COURSE OVERVIEW:

Wellbore stability and geomechanics for drilling engineers is a critical technical course that addresses the mechanical integrity of the borehole during the drilling process. This training provides an in-depth understanding of the earth’s in-situ stress state and how the introduction of a wellbore redistributes these stresses, potentially leading to failure. The scope includes the analysis of rock mechanical properties, pore pressure prediction, and the determination of the optimal mud weight window to prevent both borehole collapse and unintended formation fracturing.

A primary focus of the course is the practical application of geomechanical models to mitigate non-productive time caused by stuck pipe, lost circulation, and hole enlargement. Participants will explore the behavior of different lithologies, particularly the chemical and mechanical instability of reactive shales, and how wellbore trajectory influences the required mud weight for stability. The training emphasizes the integration of real-time data from logging while drilling to update geomechanical models and make informed decisions on the rig floor.

The final portion of the course covers the impact of geomechanics on the entire well construction lifecycle, from casing seat selection to the management of depleted reservoirs. It details the use of specialized software for stress analysis and the interpretation of cavings and borehole images to diagnose the type of instability occurring. Coverage provides drilling engineers with a robust framework for designing and executing wells in tectonically active or high-pressure environments, ensuring that the borehole remains stable and safe for subsequent completion operations.

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

After completion of this course, the participants will be able to:

1. Define the fundamental principles of rock mechanics and in-situ stress.
2. Calculate the vertical and horizontal stress components at various depths.
3. Predict pore pressure using geophysical logs and drilling data.
4. Determine the shear strength and failure criteria of reservoir rocks.
5. Establish a safe mud weight window to maintain wellbore stability.
6. Analyze the impact of wellbore orientation on the stress distribution.
7. Identify the mechanisms of borehole collapse and tensile fracturing.
8. Manage the chemical and thermal factors affecting shale stability.
9. Utilize borehole images to identify breakouts and induced fractures.
10. Design casing programs that account for geomechanical constraints.
11. Implement real-time geomechanical monitoring during drilling operations.
12. Formulate mitigation strategies for drilling through depleted zones.
13. Integrate geomechanical models into the overall well construction plan.

TARGET AUDIENCE:

Drilling Engineers, Geomechanics Specialists, Drilling Supervisors, and Geoscientists involved in well design and borehole stability management.

TRAINING COURSE METHODOLOGY:

A highly interactive combination of lectures, discussion sessions, and case studies will be employed to maximise the transfer of information, knowledge, and experience. The course will be intensive, practical, and highly interactive. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. The attendants will also be encouraged to raise more of their questions and to share in developing the right answers using their analysis and experience. There will also be some indoor experiential activities to enhance the learning experience. Course material will be provided in PowerPoint, with necessary animations, learning videos, and general discussions.

The course participants shall be evaluated before, during, and at the end of the course.

COURSE CERTIFICATE:

National Consultant Centre for Training LLC (NCC) will issue an Attendance Certificate to all participants completing a minimum of 80% of the total attendance time requirement.