Modeling of Pressure Buildup on a Kicking Well and Its Practical Application

Abstract

Summary We describe a new method for prediction of pore pressure and formation permeability from a kicking well. Getting reliable and accurate information about reservoir parameters (when the formation damage is minimal) is of importance for making proper well completion decisions. In addition, when a well kicks, inaccurate estimation of the formation pressure may cause loss of equipment, possibly the well, and human lives. To combat these problems, a conventional pressure analysis method is modified to predict the formation pore pressure and estimate horizontal and vertical formation permeabilities from a kicking well. The method is simple, and the only prerequisite is that the buildup data be collected upon shutting in a kicking well. Examples with simulated and actual field data are provided to demonstrate the practical application of the method.