How to Predict Formation Pressure Prior to Drilling

Formation pressure can be predicted from 3 information sources prior to

drilling as follows;

1. Seismic Data

Seismic is the way to predict formation types by sending sound waves that penetrate
into subsurface structure. Then, sound waves reflected back from formation are
recorded as raw data. Geologists are able to predict geological structures and potential
pressured zoned by interpreting the sound waves. With current 3D seismic modeling,
the pressured zones are accurately predicted.

2. Geological Data

Geological information demonstrates condition that possibly causes abnormal

pressure zones. The subsurface structures associated with abnormal pressure
characteristics are anticlines, charged zones, depleted zones, faults, massive shale and
Salt formations.

Anticlines: Anticlines is the geological structure that looks like a dome. Anticlines
with cap rock on top are good geological structure because hydrocarbon can possibly
trapped below it. While drilling into top structure of anticlines, abnormal pressured
zones are expected.

Charged Zones: Charged zones are shallow formations that have pressure
connectivity from abnormal pressure zones below. Because of upward movement of
reservoir fluid from deeper zones, charged zones are normally abnormal pressure.
Charge zones can occur by nature or man-made. Currently, new geophysical
methodologies can be applied for find where the charged zones are prior to drilling.

Depleted Zones: Depleted zones are formations that have less pressure than original
formation pressure because some formations have been produced. Using historical
data in conjunction with geological techniques can determine where the possibly
depleted zones are.

Faults: Because each fault block may has different pressure gradient, while drilling
across a fault, drilling problem associated with pressure such as well control problem
or lost circulation may possibly happen.

Massive Shale: Shale is non permeable formation therefore it restricts movement of

formation fluid. When a lot of overburden formation layers are accumulated over
massive shale, shale is compacted and reservoir fluid naturally tries to come out from
the pore space. However, due to shale property, impermeable formation, it does not
allowed pore fluid to come out therefore formation pressure caused by formation fluid
becomes over pressured.
Salt Formations: There are several parts of the world where pure and thick layers of
salt are present. Typically, salt formations are laterally and upwards forced causing
salt domes. Because salt is impermeable, it does not allow formation fluid pass
through it; therefore, formations below a salt formation are normally abnormal
pressure.

3. Historical Data

The historical data from adjacent area is good information for prediction formation
pressure. Historical information can be obtained from formation pressure, mud
logging reports, drilling reports, drilling fluid reports, Logging While Drilling (LWD),
Pressure While Drilling (PWD), etc.