Subsurface Consultants & Associates, LLC

Course Description
This course demonstrates how to run your own pore pressure prediction and analyses, based on a geo-scientific foundation, rather than software design. It is the most comprehensive course using the simple models of geology, rock-mechanics and hydrodynamics to predict and appraise subsurface geopressure and consequently evaluate your prospect risk pre-and post-drilling. The course also discusses new models and some of the pitfalls related to specific widely used applications.

This three-day course is focused on the know how to apply models, calculate predicted pore pressure, and assess measured pore pressures. The course proceeds from the known (measured) to the unknown (predicted). It explains the relationship between the geopressured compartments and the progression of the predicted pore pressure with depth. In addition, this course examines in depth the causes of disparity between predicted and measured pore pressure.

With the knowledge gained from this course you will be able to QC the measured and predicted data. You will also learn how to use the seismic velocities and the petrophysical data from offset wells to build the prediction model for a proposed offset wildcat. We will lay down the foundation of establishing the prediction variables and exponents needed for each individual basin. Moreover, the course examines in depth the calibrations process of the prediction model during and post drilling. Mud weight, casing programs and anticipated drilling challenges will be discussed. Drilling challenges due to deep water and HTHP in deep shelf environments will be demonstrated.

A thorough instruction supported by several exercises demonstrates how to analyze, evaluate and assess geopressure subsurface profile for the purpose of generating, evaluating, and drilling a prospect. The course also deals with post drilling risk assessment of a play concept, leads and prospects. In addition we will discuss opportunities to make the best use of evaluating dry holes subsurface compartmentalization to reduce the risk of forecasted prospective offset wells.

Who should attend
Geologists, geophysicists, drilling and reservoir engineers, well log analysts, managers, and support staff involved in exploration, development and drilling.

Course Content

Short review of geopressure fundamentals (one day course)
Pore pressure plots and their technical uses
Predicted vs. measured PP and FP and how to QC the data
Transgression, regression, P decay, Centroid, and hydrocarbon effect
Data needed for PP prediction:
o Overburden vs. PS especially in Salt Basins
o Defining Top of Geopressure
o Normal Compaction Trend (NCT) delineation and pitfalls
o Assigning a model for PP-FP prediction
Models and Methods for PP prediction
Emphasis on the Effective Stress Model and Eaton’s relationship

Technique used for PP – FP prediction

Pre-drilling:
Building the geological blocks
Seismic velocity-Qualification for PP predictions
Prediction model from seismic and offset wells
Limitations and pitfalls
While drilling:
Calibration using direct and pertinent data
Model inversion for the purpose fine adjustment
Post-drilling:
Compartmentalization, risk assessment and appraisal.

Analysis and applications for Play concept, Lead and Prospect evaluation

Compartmentalization, seal effectiveness and retention capacity
Transgression and regression
Geopressure compartmentalization vs. hydrocarbon entrapment
Supra-sub salt stress models and their application for PP-FP prediction
AVO responses to subsurface geopressure profile ü Build 2D and 3D geopressure models
Strat-Geopressure Fairways analysis
Faults sealing capacity in relation to type and angel
Reserve and reservoir management ü Drilling casing, and mud programs (MMS regulations)
Anticipated drilling challenges due to compartmentalization
Challenges in deep water and HTHP environments

Exercises, interpretations and analyses are conducted using case histories from the shelf and deep water in analog and digital formats.

Attendees need laptop with Microsoft Excel and imaging application (for example: Paint or Imaging for Windows etc).

Advanced Pore Pressure Prediction

Course Content

Technique used for PP – FP prediction

Analysis and applications for Play concept, Lead and Prospect evaluation