System and method for enhancing permeability of a subterranean zone at a horizontal well bore
View Patent ↗A method and system for enhancing permeability of a subterranean zone at a horizontal well bore includes determining a drilling profile for the horizontal well bore. At least one characteristic of the drilling profile is selected to aid in stabilizing the horizontal well bore during drilling. A liner is inserted into the horizontal well bore. The well bore is collapsed to increase permeability of the subterranean zone at the horizontal well bore.
1. A method for producing gas from a coal seam, comprising:
drilling a horizontal well bore in a coal seam using a non-invasive drilling fluid in an over-balanced drilling condition;
forming on the horizontal well bore with the non-invasive drilling fluid a filter cake having a depth of less than four centimeters;
inserting a liner into the horizontal well bore;
reducing a down-hole hydrostatic pressure in the horizontal well bore by removing fluid from the well bore;
collapsing the horizontal well bore around the liner; and
producing fluids flowing from the coal into the horizontal well bore.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the non-invasive drilling fluid comprises micelles.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the liner is perforated.
4. The method of claim 1 , wherein drilling a horizontal well bore comprises forming the horizontal well bore in a subterranean zone proximate one or more aquifers.
5. The method of claim 1 , wherein the liner is uncemented.
6. A method for producing gas from a coal seam, comprising:
drilling a horizontal well bore in a coal seam using a non-invasive drilling fluid in an over-balanced drilling condition;
forming a filter cake on the horizontal well bore with the non-invasive drilling fluid;
inserting a liner into the horizontal well bore;
reducing a down-hole hydrostatic pressure in the horizontal well bore by removing fluid from the well bore;
collapsing the horizontal well bore around the liner; and
producing fluids flowing from the coal scam into the horizontal well bore.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein the non-invasive drilling fluid comprises micelles.
8. The method of claim 6 , wherein the liner is perforated.
9. The method of claim 6 , wherein drilling a horizontal well bore comprises forming the horizontal well bore in a subterranean zone proximate one or more aquifers.
10. The method of claim 6 , wherein the liner is uncemented.