DRILLING
Application of Drilling Performance Data to Overpressure
Detection
J. R. JORDEN
MEMBER A/ME
O. J. SHIRLEY
Abstract
The previously recognized effects of pressure on rate
of penetration have been adapted to an overpressure
detection technique for the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast.
It is postulated that, under specified conditions, a plot
of incremental rate of penetration vs depth will define
an ever-decreasing trend in the normal pressure section
and that this trend will reverse when overpressures are
encountered, thus permitting the detection of overpres-
sures from drilling performance data. It also is postu-
lated that a relationship between rate of penetration and
differential pressure exists. Relationships between pres-
sure and rate of penetration as developed by several in-
vestigators are reviewed. Methods are developed to nor-
malize rate of penetration data with respect to some of
the more significant drilling variables (bit weight, rotary
speed and bit diameter). Using these methods, drilling
performance data are analyzed to determine if the postu-
lated correlations mentioned can be recognized from ac-
tual field data, and results of these analyses are presented.
Introduction
The presence of overpressured formations (formations
with abnormally high fluid pressure) is a significant
characteristic of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast geologic
province. Dickinson' originally outlined the occurrence
of overpressured formations in this province, and both
Dickinson' and Hubbert and Rubey' presented theories
on the origin of these high-pressure zones. Subsequently,
drilling practices and mud and casing programs have
been developed which permit the detection and control
of overpressures, thus enhancing the chances of success-
fully drilling these zones. Many of these techniques,
which are not in the literature, have been used extensive-
ly by various operators in the Gulf Coast for several
years. Recently, log analysis methods have been reported
by Hottman and Johnson' using the transit time and
Original manuscript received in Society of Petroleum Engineers office
March 31. 1966. Revised manuscript received Sept. 13, 1966. Paper
(SPE 1407) was presented at SPE Symposium on Offshore Technology
and Operations held in New Orleans. La.• May 23-24. 1966; and at SPE
41st Annual Fall Meeting held in Dallas. Tex.• Oct. 2-5. 1966. ©Copy-
right 1966 American Institute of Mining. Metallurgical, and Petroleum
Engineers, Inc.
lReferences given at end of paper.
NOVEMBER, 1966
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SHELL DEVELOPMENT CO.
HOUSTON, TEX.
SHELL OIL CO.
META/R/E, LA.
resistivity of shales to (1) identify the first occurrence
of overpressures, and (2) estimate formation pressure
gradients.
This paper presents a technique developed for identi-
fying the first occurrence of overpressured formations
from interpretation of drilling performance data. Specif-
ically, rate of penetration data, by virtue of its depend-
ence on differential pressure (the bottom-hole pressure
difference between the mud column and the formation),
can be used to identify overpressures. Data from this
technique are immediately available as a well is drilled
which is an obvious operational advantage over the log
analYsis methods reported earlier.
Studies·-· in the industry have shown that rate of pene-
tration is considerably reduced by an increased mud
column pressure. Assuming an inversely proportional re-
lationship between rate of penetration and differential
pressure, consider drilling (under constant conditions) a
given rock in the normal pressure section at ever-increas-
ing depths. The total differential pressure will increase
with depth, and rate of penetration should decrease.
Consider drilling the same rock under the same condi-
tions as the overpressure section is entered. As the for-
mation pressure gradient increases, the differential pres-
sure decreases and the rate of penetration should improve.
Thus, for constant rock properties and drilling condi-
tions, it is postulated that a plot of incremental rate of
penetration vs depth should define an ever-decreasing
trend in the normal pressure section, and that the trend
should reverse when drilling into overpressures (Fig.
1). Such a plot would show characteristics similar to the
shale resistivity and shale transit time plots currently
used for overpressure detection, and would be a valu-
able supplement to these log analysis methods because it
would be available as a well is drilled.
Furthermore, there should be a relationship between
incremental rate of penetration and the differential pres-
sure existing between the mud column and the formation.
Knowledge of such a relationship would provide a meth-
od to (1) maintain minimum differential pressures and
thus improve drilling efficiency, and (2) predict forma-
tion pressures while drilling.
If rate of penetration is proportionally related to pres-
1387
sure differential, the foregoing postulations are valid in
the ideal case where all other drilling variables are con-
stant. However, the rate of penetration-differential pres-
sure relationship is obscure, and actual field conditions
necessarily include variations in rock properties and drill-
ing mechanics. Therefore, it is the purpose of this study
to examine actual field data to determine if these postu-
lated correlations are recognizable and, if so, to establish
means of applying these relationships to improve cur-
rent overpressure detection and drilling techniques.
Influence of Differential Pressure
On Drilling Performance
The influence of pressure, either differential or hydro-
static, on drilling performance has not been clearly de-
fined. Murray and Cunningham' concluded from labora-
tory experiments that rate of penetration is decreased
by an increased confining pressure in most formations,
and suggested this decrease is caused by rock strengthen-
ing due to the confining pressure. They further concluded
from field data that rate of penetration is decreased by
an increased mud column pressure, and that mud column
pressure affects rate of penetration in the field approxi-
mately the same as confining pressure in the laboratory.
Subsequently, Eckel" reported laboratory work on lime-
stones which indicated the pressure differential between
the mud column and formation is the only pressure
parameter which affects rate of penetration.
Further laboratory work by Cunningham and Eenink'
showed that overburden pressure has practically no ef-
fect on rate of penetration and confirmed that rate of
penetration is dependent on the difference between mud
column and formation pressures. These authors found
that rate of penetration decreased when mud column pres-
sure was greater than formation pressure. They attributed
the decrease primarily to the redrilling of a layer of
cuttings and mud particles held to the hole bottom by
the difference in pressure, and secondarily to the strength-
ening of the rock by the differential pressure.
Garnier and van Lingen' found that differential pres-
sure affects both rock strength and chip hold-down. Fig.
2 shows an example of the relative influence of differen-
tial pressure on rock strength and chip hold-down as
\\ ...'"
\ 5~ I
\ >:;i
\ o~
I
( :ORMAL ~
COMPACTION
TREND
LOG Rsh LOG 6tsh PREssuRE tiP
- RATE OF PENETRATION
"d" EXPONENT -
GRADIENT
Fig. I-Schematic comparison between shale resistivity,
shale transit time, differential pressure and rate
of penetration.
1388
they affect rate of penetration. These data indicate that
chip hold-down affects rate of penetration more signifi-
cantly than does rock strengthening.
Most of the work cited suggests that a relationship
does exist between differential pressure and rate of pene-
tration. However, the work of Bingham" has shown a
relationship between rate of penetration and pressure,
but not necessarily a proportional relationship between
rate of penetration and differential pressure. Bingham's
findings imply that drilling under laboratory conditions
may be directly influenced by differential pressure, but
drilling under field conditions is not necessarily influenced
by differential pressure in the same manner.
In summary, all investigators recognize a strong rela-
tion between rate of penetration and pressure, differential
or hydrostatic; however, definition of the exact nature of
the relation has not yet been made. It was the original
Downloaded from http://onepetro.org/JPT/article-pdf/18/11/1387/2224555/spe-1407-pa.pdf by Bandung Inst. of Tech. user on 27 October 2023
premise of the present study that overpressures can be
detected in a well by a change in penetration rate and
it is implicit that a relationship between rate of pene-
tration and differential pressure must exist for this prem-
ise to be valid. Therefore, this investigation is directed
toward developing a reasonable means to represent the
effect of differential pressure, recognizing that it mayor
may not be the only physical phenomenon involved.
Applieation of Drilling Fundamentals
Theory
This investigation is to relate rate of penetration be-
havior to differential pressure behavior and thus develop
a tool to detect overpressures. It has been shown by
several investigators'" that a recognizable relationship be-
tween differential pressure and rate of penetration should
obtain under constant drilling conditions. An equation
of the general form R/ N =a(W/ D)d has been shown" to
relate penetration rate to bit weight, rotary speed and
bit size, provided that all other drilling variables are
STRENGTH
~ 4- EFFECT
.....
E
e
z
o
I-
~2
I-
w
Z
W
D..
O+----.,..-----,------r---:---r------,
o 25 50 75 100 125
2
MUD PRESSURES, kg/cm
32 RPM ATMOSPHERIC PORE PRESSURE
o OBERNKIRCHENER SANDSTONE BIT LOAD 300 kg.
X VAURION LIMESTONE BIT LOAD 500 kg.
/! BELGIAN LIMESTONE BIT LOAD 700 kg.
Fig. 2-Penetration rate as a function of mud pressure at
atmospheric pore pressure (after Garnier and van Lingen4 ).
JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY
 RATE OF PENETRATION BIT WEIGHT
R, FT. PER HOUR lL EXAMPLE "d" ..200 12W W,IOOO LB.
60N Ro20 106D
N°IOO
250 W=25,OOO
D=97/8
d=1.64
200
.001
150

2
100
.050
.002
.040 BIT SIZE 3
ROTARY SPEED D,INCHES
N, REV. PER MIN. 4
50 250
200 ~
.004 \

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~
159/ .020 6
~O
/" .006
\ 6"
6'/i' 8
/" 50
\ 8 '/i'
9 7/8" fO
.008
.010 I~"
30 .010
20 \
.006
\ 20
10 10
R
8 .020 60N
d= - - - .004 30
12 W
6
.030 10 6 D 003 40
5
50
Fig. 3-Nomogram for d exponent determination.

constant and certain other ideal conditions are met. It tion) should also obtain under varying drilling conditions
has also been shown' that this equation does not de- (specifically varying bit weight, rotary speed and bit di-
scribe drilling performance under field conditions. How- ameter, with all other drilling variables constant). Thus,
ever, as an empirical approximation, it is suggested that a plot of d exponent vs depth should define a trend as
a recognizable relationship between differential pressure 'the normal pressure section is drilled and the differential
and d exponent (exponent of the general drilling equa- pressure increases, and the d exponent trend should re-
verse as overpressured formations are encountered and
2000 the differential pressure decreases-provided all but these
three drilling variables are constant. Similarly, there should
be a relationship between the value of d exponent and dif-
ferential pressure-again, provided all but these three
drilling variables are constant.
1600
(/J
To test the concepts suggested, drilling performance
0- data were collected and analyzed in the following manner.
W
a::
:::> Data Collection and Analysis
en 1200
en
w Ndrmalized Rate 0/ Penetration (d Exponent)
0::
a.
...J 1. In 15 selected wells depth intervals, bit footage,
<{
~
rotating hours, bit diameter, bit weight, rotary speed,
z 800
W
mud density, viscosity, water loss, circulating rate and
0:: pressure, bit data and drill-string dimensions were taken
W
U. from AAODC-API Daily Drilling Reports and tabulated
-U.
0
for each bit run. Where necessary, weighted-average data
400 (weighted on the basis of number of rotating hours in
each tour) were used.
• NORMAL PRESSURE. DATA 2. An average penetration rate for each bit run was
x OVER PRESSURE DATA
first calculated.
0 '------'--------'2'---
0 3. Using this penetration rate, bit diameter and
lid II
weighted-average bit weight and rotary speed, the d ex-
Fig. <t-l exponent-dift'erential pressure relationship, ponent was calculated according to the following
bit run data. equation:

NOVEMBER, 11966 1389

 flUID PRESSURE
DEPTH SHALE TRANSIT AUXILIARY DATA
SHALE RESISTIVITY GRADIENT
"d" EXPONENT DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE -MUD - - - FORMATION
FEET TIME CASING POINTS, K!CKS, ETC.
X MEASURED F. P G
1\ I. HAD DRLG. BREAK 13205'-10', STARTE£'I

~
GAINING MUD VOLUME WHILE CIRC.
OUT. WELL FLOWED W/PUMPS OFF
6(l(X)
CLOSED HYDRIL. INCR. Wl. IN PITS
\ TO IZ.O. CIRCULATED ON CHOKE
I
8000
~ \ I 7 HRS. a RETURNS STABILIZED AT
IL8. 'BOTTOMS UP HAD BEEN SALT-

\
WATER-CUT TO 9.8 MIN. OPENED

\
I HYDRIL. INCREASEO WT. IN PITS TO
I
10,000
~ I 12.5. CIRCULATED 6 HRS. RETURNS
STABILIZED AT 12.5. MADE SHORT
a

\
TRIP O.K.
I

~
I 2. INCREASED WT. FROM 12.5 TO 13.0
, I \ AT 13232' TO CONTROL CAVING
12,000 a
----
HOLE EXCESS SHALE.
TOP
OVERPRESSURES

~ (
\ I '-lL ~--'" ,.
1/
_ _,
'-. ) \,
14,000 9 5, , '
\. ,
",,~
.... 14157'

16.000
/ 1\ lc ~ ~ ~ 3 INCREASED WT, FROM
AT 15066'
10.0 TO 17.0
TO CONTROL CAVING

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£ I \
? 'i HOLE 6 EXCESS SHALE.

I 000
05
I \ 70 100 150
0'
RSh, ohm-m
'0 '0
li.t.,aS~(:/fl
1
'd"
2
° dp,psi
'000 2000 .4 06 'OB
FP.G. , psi.lft
1.0

Fig. 5-0verpressure data sheet, Well A.

FLUID PRESSURE AUXILIARY DATA

DEPTH SHALE TRANSIT GRADIENT
SHALE RESISTIVITY "d" EXPONENT DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE -MUD - - - fORMATION
FEET TIME CASING POINTS, KICKS, ETC
X MEASURED fPC>
1:\'1,"
II I
\
250u'

I I l. HAD EXCESS SHALE AT 12035:

4000

6000
1 \ I
I
2, HAD GAS-CUT MUD AT 12160:
AfTER LOG AT 12160' HAD
MOOERATE GAS-CUT MUD
WHILE REAMING BACK TO

~\
I \ I
1
BOTTOM
3. AFTER TRIPS AT 13202: 13325'
6 13436', RETURNS CUT fROM

s
8000

~
f
I 165 TO 154 MIN.

I 4. AFTER TRIP AT 13718: RETURNS

I CUT FROM \6.5 TO <8 MIN.

>
10,000
,l__)
AFTER LOG AT 13718', RETURNS
] L

12,000'
w
OVEflP~E~S

'\ 1P- ---- ~ ..-- ~

,
~i;4~~"
1"
CUT FROM 16.5 TO 15.5 MIN.

, ,f

~ \ ~ '- J
~

/} 1<--"-L
12176'

' ----<
.~ ;,
14,000

? 1\ rr- 1.)WlFT:068~ PSi~t AT 1I1~

5"
14S09'

16000 I i
150 , 20000,4
ZISHp: 0192 p.i/Fl, AT
1
1~680

°, ,0
0' 05
Fish, ohm-m
'0 '0 '0 '00
!J.1.,aStc-/ft "d"
2
° Ii
'000
,ps,
0.6
FPC;, ps,/FI

Fig. 6--0verpressure data sheet, Well B.

flUID PRESSURE
DEPTH SHALE TRANSIT AUXILIARY DATA
SHALE RESISTIVITY GRADIENT
"d" EXPONENT DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE -MUD - - - FORMATION
FEET TIME CASING POINTS, KICKS, ETC
X MEASURED f.PC;

4000
\ I
~T
' _ ""••"'" ." "'='" I
3455

THROUGHOUT INTERVAL 10355'-11420'

6000
\ </
/'> \ Ii 2. CEASED DRILLING AT 11860' DUE TO
RATE OF PENETRATION INCREASE.

BOTTOMS uP CUT FROM 12.0 TO 11.8

FOR 4 HRS. INCR. WT. TO 12.3. MADE
I

8000
~
\~
J ~
~
\ I
I
I
3
SHORT TRIP O.K. LOGGED WELL.

WHILE DRLC>. AT 11948'. W/12.3 MUD,

WELL lOCKED. CLOSED HYDRIL WI

If \ 300p,i SIOPP. INCfl. WT. IN PITS TO

I 14.0. CIRCULATED 3.5 HRS. ON CHOICE
} I l.5 HRS, OPEN 6 RETURNS STABILIZED

-~~
10,000 AT !4.0, RESUMED DRLG.

~
12.000
TOP
OVE~P~ESSU"ES

-~ i l:.
\ iL_
. LJ 1--'
/'
7~·
HB60'

(,.~
) ./ \,
-=: :3-
\ I 4. HOLE SWABBED ON TRIP AT 12.015'.

14.000
/ P. I ,~ """ , (-
5. HAD INTERMITTENT MILD GAS
CUTTING THROUGHOUT INTERVAL
14013'-14355'.

I \ I hlFPG AT II'UTO.6$3
"L
eA~,EO ON
:soo"r' SIOPP
,,~ i \

,
12.3 PPG jUO a

0' 05
RtM, ohm-m
'0 20 '0 '00
l1t.,A,St(:,/Fl
'50
"d"
2 0
Ii
'000
,j:l$'
200 4 0.6 °,
Ff'G, ·psi/F!
10

Fig. 7-0verpressure data sheet, Well C.

lil90 JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY

 [6~ ]
2. When the well reaches this preselected depth, in-
log crease mud weight sufficiently (up to 12.0 Ib/ gal) to
d=
-[12W]'
log lO"D
(I)" avoid a kick at the top of overpressures.
3. Maintain (as nearly as practical) constant rotary
speed, weight on bit, bit size and type, pump pressure,
R etc., throughout the selected interval. The rotary speed,
When 60N is less than unity, the absolute value of log weight on bit, etc., should be optimum based on experi-
ence in the well of interest or nearby wells.
6~N varies inversely with R; therefore, the d exponent

varies inversely with rate of penetration. Calculations of S.P. "d"EXPONENT MUD WT. ppg.
the d exponent were facilitated by use of the nomogram -H~20MV
~---r-.,...--4
g .0
0
2.0 3.0 10 12 14 16
shown in Fig. 3. o
C/)
4. d exponents and differential pressure between the w
mud column and the formation were plotted vs depth ~
~

for each bit run (Figs. 5 through 7). To calculate the

\ z
«

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:r.
differential pressure, a constant forrgation pressure gra- t:
l, u
dient of 0.465 psi/ ft was used in the known normal
pressured section, and the formation pressure gradient in
the overpressured section was estimated from shale re-
~\
q
\ ~
Ui
sistivity-formation pressure gradient relationships developed
by Hottman and Johnson: Recorded mud density data
were assumed to occur at the lowest depth of each bit
~ 1
c::;
run and any changes in mud density were assumed to
occur linearly between these depth points, unless other- t:::
wise noted.
5. To evaluate the reliability of d exponent plots as ~
an overpressure detection method, these plots were then
-
compared with shale resistivity and shale transit time
plots and the known drilling history of the wells under ~
~
study. To obtain a relationship between d and differential
pressure, d exponent data for each bit run were plotted
vs the average differential pressure occurring during the f-----
bit run.
6. Additionally, a program of data collection was un- ~ l-

dertaken on then-current offshore exploratory wells. Data

collection methods were similar to those previously out-
lined except that rate of penetration, bit weight, rotary
cC
speed, mud weight and circulation rate were recorded
for short intervals (some every 30 ft and some every 10
jJ
1-
~
ft drilled). These data were then analyzed as previously
described. The d exponents in shale sections were selected
and plotted for comparison with the shale resistivity and

~
transit time plots and drilling history. Short interval data
were available from two wells, and the analysis of one
is discussed herein.

~
~ -
Rate 01 Penetration
During the collection and analysis of d exponent data
it was recognized that another approach, possibly better
than normalizing drilling data, would be to maintain all
I---+==~-~
o
g \ c
drilling variables constant and simply record uncorrected
rate of penetration. Since this practice cannot prudently
be followed over the entire hole due to changes in for- c-r .\
t: 1-
mation characteristics with depth, the following method
was developed. .,
1. Preselect an interval of 1,000 to 1,500 ft immediate-
ly above the expected top of overpressures based on avail- ~
able data in the area of the well of interest.
*This equation is not a rigorous solution of the equation R/N=
a (W / D)' in that the d exponent as used here actually represents d +
{ 1-

]oga
o ~ '--
l -_ _-L-J._--'
o0
C\J
=
Fig. 3-d exponent vs depth compared with SP log,
Well C.

NOVEMBER, 1966 1~91

 4. Record and plot rate of penetration in lO-ft incre- Note that the d exponent is higher between 13,000
ments throughout the interval until overpressures are in- to 14,000 ft (in the overpressure section) than any-
dicated by the plot. where in the normal pressure section. Even though the
5. Log to confirm overp~essures by shale resistivity or formation pressure gradient is higher in the overpressure
transit time plots. interval than in the normal pressure interval, the re-
spective mud column pressures are such that a higher
differential pressure occurs in the overpressure section.
Evaluation of Results
This emphasizes the belief that drilling performance is
Normalized Rate of Penetration dependent upon differential pressure, and that d exponent
Results of the original study show that definite corre- data must be interpreted in thc light .of existing mud
lations between d exponent and differential pressure can column pressures.
be recognized from field data. Of the 17 original cases
studied, four showed a very consistent d exponent trend Well B, Terrebonne Parish, La.
in the normal pressure section, nine showed a reason- The d exponent data form a poor trend in the normal
ably consistent trend and four showed a poor trend. The pressure section of this well (Fig. 6). The sharp in-
two wells for which closely spaced data were available crease in d at 10,450 ft appears related to the significant
clearly showed the top of overpressures. Of the 11 wells

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increase in differential pressure at about the same depth.
which drilled deep into overpressures, nine showed a defi- Below protective casing there is an outstanding correla-
nite decrease in d exponent. Several of the wells studied tion between d exponent and differential pressure. Note
showed an excellent correlation between d and differen- that shale resistivity data show an increasing formation
tial pressure. in cases where the differential pressure pressure gradient from 11,450 to 12,700 it and then a
changed abruptly due to abrupt changes in mud weight. decreasing formation pressure gradient below 12,700 ft.
These correlations were noted in both the normal and The resulting differential pressure is clearly reflected by
overpressure sections. Fig. 4 shows a differential pres- the d exponent.
sure-d exponent relationship obtained as previously de-
scribed. Although a trend is indicated, the scatter of Well C, Offshore Iberia Parish, La.
data is too great for a quantitative field application of
this relationship. To note in some detail the character- Considerable scatter of d exponent data is evident in
istics and limitations of drilling performance data as an the normal pressure section of this well (Figs. 7 and 8).
overpressure detection technique, a discussion of repre- Much of this scatter is undoubtedly due to varying tooth
sentative well studies follows. wear which becomes a major variable affecting drilling
performance when several data points are taken from
one bit run. A series of individual trends are apparent
Well A, Offshore St. Mary Parish, La. in the individual bit runs. However, the over-all trend
A very consistent d exponent trend occurs in the nor- is one of consistent increase with depth in the normal
mal pressure section of this well, with the top of the pressure section. Note the abrupt shift in the trend at
overpressures indicated at 12,450 ft (Fig. 5). Shale re- about 10,400 ft due to the abrupt increase in diffe'rential
sistivity data are difficult to analyze in this well with two pressure. This was the first well in which overpressures
possible interpretations of the overpressure top; i.e., at were detected from drilling performance data before ex-
12,200 and 14,000 ft. The preferred interpretation places periencing a kick.
overpressures at 12,200 ft which seems to be confirmed Between 10,000 and 10,400 ft the mud weight was in-
by d exponent data and the well behavior. There are creased rapidly from 10.3 to 12.1 lbl gal and held at that
excellent indications of a decreasing pressure differential value to 11,860 ft. Drilling performance data were re-
below 15,300 ft. As the mud weight was held constant corded at lO-ft intervals. Fig. 8 shows a plot of d ex-
through this interval, d exponent data give a direct in- ponent vs depth on an expanded depth scale. Based on
dication of the increasing formation pressure gradient, the slow, consistent decrease in d exponent between
which is confirmed by shale resistivity data. 11,730 and 11,860 ft, the decision was made to stop

FLUID PRESSURE
DEPTH SHALE TRANSIT RATE OF DIFFERENTIAL GffADIENT AUXILIARY DATA
SHALE RESISTIVITY
FF:"ET TIME PENETRATION PRESSURE -MUO - - - FOMIATIC* CASING ~OIHTS. I(I(:KS, (TC.
X MIE ... SUltED .... ~.G.

~ ,0>}4'
.000

4000

~ .r "" \
B>T
""NS I
I
6000

8000
t \
J ~
.....
\ I
I
I
WELl. KICkEO WHILE
IUI([ TIltP AT 9610'
P"EPARING TO
INCIt. MUD

10000
........ ---- - - --C I,{-- -- ~-- --) - - -- --- l
[;:., ~~ S£T
..FROM 10.0 TO ll,7 PPG,-LOGGED
1 5/S" CS6. H8"

rop OVl "'__55""

12000

14000

16000 o. os
''-11,0,",'"·'''
'D 2. 70 100

.t, JL
LSO

Stc./F"!.
"0 100

FT / Hit
.0 00 1000 200<: 0.4 ... 0 .• 0.0

AP. ,.i F.t!ll.,p,i/FL

Fig. 9-0verpressure data sheet, Well D.

1392 JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM rrECHNOLOGY

 FLUID PRESSURE
DEPTH SHALE TRANSIT RATE OF DIFFERENTIAL GRADIENT AUXILIARY DATA
SHALE RESISTIVITY
FEET TIME PENETRAflON PRESSURE --MUD - - -FQltMATlOM CASING POINTS, KICKS. ETC
X MEASURED F.'.G.

~.lO3/4"
'""TI48
4000

6000
l 1/
I

~ ~ \ I
I
I
8000

~ ( I
1
10000

~
POSSIBLE
~OVERPRE7SURE~
if ( ~~
I
I
I,
~
J"OM
MUD GAS CUT WHILE DRLG

: ' 0 '0 " .•

12287 -LOGGEDlli SET CSG
12030

,eo ' " ,"co m

INCR

12000 ,"
,L I,f(~ ~
DALD OUT W114.0 PPG MUD, INCR TO

~ l2:
12287
\ I~,O PPG WHILE DRLG.
I DEFINITE
14000
\
,OVERTEssurs

Downloaded from http://onepetro.org/JPT/article-pdf/18/11/1387/2224555/spe-1407-pa.pdf by Bandung Inst. of Tech. user on 27 October 2023

16000 w w '000 200< ~. 0.0 0.' LO
'.0 '00 " 0
" 0'
As~, o~m-m 0.1,# Sec:./FI
"0
" '0

Ft/H,
" .Il.P,I"i FPG.,l's;!Fl

Fig. IO-Overpressure data sheet, Well E.

drilling and circulate out. Continued gas cutting while

circulating required an increase in mud weight to 12.3
Ib/ gal for control. The well was then logged. and the shale 'NDUCTION-ELECTRIC;lL LOG
RATE OF PENETRATION

resistivity and shale transit time data clearly showed the FTiHOUR

top of overpressures at about 11,500 ft. Protective casing ., 150 100 50 0

was set at this point. While drilling 88 ft below the .!

protective casing, the well kicked with 12.3 Ib/ gal mud, BIT CHANGE - -Z
<-
and a shut-in drill pipe pressure of 300 psi was recorded. ~
Shale resistivity and transit time data below the protec-
tive casing confirm the presence of overpressures. ?

;:;
t
Rate of Penetration
Well D, Offshore Vermilion Parish, La. ? '. ( ;:- ~
..---
l-='
-::;;
I? < ~ "'" """:::c
This example illustrates incremental rate of penetra-
~ 1=
tion data obtained with mechanical drilling variables held
constant using a light weight mud (Fig. 9).
~ 1
Data shown here were obtained from a rate of pene- <I "'"
1-
tration log plotted on lO-ft intervals with representative -=
values taken from shale intervals in a manner similar to
.....,
that used for the shale resistivity and travel time plots.
All data confirm the top of overpressures slightly below
9.000 ft. Calculated differential pressure data indicate ...:
that the section below 9,300 ft was drilled with an appar- >
ent hydrostatic underbalance, suggesting that an overbal-
),
~
<:
ance was maintained only by pump pressure while the
) ~
interval was being drilled. When the pumps were shut
down to make a trip at 9,610 ft, the well kicked and
it was necessary to increase the mud weight to 11.7
r ~
~ .......
~
~
-===:;
Ib/ gal to log and case the hole, thus confirming the under- < BIT CHANGE _
balanced condition. ..r'
;sl
f-- f-- I
Well ,,~, Off.~hore IfJeria Pari.~h, La. '] TOP) OF OVERPRESSURES >-
Data from this well were obtained in the same man- /-
:;-

ner as the preceeding example (Fig. 10). In this instance,

the mud weight was increased above the expected top of
:;-
> ?
overpressures in a deliberate effort to locate the top of
overpressures without taking a kick. Note the good agree- ,( ~
ment obtained by this method with subsequent log data.
Also note the excellent agreement between rate of pene-
3 ~
tration, shale resistivity and calculated differential pres- 1:-
sure in the overpressured section where mud weight was ~
maintained constant at 15.0 Ib/ gal. L::.

Well P, Off.~lwre Iberia Parish, La.

Fig. II-Rate of penetration vs depth compared with IES
Fig. II illustrates continuous drilling data obtained lo~, Well F.

NOVEMRER. !l966 1393

from an automatic rate of penetration recorder on an
offshore exploratory test. Comparison with the induction-
electric log shows very good correlation with sands en-
countered in the interval. This example also shows the
effect of bit wear on rate of penetration. (Note the saw
tooth profile with continually decreasing average pene-
tration rate with depth.) Overpressures are clearly in-
dicated by continuous increase in penetration rate below
11,750 ft. Note that the penetration rate reaches 125
ft/hour near total depth, being approximately eight times
greater than expected from extrapolation of the expected
rate of penetration.
Conclusions
Based on the original study from which this new tech-
nique was developed and over two years of subsequent
experience in field application, the following conclusions
can be made relative to the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast.
1. Drilling performance data can be used to detect
the top of overpressured sediments in areas where the
approximate depth of overpressuring is known. A plot
of normalized rate of penetration will show a trend of
continually decreasing penetration rates with depth and
a reversal in this trend as overpressures are penetrated
by the drill bit. This technique can be used as a means
to avoid taking a kick and to identify overpressures prior
to logging.
2. Rate of penetration data can be normalized by at
least two methods with sufficient validity for use with
this technique: (a) by using a general drilling equation
(d exponent method), or (b) by maintaining all drilling
variables constant in the field. Experience has shown the
latter method to be preferable. Experience has also shown
that analysis of short footage increments gives more
diagnostic results.
3. A correlation between normalized rate of penetra-
tion and differential pressure is recognizable from the
available data. Although a trend is indicated in the d
exponent-differential pressure curve shown in Fig. 4, the
scatter of data is too great for quantitative application.
However, results are sufficiently encouraging to merit fur-
ther investigation under controlled drilling conditions spe-
cifically designed to investigate this relation.
Nomenclature
a = constant in general drilling equation
D = bit diameter, in.
d = exponent in general drilling equation
N = rotary speed, rpm
6.p = differential pressure between mud column and
formation, psi
1394
R = penetration rate, ft/ hr
R'h = shale resistivity, ohm-m'/m
6.t'h = shale transit time, microsec/ft
W = bit load, Ib
References
1. Dickinson, G.: "Geologic Aspects of Abnormal Reservoir Pres-
sures in the Gulf Coast Region of Louisiana, U.S.A.", Proc.,
Third World Petroleum Congress, The Hague, Netherlands
(1951) 1.
2. Hubbert, M. King and Rubey, W. W.: "Role of Fluid Pressure
in Mechanics of Overthrust Faulting. Part I", Bull., GSA
(Feb., 1959) 70.
3. Hottman, C E. and Johnson, R. K.: "Estimation of Formation
Pressures from Log-Derived Shale Properties", lour. Pet. Tech.
(J une, 1965) 717-722.
4. Garnier, A. J. and van Lingen, N. H.: "Phenomena Affecting
Drilling Rates at Depth", Trans., AIME (1959) 216, 232-239.
Downloaded from http://onepetro.org/JPT/article-pdf/18/11/1387/2224555/spe-1407-pa.pdf by Bandung Inst. of Tech. user on 27 October 2023
5. Murray, A. S. and Cunningham, R. A.: "Effect of Mud Col-
umn Pressure on Drilling Rates", Trans., AIME (1955) 204,
196-204.
6. Eckel, J. R.: "Effect of Pressure on Rock Drillability", Trans.,
AIME (1958) 213, 1-6.
7. Cunningham, R. A. and Eenink, J. G.: "Laboratory Study of
Errect of Overburden. Formation and Mud Column Pressures
on Drilling Rates of Permeable Formations", Trans., AIME
(1959) 216,9-17.
8. Bingham, M. G.: "A New Approach to Interpreting Rock
Drillability", Oil & Gas IOllr. (Nov. 2, 1964-April 5, 1965).
***
J. R. JORDEN (left) is a senior petrophysical engineer
with Shell Development Co., Houston. He received a BS
degree with honors in petroleum engineering from the U.
of Tulsa in 1957. Since returning to Shell in 1960 from
military duty, he held various engineering positions in
South Louisiana prior to his present assignment. O. J.
SHIRLEY (right) holds a BS degree in petroleum engineer-
ing from The U. of Oklahoma. He joined Shell in 1948
as an exploitation engineer and has held various engineer-
ing assignments for Shell Oil and Shell Development in
Corpus Christi, Houston and New Orleans. He is current-
ly assigned to Shell's Offshore West Div. as staff petro-
physical engineer.
.1011 II:'iA I. OF PETROLlWM TECHNOLOGY