The Influence of Chemical Potential on Wellbore Stability

Summary An experimental investigation was begun to understand fundamental borehole stability mechanisms. This laboratory study was directed toward understanding why and how drilling-fluid chemistry affects borehole stability. The ability of drilling-fluid chemistry to alter shale mechanical behavior and the borehole stress state as a result of shale water content alteration was investigated. Experimental results demonstrate the influence of various drilling-fluid parameters (e.g., salt concentration, salt type, and diesel/water ratio) in oil-based drilling fluids on the water content, compressive strength, and mechanical properties of five shales. The influences of temperature and drilling-fluid exposure time on shale strength alteration also are addressed. The results are explained on the basis of chemical potential differences between oil-based drilling fluid and shale. The change in the shale water content caused by these differences is identified as the predominant factor leading to alteration of shale mechanical behavior and hence borehole stability.