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Experimental Approach:
Obtain atmospheric and sonic properties of shale before and
after contact with various fluids
Perform uniaxial and/or biaxial compressive strength tests
Measure sonic and strength properties concurrently under
biaxial conditions, while contacting with various fluids
Conclusions:
Micro-cracks in most rocks decrease their strength
The sonic velocity decreases as water activity increases and
different rocks have a different response to the water activity
change
Acoustic logging data can be used to determine the
formation mechanical parameters
Shale strength reduction reflected in decrease in sonic velocity
Scope of Work:
Experimental study of asphaltic-type additives, i.e, Bore-Plate (blended Gilsonite) and Soltex
(sulfonated asphalts)
o Simple concept in shale stabilization: physical action to plug shale pores, resulting in
minimizing filtrate invasion (permeability reduction)
o Simple mud system
o Proven as a borehole stabilizer in some degree
Quantification of their performances by the measurement of permeability reduction
Conclusions:
1. Modified static filtration study can be a method to investigate the effects of the asphaltic-type
additives on the shale stabilization
2. Bore-Plate and Soltex show the ability to reduce fluid invasion rate into the shale matrix in the
freshwater-based mud system
3. The reduction in fluid invasion rate results from the reduction of shale permeability
4. Soltex as well as Bore-Plate requires temperature to perform their functions
5. Both Bore-Plate and Soltex can reduce the shale permeability up to 50% under static filtration
condition and at high temperature, i.e. 180 deg F
6. The working mechanism of these asphaltic additives is to form a physical block inside the
shale pores at specific temperature and pressure, consequently decrease the shale
permeability
7. The hydraulic invasion as well as the osmotic invasion is minimized
See the Drilling, Well Completions, and Rock Mechanics page for information on related research.
Last updated: May 5, 2003
URL: http://www.cpge.utexas.edu/dwcrm/drilling.html