Abstract: Through an analysis of pay zone properties,stress distribution around wellbore and the relation-ship between stress distribution and pay zone proper-ties, it is pointed out in this paper that pay zone properties determine the stress distribution around wellbore. And therefore, pay zone properties is the principal consideration in selecting well completion techniques. It is also pointed out that it is not appro-priate to use the compressive strength of pay zone rock to select well completion techniques.

Key words: Reservoir character, Elastoplasticity, For-mation parameter, Stress distribution, Well completion