Project Title: Technology and Application of Ultra-long Horizontal Section Drilling and Completion

Participating Enterprises: Sichuan Better Petroleum Technology Co., Ltd.

Award Received: Technological Invention Award

Project Number: ECF-2026-SYE-1025

Main Participants: Chen Yang, Yang Fei, Zhou Changqing, Lin Junkai, Song Gang, Cai Xuetong

Expert Review Comments:

Pressure-responsive microcapsules release lubricant at frictional contact points, addressing inefficient consumption when conventional lubricants disperse throughout the wellbore. This is a practical innovation in material delivery. Applications in Shengli and Xinjiang include friction-reduction support for a well with a 5,256-metre horizontal section, demonstrating value in improving weight transfer and reducing lubricant use. Compatibility with existing drilling-fluid systems makes the material suitable for integration into established long-lateral drilling practices. For horizontal wells constrained by high friction and poor weight transfer, the technology offers a targeted means of reducing operational risk and supporting further wellbore extension.

Main Innovations:

This product introduces pressure-responsive microcapsule technology into drilling-fluid lubrication. An inert shell encapsulates the lubricant in a core–shell structure. Its central innovation is pressure-triggered targeted release: microcapsules rupture and release concentrated lubricant only when frictional pressure reaches a critical threshold, delivering lubrication precisely at friction points. This overcomes the limitations of conventional lubricants, which disperse uniformly throughout the wellbore and consume substantial active ingredients at locations without friction.

Main Uses and Technical Principles:

This intelligent microcapsule drilling-fluid lubricant is primarily used in extended-reach wells, long horizontal wells and other complex well architectures. Added directly to water-based or oil-based drilling fluids, it uses a friction-triggered targeted-release mechanism to deliver concentrated lubricant at high-friction locations. This reduces friction and torque between the drillstring and wellbore, improves weight-on-bit transfer, and mitigates downhole complications such as poor weight transfer and stuck pipe. It also improves hole cleaning and reduces wellbore instability risks, supporting safe, efficient drilling. The product is suitable for ultra-long horizontal sections and deep or ultra-deep wells with high friction and torque, is compatible with various drilling-fluid systems, and withstands temperatures up to 230°C.