The Analysis of Transient Temperature in the Wellbore of a Deep Shale Gas Horizontal Well

The transient temperature of the wellbore plays an important role in the selection of downhole tools during the drilling of deep shale gas horizontal wells. This study established a transient temperature field model of horizontal wells based on the convection heat transfer between wellbore and formation and the principle of energy conservation. The model verification shows that the root mean squared error (RMSE) between the measured annular temperature neat bit and the predicted value is 0.54 °C, indicating high accuracy. A well in Chongqing, China, is taken as an example to study the effects of bottom hole assembly (BHA), drill pipe size, drilling fluid density, flow rate, inlet temperature of drilling fluid, and drilling fluid circulation time on the temperature distribution in wellbore annulus. It is found that the increase in annular temperature is about 1 °C/100 m in the horizontal section when a positive displacement motor (PDM) is used. A Φ139.7 mm drill pipe is more favorable for cooling than Φ139.7 mm + Φ127 mm drill pipe. Reducing drilling fluid density and flow rate and inlet temperature is beneficial to reduce bottom hole temperature. Bit-breaking rock, bit hydraulic horsepower, and drill pipe rotation will increase the bottom hole temperature. The research results can provide theoretical guidance for temperature prediction, selection of proper drill tools, and adjustment of relevant parameters in deep shale gas horizontal wells.