Mechanism of Borehole Instability in Mudstone of Shihezi Formation in Sulige Block and Corresponding Drilling Fluid Technical Countermeasures

doi:10.12388/j.issn.1673-2677.2026.01.008

Abstract

Abstract: Drilling the mudstone of the Shihezi Formation in the Sulige Block is prone to complex issues such as lost circulation，frequent sticking and jamming during tripping，and wellbore collapse，which severely restrains the operation efficiency of drilling. To tackle the technical challenge of wellbore instability in drilling the Shihezi Formation mudstone，the mechanisms behind wellbore instability of this block were investigated by collecting samples of the Shihezi Formation mudstone and researching the microscopic fabrics and physical and chemical properties of rocks as well as the law governing the effect of hydration on rock mechanics parameters. Meanwhile，the variations of samples in the microscopic morphology，mechanical property and dispersion capability were observed after they are treated by aqueous solutions of different inhibitors and different drilling fluid systems. It was found that，on the basis of a composite salt system，the combined use of organic and inorganic inhibitors to suppress shale hydration achieved the best performance in improving wellbore stability of the Shihezi Formation mudstone. Correspondingly，countermeasures to enhance wellbore stability were proposed. The findings of this research provide theoretical support for techniques improving wellbore stability in the Sulige Block and assist in the safe，steady，and efficient development of the Sulige self-operated block.

Key words: Sulige Shihezi Formation, mudstone, wellbore stability, hydration, inhibition performance, mechanical property

摘要： 苏里格区块石盒子组井段钻井施工中易发生井漏、起下钻阻卡频繁、井壁坍塌失稳等复杂情况，严重制约了钻井施工效率。针对石盒子组钻遇泥岩井壁失稳的技术难题，以石盒子组泥岩为研究对象，通过岩石微观组构及理化性质研究、水化作用对岩石力学参数的影响规律研究，揭示了该区块的井壁失稳机理；同时，测试岩样置于不同抑制剂水溶液和不同钻井液体系后，其微观形貌、力学性质和分散能力的变化，发现在复合盐体系基础上，使用有机抑制剂与无机抑制剂协同抑制泥岩水化，对提高苏里格区块石盒子组泥岩井壁稳定性效果最佳，并在此基础上提出提高井壁稳定性的钻井液技术对策。研究成果为苏里格区块提高井壁稳定性技术提供理论支撑，助力苏里格自营区块安全、平稳、高效开发。

关键词: 苏里格石盒子组, 泥岩, 井壁稳定, 水化, 抑制性能, 力学性质

CLC Number:

TE254

SUN Minghao, LI Yaoxuan, WANG Ju, GENG Yuan, MENG Sicong, WANG Lihui.

Mechanism of Borehole Instability in Mudstone of Shihezi Formation in Sulige Block and Corresponding Drilling Fluid Technical Countermeasures

[J]. Xinjiang Oil & Gas, 2026, 22(1): 68-77.

孙明昊, 李曜轩, 王菊, 耿愿, 孟思聪, 王立辉. 苏里格区块石盒子组泥岩井壁失稳机理及钻井液技术对策[J]. 新疆石油天然气, 2026, 22(1): 68-77.

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