Bottom Hole Pressure Relationship

The bottom hole pressure : - is sum of all the pressure acting on the bottom hole. We
can describe the statement before as the following equation;

Bottom Hole Pressure (BHP) = Surface Pressure (SP) + Hydrostatic Pressure (HP).
.Bottom hole pressure relationship is very important for well control concept

.Note: BHP created by hydrostatic column of drilling fluid is the primary well control in drilling

For more understanding, please follow this example below demonstrating the
relationship of BHP, SP and HP.

Bottom Hole Pressure (BHP) = Surface Pressure (SP) + Hydrostatic Pressure (HP)

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We assume that formation pressure is normal pressure gradient of water gradient (0.465 psi/ft)
So formation pressure at 8000’ TVD = 8000 ft x 0.465 psi/ft = 3720 psi. (Normal Press.)
The first case: Hydrostatic column is water which is equal to formation pressure gradient so
.SP is equal to 0 psi . In this case : BHP = HP = 3720 PSI

The second case: BHP is still be water gradient but fluid column is oil (0.35 psi/ft) which is
lower density than water gradient (0.465 psi/ft). Therefore, in order to balance BHP, we need
Surface Pressure (SP) of 920 psi.

SP = 3720psi – (0.35 x 8000)

. SP = 3720psi – 2800psi = 920 PSI

In this case : BHP = HP + SP = 3720psi + 920psi = 4640 psi

The third case: BHP is still be water gradient but fluid column is gas (0.1 psi/ft) which is even
lower density than water gradient (0.465 psi/ft). Therefore, in order to balance BHP, we need
. Surface Pressure (SP) of 2,920 psi

SP = 3720psi – (0.1 x 8000)

. SP = 3720psi – 800psi = 2920 psi

In this case : BHP = HP + SP = 3720psi + 2920psi = 6640psi

According to the example, Surface Pressure (SP) will compensate the lack of hydrostatic
.pressure (HP) in order to balance formation pressure (FP)

.Fahmi M.Mahdawi

.IWCF –Accredit Instructor

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