A severe lost circulation event is usually associated with emanation and propagation of pre-existing or drilling induced fractures from the wellbore. To combat lost circulation and prevent further fracture propagation, a thorough understanding of the stress state in the near-wellbore region with fractures is imperative. However, it is not yet fully understood how temperature variation during the invasion of mud affects pre-existing or newly initiated fractures. A three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) analysis was conducted in this study to simulate the transport processes and state of stresses in the near-wellbore region during invasion of mud into fractures. To account for thermal effects, a thermo-poroelasticity model was coupled with flow and heat transfer models in the fractures. This study included a series of sensitivity analyses based on different formation properties and mud loss conditions to delineate the relative importance of different parameters on induced thermal stresses. It also evaluated potential risks of reinitiating fractures under various downhole conditions. The results demonstrate how the stresses redistribute as nonisothermal invasion of mud takes place in fractures. It shows that a temperature difference between the formation rock and the circulating muds can facilitate fracture propagation during invasion of mud. These results due to temperature change can also diminish the enhanced hoop stresses provided by wellbore strengthening (WBS) and other lost circulation prevention methods. Such information is vital to successful lost circulation management. The conclusions of this study are particularly relevant when a substantial temperature difference exists between circulating fluids and surrounding rock, as commonly seen in high-pressure, high-temperature, and deepwater wells.
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Finite Element Analysis of Thermally Induced Stresses in the Near-Wellbore Region During Invasion of Mud Into Fractures
Ze Wang,
Ze Wang
Department of Petroleum Engineering,
Louisiana State University,
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Louisiana State University,
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Search for other works by this author on:
Yuanhang Chen
Yuanhang Chen
Department of Petroleum Engineering,
Louisiana State University,
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Louisiana State University,
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Search for other works by this author on:
Ze Wang
Department of Petroleum Engineering,
Louisiana State University,
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Louisiana State University,
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Yuanhang Chen
Department of Petroleum Engineering,
Louisiana State University,
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Louisiana State University,
Baton Rouge, LA 70803
Contributed by the Petroleum Division of ASME for publication in the JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESOURCES TECHNOLOGY. Manuscript received August 31, 2017; final manuscript received November 20, 2017; published online January 31, 2018. Assoc. Editor: Ray (Zhenhua) Rui.
J. Energy Resour. Technol. May 2018, 140(5): 052909 (10 pages)
Published Online: January 31, 2018
Article history
Received:
August 31, 2017
Revised:
November 20, 2017
Citation
Wang, Z., and Chen, Y. (January 31, 2018). "Finite Element Analysis of Thermally Induced Stresses in the Near-Wellbore Region During Invasion of Mud Into Fractures." ASME. J. Energy Resour. Technol. May 2018; 140(5): 052909. https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4038783
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