Overview

All wells drilled require a pre-drill prediction of pore fluid and fracture pressures which defines the “drilling window”. This course explains the objectives, methods and uncertainties of prediction, based on extensive global experience. The necessary understanding of the geological/geophysical context of abnormal pressures leading to standard algorithms will be provided. Part of the challenge is terminology and contrasting display methods of geoscience and operations/drilling groups. Both approaches are necessary and investigated in the interactive exercises, which will form an essential component of the course.

Who Should Attend

• Geologists
  
• Geophysicists
  
• Petrophysicists
  
• Engineers
  
• Personnel preparing for future drilling, but also for the ability to incorporate pressure data and concepts into operations and future exploration programmes. Appreciation of pressure prediction methods and their uncertainties pressures is also needed by management, especially when the company operates in high-risk environments, such as HPHT and Deep-Water.

Key Learning Objectives

• Know the elements involved in well planning which relate to pore fluid and fracture pressures
  
• Understand the causes and how to recognise the occurrence of abnormal pressures in the subsurface
  
• Know what data is needed to solve standard equations for pressure prediction
  
• Comprehend the uncertainties in predictions from data selection as well as the variation in prediction methods and approaches
  
• Feel confident to communicate between geoscience and operations/drilling personnel in relation to pressure predictions

About Course Director

Professor Richard Swarbrick is currently an independent consultant, based in Durham, England. He has 10 years’ experience with Mobil Oil, followed by 15 years teaching petroleum geology and researching subsurface pressures, and for the past 10 years developed GeoPressure Technology/Ikon GeoPressure as a specialist company providing industry solutions to subsurface pressure challenges. Richard continues to be involved in university research and publishes on aspects of pressure generation, seal capacity and pressure retention, prediction methodology and hydrodynamic trapping.

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