Rock Mechanical Properties and Breakdown Pressure of High-Temperature and High-Pressure Reservoirs in the Southern Margin of Junggar Basin

Abstract

The mechanical properties of the high-temperature and high-pressure reservoirs in the southern margin of Junggar Basin have not been clearly understood, which correspondingly results in uncertainties when predicting the breakdown pressure. To address this issue, firstly, rock mechanical experiments under high temperature, high confining pressure, and high pore pressure were carried out. Secondly, empirical formulas related to the transformation of dynamic and static mechanical parameters in the regional strata were proposed. Finally, the existing prediction model for the formation breakdown pressure was improved by taking the wellbore seepage and thermal stress into consideration. Results show that under the reservoir condition of high temperature and high pressure, the rock sample tends to form closed shear cracks. High temperature causes thermal damages and the reduction of the compressive strength and elastic modulus, while the combined effects of high confining pressure and pore pressure enhance the compressive strength and plasticity of the rock sample simultaneously. Based on the correlation analysis, it is found that the static elastic modulus is linearly related to the dynamic value, while static Poisson’s ratio is a quadratic function of the dynamic value. These fitting functions can be used to obtain the profiles of static elastic modulus and Poisson’s ratio based on their dynamic values from the logging interpretation. Besides, the improved prediction model for the rock breakdown pressure can yield more accurate results indicated by the error less than 2%. Therefore, the proposed breakdown pressure prediction model in this study can provide theoretical guidance in the selection of fracturing truck groups and the design of the pumping schedule for high-temperature and high-pressure reservoirs.