An integrated geomechanical–drill string trajectory optimization method for initial wellbore design

Интегрированный метод оптимизации траектории на основе геомеханики и бурильной колонны для проектирования начального ствола скважины
Shuai Guo, Zhikun Liu, Xinghua Su, Yueyue Liu, Qi Li, Liupeng Wang, Fengtao Qu
2026-01-09

geomechanical-drill string couplinghybrid global-local optimizationprobability corridoruncertainty-aware constraintswellbore trajectory optimization
Designing stable wellbore trajectories in heterogeneous formations remains difficult because geological uncertainty and mechanical constraints interact in non-linear ways. We present an integrated geomechanical-drill string framework that departs from conventional geometry-based or single-physics approaches in three aspects: (i) formation feasibility is encoded through a probability corridor and high-risk mask derived from multi-source logs, enabling uncertainty-aware constraint enforcement; (ii) geomechanical and drill string responses are coupled into a unified objective-constraint structure; and (iii) a hybrid global-local optimization strategy efficiently resolves the resulting non-convex search space. Applied to a shale-sandstone interval in Sichuan-Chongqing, the method consistently avoids unstable zones, suppresses curvature concentration, and maintains compliance with pressure-window and mechanical limits. The results demonstrate a robust and deployment-ready trajectory design paradigm for complex formations.
1
A hybrid global–local optimization strategy efficiently addresses the resulting non-convex trajectory search problem.
2
A probability corridor and high-risk mask derived from multi-source logs enable uncertainty-aware formation-feasibility enforcement.
3
An integrated geomechanical–drill string framework incorporates geological uncertainty and mechanical constraints into initial wellbore trajectory design.
4
Coupling geomechanical and drill string responses creates a unified objective-and-constraint formulation for trajectory optimization.
5
In a Sichuan–Chongqing shale–sandstone interval, the method avoided unstable zones, reduced curvature concentration, and satisfied pressure-window and mechanical limits.

initial wellbore trajectories in heterogeneous shale–sandstone formations

stability, curvature distribution, and compliance with geomechanical pressure-window and drill-string mechanical constraints under geological uncertainty

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2026-01-09
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Shuai Guo
Zhikun Liu
Xinghua Su
Yueyue Liu
Qi Li
Liupeng Wang
Fengtao Qu
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