Volga region, Russia. First extended reach drilling in region.

Goal 

Drilling of the first ERD well in the region with complex tectonics including rock properties anisotropy, presence of salt and reactive shale.  

Challenges 

• The first very extended reach drilling in the region.  
• Catastrophic instability of shales drilled parallel to bedding  
• Shale formation prone to breakouts 
• Multiple drilling issues including loss of wells, key seating, mud loss, BHA loss 
• Geologically challenging reservoir with uncertainty of formation dip and potential faults 

Technical solutions 

• Estimation of wellbore stability windows and correction of initially planned trajectory and well completion design. 
• Choosing the optimal BHA 
• 24/7 real-time geomechanical and geological support during drilling 
• Proactive risk control during drilling, cementing and completion  

Results 

• The first horizontal well in the region in complex formation structure 
• The first ERD in the region successfully performed without NPT due to WB instability 
• Achieving of geologic goals in time, regardless of geologic challenges 
• Significant production increase in comparison with vertical and directional wells