Use of the water-swellable polymers (WSP) for wellbore stabilization in intensely fractured rock intervals

Current research on the stability of well walls when drilling in fractured rocks and also when drilling inclined sections of the well profile are based on the assessment of the effect of drilling fluid filtrate. The novelty of this work lies in studying the complex effect of a water-swellable polymer on the stability of well wall, on the one hand, and on the controlled loss of circulation on the other. For preparing rock samples, a method was used based on standard laboratory equipment fordrilling fluid properties. The well wall stability tests are performedon a direct shear apparatus.The WSP composition based on alcohol, ether, and surfactant (Polyecanol Flora) showed its efficiency by increasing the stability coefficient with the engagement of less and more internal friction angle.PHPA-based viscoelastic composition showed the best result by increasing the stability coefficient in the hazardous areas by 50-60%.