Geomechanics for Drilling Engineers - (Remote Instructor-Led Series)

The course will begin with an introduction to the fundamental aspect of rock mechanics including rock lab testing, and a review of the results that have been published in industry papers.  Participants will then learn about the stress tensor, constructing Mohr's Circle and analyzing stress, and elastic properties, effective stress, and other rock mechanic fundamentals. Lastly the attendees will learn about principal earth stresses, the world stress map, Andersonian classification of faults, overburden stress, and horizontal stresses.

The second day will begin with participants examining the detailed origins of pore pressure, measurement methods, estimation methods, vertical and horizontal methods, Eaton’s method, and a real-time pore pressure approach.

After that, the participants will learn about different equations to compute fracture gradients and leak-off tests interpretations.

On the third day participants will focus primarily on the Mechanical Earth Model (MEM), wellbore geomechanics, and wellbore stability issues.  This day will begin with participants reviewing the concepts and construction of the MEM, including detailed data requirements and required input data types.  With a working MEM, the participant will then learn how to manage wellbore geomechanics and the state of stress in and around the wellbore. Modes of rock deformation in the wellbore, the effects of well azimuth, and inclination will also be covered.  Participants will also learn about basic geomechanics calculations.  The day will end with participants reviewing wellbore deformation in fractured rock masses and non-classical rock failures.

On day four participants will learn about downhole drilling geomechanics with particular emphasis being placed on planning for wellbore stability and integration of geomechanics into the drilling plan.  Participants will then investigate the intricacies of implementing real-time geomechanics while drilling.  Participants will also look at how geomechanics is used to provide well-bore strengthening in order to avoid mud losses in depleted formations.