A new evaluation method for micro-fracture plugging in high-temperature deep wells and its application: A case study of the Xushen Gas Field, Songliao Basin

Micro-fractures are developed in volcanic layers of Cretaceous Yingcheng Fm in the deep part of Xujiaweizi fault depression, Songliao Basin. In the process of well drilling, various complex problems happen, such as borehole wall slabbing and collapse and serious fluid leakage. Based on conventional drilling fluid plugging evaluation methods, the real situations cannot be presented accurately, especially in fracture feature simulation and plugging effect evaluation. Therefore, a specific micro-fracture plugging evaluation method was put forward especially for high-temperature deep wells in the paper. It is a new type of micro-fracture core model with the fracture apertures in the range of 1-50 μm. It is made of aluminosilicate that is compositionally close to natural rocks. It is good in repeatability with fracture-surface roughness, pore development and fracture-surface morphology close to natural fractures. Obviously, this new model makes up for the deficiencies of the conventional methods. A new micro-fracture plugging evaluation instrument was independently designed with operating temperature of 200 °C and operating pressure of 3.5-5.0 MPa. It can be used to simulate the flow regime of downhole operating fluids, with the advantages of low drilling fluid consumption, convenient operation and low cost. The plugging capacity of the organo-silicone drilling fluid system was evaluated by using this instrument. It is shown that the grain size distribution of the drilling fluid is improved and its anti-collapse capacity is enhanced. Based on the field test in Well XSP-3, the safe drilling problems in volcanic layers with developed micro-fractures are effectively solved by using the drilling fluid formula which is optimized by means of this evaluation method. And the safe drilling is guaranteed in the deep fractured formations in this area.