9502795 Osisanya Wellbore instability in shale formations is a costly problem in the oil and gas industry and difficult to assess because it is time- dependent. One of the keys to maintaining wellbore stability in shale formations is the ability to reduce mechanical aggravation of the shale which can initiate wellbore instability during the drilling operation. There are at present no systematic means to monitor on-site the combined effects of the mechanical aggravation and drilling fluid rheology. Wellbore stability models currently applied in the industry cannot account for the wide range of shale compositions encountered while drilling, and they do not account for changes in the rheological parameters of the drilling fluid caused by the dispersion of shale cuttings. The proposed research will develop a systematic approach for solving wellbore instability problems at the well site. The approach will be based on correlating results from time-dependent well site shale dispersion and swelling tests under atmospheric conditions to similar results developed in the laboratory for various shales under simulated downhole conditions. The correlations will be used to develop rheology/hydraulics programs. The corresponding educational plan includes design curricula including a Socratic approach, and incorporating practical experience into course content and lectures. ***
