Drilling Technology Challenges and Resolutions in Fuling Shale Gas Field

Fuling shale gas field is the first commercial shale gas development region in China,where the surface and underground geological conditions are complicated.Therefore,drilling operations are more challenging than conventional reservoirs and than those shale gas fields abroad.Based on a lot of information available in Fuling Area,main challenges were analyzed in shale gas drilling.Then,some technical solutions and methods were proposed against such challenges.Moreover,considering the current achievements in shale gas development in Fuling Area,suggestions were put forward to further research to improve the drilling efficiency.These suggestions include fine geological characterization,3D optimized design and control of trajectory,research on enhanced drilling rate,and improved matching of drilling fluid and completion techniques.