Pore-Pressure Estimation by Use of Mechanical Specific Energy and Drilling Efficiency

Abstract

Summary Estimates of formation pore pressure before and while drilling are important inputs for well planning and operational decision making. A method is proposed to determine pore pressure from a combination of downhole drilling-mechanics parameters and in-situ rock data with the concept of mechanical specific energy (MSE) and drilling efficiency (DE). This pore-pressure estimation method (termed DEMSE) is based on the theory that energy spent at the bit to remove a volume of rock is a function of in-situ rock strength and the differential pressure that the rock is subjected to during drilling. A work flow is provided that illustrates the steps required to estimate pore pressure from drilling parameters and rock-mechanics data by use of the DEMSE method. Pore pressure estimated from the DEMSE method is compared with pore-pressure estimates derived through a conventional sonic log that is based on empirical technique for a deepwater well in the Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Pore-pressure estimates from the DEMSE method generally agree in magnitude and trend with the pore-pressure estimates derived from sonic-log data. The results of the DEMSE method have also been compared with pore-pressure estimates from the classical d-exponent (dXc) approach to highlight the advantages of DEMSE over traditional dXc methods. Finally, the importance of using downhole vs. surface data for pore-pressure estimation purposes, specifically torque measurements at the bit, is illustrated through a field example. These findings suggest that downhole drilling-mechanics data, when properly used, can provide reliable independent estimates of pore pressure in real time at the bit and can be used for post-well-analysis to assist with constructing pore-pressure forecasts.