全文作者描述了一个案例研究，该研究通过正确理解页岩破裂机制、表征页岩强度各向异性以及实施强度各向异性融合模型，认为在具有挑战性的页岩地层中钻大斜度井是可行的。在先导井成功之后，作者采用优化参数和更高的泥浆比重 (MW) 钻探了一口大斜度井，实现了零非生产时间 (NPT) 钻井。
尽管人们对各向异性有了很好的了解，但对不稳定性机制的误解导致不愿使用更高的MW，这常常会导致井眼失败、由井斜问题引起的NPT，以及不愿钻大角度延长钻井井筒。
加拿大东部的希伯伦（Hebron）油田也面临着类似的挑战。此前，附近油田的邻井作业者曾建议，由于井壁严重不稳定，钻穿财富湾（Fortune Bay）地层的井倾角不应超过45°。希伯伦油田主要包含三个产层：本尼维斯（Ben Nevis）、海伯尼亚（Hibernia）和珍妮·德·尔克（Jeanne d'rck，JDA）。在最初开发较浅的地层之后，重点转向开发JDA地层，这需要以大角度钻进财富湾页岩。
The authors of the complete paper describe a case study in which, through proper understanding of failure mechanisms, characterization of shale strength anisotropy, and implementation of strength-anisotropy incorporated models, drilling high-angle wells through a challenging shale formation was deemed feasible. Following a pilot well’s success, a high-angle well was drilled using optimized parameters and higher mud weight (MW), achieving drilling with no nonproductive time (NPT).
Although anisotropy is well understood, misconceptions about instability mechanisms creating reluctance to use of higher MW often lead to wellbore failure, NPT caused by hole‑cleaning issues, and a reluctance to drill high-angle extended‑reach-drilling wells.
In the Hebron field in eastern Canada, a similar challenge arose. Previous drilling by offset operators in nearby fields suggested that wells through the Fortune Bay formation should not exceed 45° inclinations because of severe wellbore instability. The Hebron field includes three main producing formations: the Ben Nevis, the Hibernia, and the Jeanne d’Arc (JDA). Following initial shallower formation development, focus shifted to JDA formation development, which would require drilling the Fortune Bay shale at a high angle.
