International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
Volume: 04 Issue: 06 | June -2017 www.irjet.net
Detection of Abnormal Formation Pressures Using Drilling Parameters
Ali Ibrahim Mohammed Ameen1, Prof . Sanjay R. Joshi2
1ME 2nd year, Department of Petroleum Engineering, Maharashtra Institute of Technology (MIT), Pune, India.
2Professor, Department of Petroleum Engineering, Maharashtra Institute of Technology (MIT), Pune, India
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Abstract - The predication of abnormal formation pressure
is a very important factor in designing such wells and it help to
avoid many problems through drilling process such as lost
circulation which is caused by using excessive mud weight,
pipe sticking in hydraulic fracturing operation, blowout and
other problems. In wellbore, abnormal Formation pressure
could be caused from formation fluid pressure, if it become
above or below the hydrostatic pressure. The pressures which
be over the hydrostatic pressure referred to an abnormally
high pressure or superpressures. While pressures that is below
the hydrostatic pressure may be referred to an abnormally low
pressures. The current study deals with the estimation of
overpressures in selected wells in Southern Iraq. Data used in
this study had been obtained from the mud log for West Qurna,
well no.15. Predication of overpressures using drilling
parameters has been achieved by; Raw penetration rate, d-
exponent, dc-exponent and sigmalog.
Key Words: Abnormal pressure, Rate of penetration, d-
exponent, dc-exponent, Sigmalog, Drilling parameters.
1. INTRODUCTION
In the present-day, drilling and completion operations, cost
are the key factors becoming minimum as much as possible
in a maximum well control. In order to successfully complete
a well, proper well planning and drilling operations are
necessary, to minimize the danger of blowouts, stuck pipes,
loss circulation, lost hole, and casing setting problems [1].
Many factors can cause abnormal formation pressure, that is,
pressure other than hydrostatic. In some area, a collection of
these factors are prevails. For example, understanding the
importance of petro-physical and geochemical parameters
and their relationship to the stratigraphic, structural, and
tectonic history of a given area or basin, are very necessary
to put the possibility causes of abnormal formation
pressures in appropriate perspective. Because conditions
can vary widely, distinct attention must be taken not to
suppose that the cause of abnormal formation pressure
determined through the experience in a well known area is
necessarily the cause of a similar condition in a nearby basin,
which may not yet have been adequately tested by drilling [2].
2. Description of the Study
The aim of this study is predication abnormal formation
pressure through different formation with a different
lithology of each formation using drilling parameters such
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as; rate of penetration (ROP), d and dc-exponent, sigmalog,.
This calculation depend upon data collected with figures
explain the relation of the parameters with depth.
2.1. Pressure Concepts
There are a different type of pressure occur during the
drilling of any well, as explain below [3]:
Hydrostatic pressure: is equal to the vertical height
of a column of water extending from the surface to
the interesting formation.
Abnormal formation pressure: is a variation of
interstitial fluid pressure from the hydrostatic
pressure of the subsurface fluid.
The average total overburden (lithostatic) pressure
gradient: resulting from the combined pressure of
the rocks (grain-to-grain or rock matrix stress) and
their interstitial fluids.
Fracture pressure: is the pressure in the wellbore at
which a formation will crack.
2.2. Drilling Parameters
2.2.1. Raw Penetration Rate
The rate of drilling is a function of weight on bit, rotary
speed, bit type and size,, hydraulics, drilling fluid, and
formation characteristics. Under controlled conditions of
constant bit weight, rotary speed, bit type, and hydraulics,
the drilling rate in shales decreases uniformly with depth.
This is due to compaction increase in shales with depth.
However, in pressure transition zones and overpressures,
the penetration rate increase. Slower penetration rate is
often spotted in the pressure barrier (cap rock) overlying
this pressure transition. Also any other main lithological
variation in the shales (silty, limey shales, mudstone, ....., etc)
is reflected in penetration rate variations.
Penetration rate should be plotted in (5) to (10) feet
increment in slow-drilling formations or (30) to (50) feet
increments in fast-drilling intervals. Today, drilling rate
recorders are available which automatically plot feet per
hour depth. Regardless of how the rate of penetration is
recorded, one should establish a normal drilling rate trend
while drilling shales in normal-pressure environments for
compaction with faster-drilling overpressured shales [2].
Complication can arise due to bit drilling, which may
disguise any change in penetration rate due to overpressure
[4].
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2.2.2. Normalized Rate of Penetration (d-exponent) = + 0.028 ( 7 - D/1000 ) (6)

The d-exponent was developed to consider changes in the

more significant drilling variables to normalize penetration
rate. It is derived from the fundamental drilling equation
presented by Bingham (1965), which relates penetration
rate to weight on bit, rotary speed, bit size and formation
drilability:
ROP = K ( W / Dh ) N (1)
This equation are simplified by assuming (1) the drilability
is relatively constant ( K=1); (2) the rotary speed varies
linearly with penetration rate (e=1). Technical accuracy of
these assumption is questionable. However, as long as K and
N do not vary over too wide range, the results are
proportional. Manipulation for field unites conversion, the
above equation becomes [4]:
ROP = [ ( 12W ) / ( 106 Dh ) ] 6 N) (2)
From thus, the d-exponent can be calculated by:
is simply with a correction for depth that goes to
zero at 7000 m. If all conditions were perfect and the drilling
fluid used had exactly the same density as the pore fluid
column, then it would be sufficient to plot against
depth. This would give a straight line with a slop that reflects
increasing compaction and thus rock strength. However, as
all bore holes are drilled in over-or-near balanced
conditions, depth without taking in to account over balance
will result in a curve difficult to interpret. The curve is
corrected for overbalance by the following equation, which
enables one to plot :
= F (7)
Where:
F=1+( ) (8)

d = [ log ( ) / log ( )] (3) The two unknown parameters are thus P and n, where:

P = MW - GPn ) (9)
2.2.3. Normalized Rate of Penetration (dc-
exponent)
The second unknown is n, which is represent the function of
the time required to equalize the differential pressure that
The plot of dc-exponent versus depth is similar to that of d- exists between the cutting and mud weight. This is
exponent versus depth. Since the d-exponent is affected by dependent on the lithology and the porosity of the cuttings
variations of mud weight, an adjustment has been
introduced to normalize the d-exponent for the effective themselves, and is therefore reflected in the value of .
mud weight. Mathematically, this cannot be justified, but a
plot of dc-exponent versus depth gives a better pictorial - If > 1 (high bit weights and slow drilling):
presentation than d-exponent. The dc-exponent is calculated
from the equation [5]:
n= (4- ) (10)
dc = d . (4)
- If < 1 (low bit weight and fast drilling) [1]:
2.2.4. Sigmalog
n= (11)
At present, drilling parameters are recorded interpreted,
and processed mainly for detection and evaluation of
overpressure at the rig site. To obtain this information, AGIP The value of ( ) , plotted versus depth. As a general
(Azienda Generale Italiana Petroli) applies the sigma log
trend, this value is always increase with depth through
method. The basic equation for sigma log calculation is as
shales, indicating the presence of normally pressured and
follows [6]:
compacted formation. On the contrary, when the curve of
= (5) sigma log contains points deviating to the left from the
reference trend line as depth increases, it indicates the
presence of an over pressured zone [6].
Equation (5) called total raw rock strength equation and is
not corrected for depth, it is in fact considered only accurate
at 7000 m. If the depth is grater or less than 7000m, a
correction must be made, thus:

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3. West Qurna Oil Field (WQ - 15) Zubair 3081 Sandstone,

siltstone,
It is existed about 70 km Northwest of Basra city in southern alternating shale
Iraq. West Qurna is one of the biggest oil fields in Iraq. This Ratawi 3406 Slightly pyritic,
deep well was the fifteenth wells drilled by the Iraqi National shales, beds of
Oil Company in West Qurna field of Southern Iraq. West buff, pseudo
Qurna 15 was the first well that has been drilled near the oolitic, detritus
crest of West Qurna structure. It is extend from Upper Fars limestones
formation at surface to final depth at Najmah formation at Yamama 3529 Argillaceous
4400 m. This field contains a certain reserves predestined at limestones, oolitic
18 billion barrels and reserves potential is estimated at 40 shoal limestones
billion barrels. Now, the production of the field is about Sulaiy 2857 Marly limestone,
120,000 bbl/day, but it can reach to 1 million bbl /day. It is oolitic limestone
one of the oils light desired globally, the bottom hole Gotnia 4120 Calcareous shales
pressure is around 7200 psi and the number of oil wells is and salt
247 wells, while the number of water injection wells is 64 Najmah 4400 Shale with streaks
wells [3]. of limestone

3.1. Lithology of (WQ - 15) 3.2. Pressures Distribution in (WQ-15) Formation

The formation of this field and its composition which are The formation with an abnormal pressure in (WQ-15), are
covered in this study according to availability of data are explain below [7]:
explain through the table below [7]: - Shuaiba Formation (Subnormal Pressure): Consider as one
of a critical formations with big problems like of the loss of
Table-1: Formation, depth range and lithology of (WQ- drilling fluid circulation (total loss), as well as stuck pipe and
15). hole failed problems.
- Yamama Formation (Abnormal Pressure): contain oil and
Formation name Depth rang m Lithology gas in two carbonate units each one with basal reservoir
Tanuma 2170 Black fissile shale, oolitic limestones overlain by lime mudstone seals.
macro crystalline, - Sulaiy Formation (Abnormal Pressure): The problem of
argillaceous, this formation is the appearance of gas with high pressure
detritus limestone that causes the abnormal high pressure with flow of gas
Khasib 2218 Chalky, inside the well.
oligsteginal - Gotnia Formation (Abnormal Pressure): Numerous states
limestones of flowing saltwater and gas kicks have been occurred.
Mishrif 2270 Organic detritus - Najmah Formation (Abnormal Pressure): the flow of gas or
limestones, beds of salt bed (Abnormality high pressure) problems.
algal, coral-reef
limestone and 4. Calculation and Results with Discussion
limonitic fresh
water limestone 4.1. Rate of Penetration
Rumaila 2432 Oligsteginal
limestones, beds of According to availability of data, raw penetration had been
dolomite, drawn versus depth to give allusion of the occurrence of
dolomitic overpressure zone as shown in figure (1) and table (2),
limestones which show that the rate of penetration increased slightly in
Ahmadi 2513 Gray shale, Yamama and Sulaiy formation. While at nearly (4200 m)
Limestone depth, we note a high rate of penetration, due to the effect of
Mauddud 2648 Dolomitize Gotnia salt formation which it is denser than compared with
organic, detritus other rocks. Penetration rate in other formation is lower
limestone due to two reasons:
Nahr Umr 2803 Black shales, 1. The bit show dulling tendencies with depth which
grained naturally decreases penetration rate throughout the bit life.
sandstones, amber, 2. With an increase in depth, a constant mud density will
pyrite result an increase differential pressure across the borehole,
Shuaiba 2991 Shaly limestone if the pore pressure remains normal.

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Table-2: Calculated values of d and dc-exponent at

selected depth.

Fig- 1: Rate of penetration versus depth relationship.

4.2. Normalized Penetration Rate (d-exponent):

Because of the fact that many variables effect upon

penetration rate, so d-exponent was used to normalize these
variables. Equation (3) was used to calculate d-exponent
values from drilling data which includes (penetration rate, 4.3. Normalized Penetration Rate (dc-exponent):
rotary speed, bit diameter, weight on bit, and mud weight).
Example of this calculation shown as below: Since d-exponent method is influenced by mud weight
variations, dc-exponent method will normalize d-exponent
- At depth 4025 m values for the variations of mud weight by using equation
ROP (ft/hr) = 0.677, WOB (1000 Ib) = 18, N (RPM) = 70, Dh (4).
(in) = 8.375
- d = [ log ( ) / log ( )] - For example, at depth, D = 4025 (m), d-exponent =
2.3875269, Mwn = 1.13 (gm/cc), Mw = 2.09 (gm/cc)
- d = 2.38752
- dc = 2.3875269 *
Table (2), shows these calculation at selected depths. D- - dc = 1.2908638
exponent had been plotted versus depth in figure (2). This
plot shows an increase in d-exponent values in normal
The resulted values are tabulated in table (2), and plotted
pressure zones, while at high pressure zones (Yamama, versus depth in figure (3). This plot shows an increase in dc-
Sulaiy, and Gotnia formations), d-exponent values will exponent values in normal pressure zones, while at
decrease. This decreasing in d-exponent may be due to the
overpressure zones, dc-exponent values will decrease due to
effeteness of the lithology of this formations that make a the increase of the rate of penetration.
change in the shale section, such as ( silty shales, mudstones,
limey, marls, etc.).

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4.4. Sigmalog Method:

Interpretation of sigmalog method is based on computing

rock strength values ( o) from drilling data which includes
(penetration rate, rotary speed, bit diameter, weight on bit,
and mud weight). We started with equation (5) to find the
total rock strength (raw sigmalog) ( t). Which is not

corrected for depth, therefore equation (6) used to corrected

this values in a selected depth.
Equation (7) used to find the value of Sigma log ( o). But
in this equation there is a one parameter called the
overbalance correction (F) which it found from equation (8).
The value of p) differential pressure will be found from
equation (9). And the value of (n) which represent the time
required to equalize the differential pressure by using
equation (10). Example of this calculation shown as below:

- At depth, D = 4050 (m)

= ( 18 0.5 70 0.25 ) / ( 8.375 0.633 0.25 )
= 1.6427634 psi

- Corrected rock strength

= 1.6427634 + 0.028 ( 7 - 4050 / 1000 )

Fig-2: d-exponent versus depth relationship. = 1.7253634 psi

- From Eq (10), find the value of n-function:

n = ( 1 / 640 ) [ 4 - ( 0.75 / 1.7253634 ) ]
n = 0.0055708

- Eq (9), used to find the value of differential pressure p):

p = [ 2. 9 .433 ) - ( 1.13 0.433 )] ( 4050 / 10)
p = 168.35 4 psi

- To find the values of overbalance correction (F), used Eq

(8)

F= 1 + [ ]

F = 0.6044462

- Finally, the values of Sigma log found from Eq (7)

= 0.6044462 1.7253634
= 1.0428893 psi

The value of ( o) and it calculation are tabulated in table

(3). The plot of ( o) versus depth had been created in
figure (4). Sigmalog plot is similar to d-exponent and dc-
exponent plots, where ( o) values increase with depth,
showing normally pressured zones, while in abnormally
Fig-3: dc-exponent versus depth relationship.

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pressured zones ( o) values decrease from the reference

normal trend line.
For the raise of sigmalog plot, shifts of the normal
compaction trends will be created by drawing the best line
through data points for each segment, this is shown in figure
(4). The shifts of sigmalog plot may be due to many causes:
1. Geological cause, such as faults, ....etc.
2. Drilling causes, such as improper bit selection, ..... etc.

Table-3: Calculated values of sigmalog at selected depth

.

Fig-4: Sigmalog versus depth relationship.

5. Conclusions

From figure (1),rate of penetration (ROP) increased slightly

in Shuaiba formation because, this formation is consider as
an subnormal pressure which is represent a one of critical
formation with different problems such as loss circulation, or
stuck pipe. Again a slights increase appear in Yamama and
Sulaiy formation, due to presence of gas with high pressure.
But a high rate occur on Gotnia formation because the affect
of salt which it is denser than the other rocks. In Najmah
formation, ROP will started to decrease but still there is a
sign of abnormal pressure because the effeteness of gas and
salt formation.
In a normalized penetration rate (d-exponent and dc-
exponent) and sigmalog method which shown in figures (2,3
and 4). The values of this techniques decreases in a high
pressure zone (Yamama, Sulaiy, Gotnia and Najmah
formation) due to increase (ROP). And due to the effeteness
of the lithology of this formation that make a change in the
shale section.

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NOMENCLATURE BIOGRAPHIES

ROP - Rate of penetration (ft/hr)

K - Formation drilability Ali Ibrahim Mohammed Ameen is a
Dh - Bit diameter (in) second year master of engineering (ME),
d - Exponent for normalizing penetration rate student in Department of Petroleum
N - Rotary speed (RPM) Engineering at Maharashtra Institute of
W - Weight on bit (Ib) Technology (MIT), Pune, Maharashtra,
dc - Corrected d-exponent India.
MWN - Normal mud weight gradient (gm/cc)
MWA (MW) - Mud weight (gm/cc)
- Total rock strength or raw sigmalog (psi)
Prof. Sanjay R. Joshi, professor in
- Corrected total rock strength (psi) Department of Petroleum Engineering at
D - Depth (m) Maharashtra Institute of Technology
- Rock strength (psi) (MIT), Pune, Maharashtra, India.
F - Overbalance correction
P - Differential pressure (psi)
GPn - Normal formation pressure gradient for the
area (psi)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

A special thanks to may department (Department of

Petroleum Engineering) and professor (Dr. Pradeep B.
Jadhav) Head of the Department to his support.
Thanks and appreciation to my guidance professor (Sanjay
R. Joshi) who has given me his whole potential in giving me
a way to obtain the goal as well as his encouragement to
maintain progress in course.

REFERENCES

[1]. Bhagwan Sahay, Walter H. Fertl, "Origin and Evaluation

of Formation Pressures", Allied Publishers Private Limited,
New Delhi 1988.
[2]. Walter H. Fertl, George V. Chilingarian, and Herman H.
Rieke, "Abnormal Formation Pressures: Implications to
Exploration, Drilling, and Production of Oil and Gas
Resources", Elsevier Scientific Publishing Company,
Amsterdam, Oxford, New York 1976.
[3]. Ahmed Kareem Hassan, " A Study of Abnormal
Formation Pressures Distribution and Their Effect on
Drilling Operation in Middle & South Iraqi Oil Fields",
Petroleum Engg. Dept. Baghdad University, 2016.
[4]. J. R. Jorden and O. J. Shirley, "Application of Drilling
Performance Data to Over-Pressure Detection", JPT, Nov.
1966, pp. (1387-1394).
[5]. Bill Rehm and Ray McClendon, "Measurement of
Formation Pressure from Drilling Data", SPE No. 3601, 1971.
[6]. P. Belloti and D. Giacca, "AGIP Technology; in Deep
Drilling, Pressure Evaluation and Drilling Performance",
AGIP, Milan, Italy, 1978.
[7]. Saad Z. Jassim and Jeremy C. Goff, "Geology of Iraq", First
Edition, 2006.

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