Building a 1D-MEM for Wellbore Stability Analysis in openhole Sandstone Reservoirs.

Abstract

This study focuses on wellbore stability challenges in open-hole sandstone reservoirs in the North Africa region, where borehole collapse and breakouts are recurrent issues. A one-dimensional Mechanical Earth Model (1D MEM) was developed to evaluate the geomechanical conditions surrounding the wellbore. The resulting model indicates that the breakout pressure intersects with the mud weight used during drilling, accurately identifying zones prone to collapse and breakout. These findings were validated using borehole imaging logs. Based on the analysis, a safe mud weight window is proposed to optimize drilling performance and minimize instability-related risks.