Abnormal pore pressure and fracture pressure prediction for Miocene reservoir rock, field X in Vietnam

Abstract

In order to drill a well safely and economically, it is necessary to know the pore pressure and fracture pressure so that the mud density can be optimized to provide sufficient overbalance. In areas where exploration and production histories are established, offset data sets can be used to provide detailed profiles of expected pressure for those wells about to be drilled. Seismic data, log information and direct pressure measurements, production testing can be used. This article focuses on abnormal pore pressure and fracture pressure prediction by using modern methods and industry accepted concepts. Relationships between petroleum geology and drilling engineering are interpreted to give the accurate estimations of Miocene rock reservoir, field X in Vietnam. The results show that there is an abnormal pressure zone appearing from the depth of 4900ft that selecting a favorable mud density is a good solution to ensure the success and safety of the well drilling process.