure
penetration to the formation, and create weak and permeable
zone. Thus, well mud weight control is also important.
Determine mud weight window Mud weight for each
borehole should be determined with its hole trajectory and
hole condition. Especially the highest limit of the mud weight
should be carefully chosen to reduce the shear failure along
bedding with considering pressure penetration effect. Using
elastic theory, too high upper bound of mud weight is
estimated, because to prevent lost circulation, the upper
boundary is same as minimum principal stress.
Continuous monitoring and improvement of the counter
measures At present, failure model of the shale,
Geomechanical model and rock properties presented in the
paper is tentative ones based on limited information, and we
need continuing of the improvement, as shown in Fig. 1. A
cycle of implementation, monitoring, evaluation, and
improvement should be established.
For the purpose, monitoring of the well condition, and data
and sample acquisition of the formation rock is necessary
during the implementation. We propose a shale trouble
checklist which drilling crew and engineers can fill easily.
The cycle can be established under good communication
and coordination.
Conclusion
In this study, we have proved the instability mode of the
shale formation; bedding plane failure which is related to fluid
invasion in to weak and permeable plane in the highly
laminated shale. In the case of this failure mode, the failure is
time dependent, and the higher bound of mud weight is lower
than the evaluation from elastic theory. Also mud chemistry is
an important aspect of the instability. To avoid the problem,
careful mud weight and mud chemical management is
necessary, with reducing transient effect such as mechanical
impact, ECD change, thermal shocks, etc.
Drilling problems caused by Nahr Umr shale instability is
a common concern in the southern Arabian Gulf Coast region.
Although the failure mode and countermeasures should be
varied with the conditions of each field, the presented
methodology and the explanation of the failure in which
anisotropic and poroelastic nature of highly laminated shale is
predominant might be valuable for other shale formation
instability of similar Geological and Geomechanical
circumstances.
For analyzing wellbore instability problems, simpler linear
elastic and static mechanical model is usually adopted. In the
paper, however, the authors point out that drilling and
formation fluid play major role in the instability mechanism in
anisotropic and discontinuous shale, and consideration of such
5
nature is necessary to develop the counter measures.
Numerical, experimental, and field data analysis methods are
proposed for the approach.
Acknowledgement
This study has been carried out as a part of a collaborative
research program of Zakum Development Company
(ZADCO), Japan Oil Development Corporation (JODCO) and
Technology Research Center of Japan National Oil
Corporation (JNOC), under the coordination by Abu Dhabi
National Oil Company (ADNOC). We thank to Mr. Farid of
ADNOC, Mr. Fadaq of ZADCO, Mr. Hirano of JODCO and
Mr. Yonezawa of JNOC for their contribution to this work.
References
1. Awal, M., Khan, K., Mohiuddin, M. A., R., Abdulraheem, A. &
Azeemuddin, M. A new approach to borehole trajectory
optimization for increased hole stability SPE 68092, Proc.
2001 SPE Middle East Oil Show, Bahrain (2001)
2. Mohiuddin, M. A., Awal, M., R., Abdulraheem, A. & Khan, K.
A new daignostic approach to identify the causes of borehole
instability prbolems in an offshore Arabian field SPE 68095,
Proc. 2001 SPE Middle East Oil Show, Bahrain (2001)
3. Onaisi, A., Locane, J. & Razimbaud, A.: Stress related
wellbore instability problems in deep wells in ABK field
ADIPEC-0936, Proc. 9th ADIPEC, Abu Dhabi, UAE (2000)
4. Tantawi, I. Y. & Fadaq, A. S.: Hole Instability in Upper Zakum
field offshore Abu Dhabi; Need integrated solution ADIPEC
0937, Proc. 9th ADIPEC, Abu Dhabi, UAE (2000)
5. Yamamoto, K., Uryu, N. & Junica, M. I.: Dem Application for
instability of laminated and fissured rocks around boreholes
Proc. 11th Japan Synmposium on Rom Mechanics, Chiba, Japan
(2002)
6. A research group of the Heidelberg Academy of Science and
Humanities, World Stress Map, http://www-wsm.physik.uni-
karlsruhe.de/
7. ADMA-OPCO: Rock Mechanics and stress regime, Umm Shaif
field offshore Abu Dhabi (2000) not published
6 Y. SHIOYA, K. YAMAMOTO, T. FUJIEDA, S. KIKUCHI, I. TANTAWI SPE 78494

Scheme of the study Information source

To determine the cause of the drilling troubles in Analysisof drilling reports

the shale formation Engineers experiences
Information of nearby fields

To define the mechanism of the shale instability

Failure modes and major factors of the failure
Observation of rock samples
E-log and LWD data
To quantify the properties of the shale Mini frac test
Chemical and mechanical properties

To model the Geomechanical conditions and Mechanical and chemical

simulate the rock failure testings
Stress, pore pressure and rock strength

To define counter measures to relief the troubles

Trouble prevention/Trouble shooting Numerical simulation

Imprementation of the counter measures

Improving Geomech. & failure model Monitoring of well conditions

Modifying the counter measures Continuing data gathering

Evaluation of the effects

Fig. 1 Schematic flow of the study

Problem vs.Hole Orientation

N
90

60
35 100
No.of drilled wells
90
30 No.of troubled wells 30
80
Trouble ratio(%)
25 70
20 60 0 E
W
50 -90 -60 -30 0 30 60 90
15 40
10 30 -30
20
5
10
0 0 -60
1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000
-90
S
Fig. 2 History of drilling troubles in 12-1/4 section of
Upper Zakum field

Troubled holes
Holes without trouble
Radius: deviation angle, Azimuth: hole orientation
Fig. 3 Hole trajectories and drilling troubles
SPE 78494 A mechanical model of shale instability problems offshore Abu Dhabi 7

Trouble vs.M ud W eight Trouble vs.M ud W eight

60 100%
Trouble
Sound
50
80%

Trouble Rate
No.ofW ells

40
60%
30
40%
20 Trouble
Sound
20%
10

0 0%
[-1.2) [1.2- [1.22- [1.24- [1.26- [1.28- [1.3- [1.32- [1.34- [1.36- [1.38- [1.40- [-1.2) [1.2- [1.22- [1.24- [1.26- [1.28- [1.3- [1.32- [1.34- [1.36- [1.38- [1.40-
1.22) 1.24) 1.26) 1.28) 1.3) 1.32) 1.34) 1.36) 1.38) 1.40) ) 1.22) 1.24) 1.26) 1.28) 1.3) 1.32) 1.34) 1.36) 1.38) 1.40) )

M ud weight(SG) M ud W eight (SG)

Fig. 4 Mud weight (SG) and drilling troubles

Fig. 5 Cores recovered from Nahr Umr formation

Left: Massive and disking samples from a vertical well Right: Splintered samples from a deviated well

Fig. 6 shale samples immensed in a 5% NaCl

brain for one month
8 Y. SHIOYA, K. YAMAMOTO, T. FUJIEDA, S. KIKUCHI, I. TANTAWI SPE 78494

caliper
shearslowness com p.
(e-log)
slowness
(e-log)
caliper density caliper
(LW D) (e-log)
9100ft:
Vp=3.4km/sec
Vs=1.9km/sec
E=23MPa
=0.27

9450ft
Vp=3.8km/sec
Vs=1.8km/sec
E=22MPa
=0.36

Fig. 7 Hole enlargement and change of hole section (calipers), density, sonic transition time, and RAB image of Nahr Umr
section
SPE 78494 A mechanical model of shale instability problems offshore Abu Dhabi 9
10 Y. SHIOYA, K. YAMAMOTO, T. FUJIEDA, S. KIKUCHI, I. TANTAWI SPE 78494

Table 1. Mechanical properties of the shale (Typical value)

Vp Vs
E
C

3
m /sec m /sec kg/m M N/m 2 M N/m 2 deg
A 4158 1622 2567 19000 0.355 4.89 40.3
B 4957 2629 2567 46300 1.88 48.9

A B

M BT (m eq/100g) - CST(sec)
0.0 10.0 20.0 0.0 100.0 200.0
8900
Caly Minerals OtherMinerals
8900
Caolinite Mica clay Mica- Dolomite Feldspar Pyrite
smectite
depth(ft) mix.layer
9000 9000 8,972
s
clod 9,044
9,066
9100 9100 9,124
sli 9,144
Depth (M D ft.)

Depth (M D ft.)

h
9,162
9,182
9200 9200 splinters 9,203
9,214
9,233
9300 9300 9,241
9,250
9,287
9,384
9400 9400 clod 9,406
9,421
9,450
9500 9500
slight reactive reactive

Fig. 10 Chemical reactivity presented by MBT and CST, and mineral component by XRD
SPE 78494 A mechanical model of shale instability problems offshore Abu Dhabi 11

30
(r)
=15

(
) =15

(r)
=45
20
(
) =45

(r)
=75

(
) =75
10

0 10 20 30 40 50 60

-10

-20

r
-30

n
n


r

(1) Inclined to max. horizontal stress direction

30
(r)
=15

(
) =15

(r)
=45
20
(
) =45

(r)
=75

(
) =75
10

0 10 20 30 40 50 60
-10

-20

-30
n

(2) Inclined to min. horizontal stress direction

Fig. 11 Normal effective stress and shear stress (MPa) on a bedding plane around borehole.
Sv=2.25 SHmax=2.3 Shmin=1.7 depth=2000 m (In isotropic and homogeneous case, the most stable)
dotted line= failure envelope of friction angle =30 degree
12 Y. SHIOYA, K. YAMAMOTO, T. FUJIEDA, S. KIKUCHI, I. TANTAWI SPE 78494

n
Bit passes the shale
r pp

Drilling
fluid penetrates into bedding plane
(temporarily or continuously)

Reduction of the normal effective stress r

Shear strength is weakened by chemcial reaction
Fracture permeability is enhanced by sloughing
and shear displacement

Failure occurred and developped into surrounding

area

Fig. 12 Shale failure mechanism anticipated in Nahr Umr formation

0 degree with 1.50SG 30 degree with 1.50SG 60 degree with 1.50SG

Fig. 13 Stress orientation and bedding plane failure by DEM
Thickness of the lines represents magnitutude of shaer displacements

Impermeable wall 1.50SG 30 degree with 1.50SG

Fig. 14 Wellbore permeability and shear failure
Thickness of the lines represents magnitutude of shaer displacements