Abstract: Gas drilling for the development of tight sandstone gas reservoirs is of natural advantages in avoiding reservoir damage. However, the lack of clear understanding of its mechanisms introduces uncertainties regarding its ability to achieve efficient production. To address this issue, a systematic review was conducted on the experiences and lessons learned from gas drilling for the development of tight sandstone gas reservoirs. The gas drilling practices in the Dibei and western Sichuan regions were used as examples. Based on drilling monitoring data such as methane concentration and outlet humidity, and through the analysis of cuttings' X-ray diffraction and logging data, the mechanisms for efficient production were examined. The study revealed that productive gas points in high-yield wells corresponded to the height of the sandstone-shale lithological interface, confirming that the derived fracture network system serves as the primary gas storage space and gas production pathway, making it a crucial target for wellbore trajectory. Influenced by fault zones, water from the lower part of aquifers could migrate to the upper part of the fault drop zone. Therefore, well deployment should be based on high structural points and fault uplift zones, taking into account reservoir evolution and tectonic movement history for optimization. It is believed that further in-depth research in engineering geological mechanics is needed, focusing on the effectiveness of lithological interface fractures, the relationship between gas and water in aquifers, and their impacts. Additionally, the development of gas drilling and completion techniques and tools for complex environments should be pursued.

Key words: tight sandstone gas reservoir, gas drilling, lithological interface, wellbore deployment, reservoir protection