Application of Drilling Performance Improvement Using 3D Geomechanics Modeling- A Case Study from China

Abstract The Daxingchang Block faces significant drilling challenges—including severe kicks, losses, and wellbore instability—due to complex geology, variable lithology, high in-situ stress, and diverse formation pressure systems, hindering safe and efficient deep drilling. This necessitates a 3D characterization study of in-situ stress and formation pressures (pore pressure, collapse pressure, fracture pressure) within the structure. Employing a geo-engineering integration approach, this research characterizes fault/fracture development, analyzes regional geostress distribution patterns, and accurately predicts geostress parameters. Focusing on multi-scale (point-line-surface-volume) quality control of available data, key steps include: calibrating foundational data to enhance rock mechanics accuracy; utilizing GMI's stress polygon-constrained inversion for precise min/max horizontal stress estimation from borehole breakouts; applying multi-method validation for pore pressure prediction; optimizing region-specific rock failure criteria; developing 3D complex geological-geomechanical models; and integrating fracture data to analyze safe mud windows and risks. This establishes 3D distribution profiles revealing spatial variations in pore pressure, stress magnitude/orientation, and formation pressures, enabling wellbore stability analysis for key wells. The results mitigate drilling complications, providing critical technical support for optimizing well design, engineering parameters, and complex event prevention strategies in future development, thereby laying the foundation for safer operations.