Course Details

Objective

By the end of the course, participants will be able to understand

• Understand the concepts and importance of subsurface pressure prediction in drilling operations.
• Learn the key factors influencing subsurface pressures, including geological formations and fluid dynamics.
• Gain hands-on knowledge of methods used for predicting pore and fracture pressures.
• Understand the role of real-time pressure monitoring in drilling safety and well control.
• Develop skills in pressure management and mitigation strategies during drilling operations.

Content

Day 1: Introduction to Subsurface Pressures

• Overview of subsurface pressure concepts in drilling engineering
• Importance of predicting pore pressure and fracture pressure
• Types of pressures: pore pressure, fracture pressure, overbalance, underbalance
• Key factors affecting subsurface pressures (geology, formation properties, fluid properties)
• Role of subsurface pressure prediction in well control and safety

Day 2: Methods for Predicting Pore Pressure

• Theoretical approaches to pore pressure prediction
• Use of sonic, resistivity, and density logs in pressure prediction
• Analytical methods: Eaton, Bowers, and other empirical models
• Practical application of pressure prediction techniques in various geological settings
• Integration of geological, geophysical, and petrophysical data

Day 3: Predicting Fracture Pressure and Wellbore Stability

• The concept of fracture pressure and its significance in wellbore stability
• Methods for predicting fracture pressure: Mohr-Coulomb failure criteria, leak-off tests
• Evaluating wellbore stability during drilling and completion
• Influence of mud weight, formation pressure, and drilling parameters on fracture pressure
• Contingency planning for managing fracture zones during drilling

Day 4: Real-time Pressure Monitoring and Well Control

• Real-time pressure monitoring systems and their importance
• Surface pressure and downhole pressure measurement techniques
• Kick detection and prediction in well control operations
• Adjusting mud weight and pressure management during drilling operations
• Pressure while drilling (PWD) and its impact on decision-making

Day 5: Advanced Techniques, Safety, and Mitigation Strategies

• Advanced techniques for real-time pressure prediction (e.g., managed pressure drilling)
• Modeling and simulation of subsurface pressure profiles
• Pressure management strategies for different well types (horizontal, deepwater, high-pressure, and high-temperature wells)
• Well control scenarios and mitigation of drilling hazards
• Safety considerations and managing pressure-related risks in drilling operations

NOTE:

Pre-& Post Tests will be conducted.

Case Studies, Group Exercises, Group Discussions, Last Day reviews, and assessments will be carried out.

Methodology

A highly interactive combination of lectures and discussion sessions will be managed to maximize the amount and quality of information and knowledge transfer. The sessions will start by raising the most relevant questions and motivating everybody to find the right answers. You will also be encouraged to raise your own questions and to share in the development of the right answers using your own analysis and experiences.  Tests of multiple-choice type will be made available on daily basis to examine the effectiveness of delivering the course.

Very useful Course Materials will be given.

• 30% Lectures
• 30% Workshops and work presentation
• 20% Group Work& Practical Exercises
• 20% Videos& General Discussions