Minimizing Formation Damage in Drilling Operations: A Critical Point for Optimizing Productivity in Sandstone Reservoirs Intercalated with Clay

The recovery of oil and gas from underground reservoirs has a pervasive impact on petroleum-producing companies’ financial strength. A significant cause of the low recovery is the plugging of reservoir rocks’ interconnected pores and associated permeability impairment, known as formation damage. Formation damage can effectively reduce productivity in oil- and gas-bearing formations—especially in sandstone reservoirs endowed with clay. Therefore, knowledge of reservoir rock properties—especially the occurrence of clay—is crucial to predicting fluid flow in porous media, minimizing formation damage, and optimizing productivity. This paper aims to provide an overview of recent laboratory and field studies to serve as a reference for future extensive examination of formation damage mitigation/formation damage control technology measures in sandstone reservoirs containing clay. Knowledge gaps and research opportunities have been identified based on the review of the recent works. In addition, we put forward factors necessary to improve the outcomes relating to future studies.