The Sigmalog Method

WE-014 Pore Pressure

TM

Abalt Solutions

Copyright © 2008 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved.

Formation Pressure Detection

The Sigmalog Method

• Developed in the 70s by AGIP and Geoservices.

• Attempt to improve the d-exponent method.
• Can only be done on computer.

Copyright © 2008 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved.

Formation Pressure Evaluation
Sigmalog evaluation
• The evaluation is based on
measurement of the differences
between the reference trend line
 r and the average   of the,  o
points most to the right.

• Calculate  r

Z
   * 
1000

• : slope of the compaction trend

• : intersection of the trend with Z = 0
• Z = depth (metres)

Copyright © 2008 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved.

Formation Pressure Evaluation

Sigmalog evaluation
• calculate F: r
F
t

• calculate P: 2  1  F  1
P  *
1  1  F  n
2

Where:
• n = time factor for cleaning the bit face.
• Calculate the equilibrium density corresponding to the pore pressure:

P * 10
d eql  d m 
where dm = mud density. Z

Copyright © 2008 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved.

Formation Pressure Evaluation

Normalised drilling rate evaluation (Prentice)

Comments on Procedure:
• linear scales are used for the plot, the NDR scale being appropriately
chosen for the drilling rates expected.
• changes of bit or mud density must be shown by a horizontal line.
• The normal trend is only considered valid for intervals in which the bit
and the mud density are constant.
• Any deviation reflects changes in lithology or differential pressure.
• as non-clay points are ignored, deviations in NDR from the trend are
influenced by P only.

Copyright © 2008 Abalt Solutions Limited. All rights reserved.