Analysis of Shale Gas Well Blockage Mechanism and Current Status of Unblocking Technologies

Abstract During shale gas well production, in addition to the common decline in yield, various abnormal factors often interrupt continuous production. Over time, issues such as mineral precipitation from the formation, sand production, casing corrosion, and the injection of foreign fluids and chemicals exacerbate the accumulation of blockages in the wellbore, ultimately causing wellbore obstruction and severely impacting production efficiency and economic returns. Identifying the causes of wellbore blockages and selecting appropriate removal techniques are therefore crucial. However, the causes of blockages in shale gas wells are complex and varied, including mineral deposition, mechanical wear, accumulation of corrosion products, and interactions among various additives. A systematic analysis of the nature, sources, and formation mechanisms of blockages is needed to implement targeted removal measures. This paper reviews the current characteristics and classifications of shale gas wells, examines the sources, formation mechanisms, and contributing factors of blockages, and comprehensively summarizes the technological status and applicability of existing blockage removal techniques based on current literature. The aim is to provide theoretical support and technical guidance for efficient shale gas well production. This review offers researchers and technical engineers a systematic framework to enhance the optimization and development of blockage removal techniques, addressing the complex blockage challenges encountered in shale gas well production.