DRILLING

Application of Drilling Performance Data to Overpressure

Detection
J. R. JORDEN
MEMBER A/ME
O. J. SHIRLEY

Abstract

The previously recognized effects of pressure on rate

of penetration have been adapted to an overpressure
detection technique for the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast.
It is postulated that, under specified conditions, a plot
of incremental rate of penetration vs depth will define
an ever-decreasing trend in the normal pressure section
and that this trend will reverse when overpressures are
encountered, thus permitting the detection of overpressures from drilling performance data. It also is postulated that a relationship between rate of penetration and
differential pressure exists. Relationships between pressure and rate of penetration as developed by several investigators are reviewed. Methods are developed to normalize rate of penetration data with respect to some of
the more significant drilling variables (bit weight, rotary
speed and bit diameter). Using these methods, drilling
performance data are analyzed to determine if the postulated correlations mentioned can be recognized from actual field data, and results of these analyses are presented.
Introduction

The presence of overpressured formations (formations

with abnormally high fluid pressure) is a significant
characteristic of the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast geologic
province. Dickinson' originally outlined the occurrence
of overpressured formations in this province, and both
Dickinson' and Hubbert and Rubey' presented theories
on the origin of these high-pressure zones. Subsequently,
drilling practices and mud and casing programs have
been developed which permit the detection and control
of overpressures, thus enhancing the chances of successfully drilling these zones. Many of these techniques,
which are not in the literature, have been used extensively by various operators in the Gulf Coast for several
years. Recently, log analysis methods have been reported
by Hottman and Johnson' using the transit time and
Original manuscript received in Society of Petroleum Engineers office
March 31. 1966. Revised manuscript received Sept. 13, 1966. Paper
(SPE 1407) was presented at SPE Symposium on Offshore Technology
and Operations held in New Orleans. La. May 23-24. 1966; and at SPE
41st Annual Fall Meeting held in Dallas. Tex. Oct. 2-5. 1966. Copyright 1966 American Institute of Mining. Metallurgical, and Petroleum
Engineers, Inc.
lReferences given at end of paper.
NOVEMBER, 1966

SHELL DEVELOPMENT CO.

HOUSTON, TEX.
SHELL OIL CO.
META/R/E, LA.

resistivity of shales to (1) identify the first occurrence

of overpressures, and (2) estimate formation pressure
gradients.
This paper presents a technique developed for identifying the first occurrence of overpressured formations
from interpretation of drilling performance data. Specifically, rate of penetration data, by virtue of its dependence on differential pressure (the bottom-hole pressure
difference between the mud column and the formation),
can be used to identify overpressures. Data from this
technique are immediately available as a well is drilled
which is an obvious operational advantage over the log
analYsis methods reported earlier.
Studies- in the industry have shown that rate of penetration is considerably reduced by an increased mud
column pressure. Assuming an inversely proportional relationship between rate of penetration and differential
pressure, consider drilling (under constant conditions) a
given rock in the normal pressure section at ever-increasing depths. The total differential pressure will increase
with depth, and rate of penetration should decrease.
Consider drilling the same rock under the same conditions as the overpressure section is entered. As the formation pressure gradient increases, the differential pressure decreases and the rate of penetration should improve.
Thus, for constant rock properties and drilling conditions, it is postulated that a plot of incremental rate of
penetration vs depth should define an ever-decreasing
trend in the normal pressure section, and that the trend
should reverse when drilling into overpressures (Fig.
1). Such a plot would show characteristics similar to the
shale resistivity and shale transit time plots currently
used for overpressure detection, and would be a valuable supplement to these log analysis methods because it
would be available as a well is drilled.
Furthermore, there should be a relationship between
incremental rate of penetration and the differential pressure existing between the mud column and the formation.
Knowledge of such a relationship would provide a method to (1) maintain minimum differential pressures and
thus improve drilling efficiency, and (2) predict formation pressures while drilling.
If rate of penetration is proportionally related to pres1387

sure differential, the foregoing postulations are valid in

the ideal case where all other drilling variables are constant. However, the rate of penetration-differential pressure relationship is obscure, and actual field conditions
necessarily include variations in rock properties and drilling mechanics. Therefore, it is the purpose of this study
to examine actual field data to determine if these postulated correlations are recognizable and, if so, to establish
means of applying these relationships to improve current overpressure detection and drilling techniques.
Influence of Differential Pressure
On Drilling Performance
The influence of pressure, either differential or hydrostatic, on drilling performance has not been clearly defined. Murray and Cunningham' concluded from laboratory experiments that rate of penetration is decreased
by an increased confining pressure in most formations,
and suggested this decrease is caused by rock strengthening due to the confining pressure. They further concluded
from field data that rate of penetration is decreased by
an increased mud column pressure, and that mud column
pressure affects rate of penetration in the field approximately the same as confining pressure in the laboratory.
Subsequently, Eckel" reported laboratory work on limestones which indicated the pressure differential between
the mud column and formation is the only pressure
parameter which affects rate of penetration.
Further laboratory work by Cunningham and Eenink'
showed that overburden pressure has practically no effect on rate of penetration and confirmed that rate of
penetration is dependent on the difference between mud
column and formation pressures. These authors found
that rate of penetration decreased when mud column pressure was greater than formation pressure. They attributed
the decrease primarily to the redrilling of a layer of
cuttings and mud particles held to the hole bottom by
the difference in pressure, and secondarily to the strengthening of the rock by the differential pressure.
Garnier and van Lingen' found that differential pressure affects both rock strength and chip hold-down. Fig.
2 shows an example of the relative influence of differential pressure on rock strength and chip hold-down as

they affect rate of penetration. These data indicate that

chip hold-down affects rate of penetration more significantly than does rock strengthening.
Most of the work cited suggests that a relationship
does exist between differential pressure and rate of penetration. However, the work of Bingham" has shown a
relationship between rate of penetration and pressure,
but not necessarily a proportional relationship between
rate of penetration and differential pressure. Bingham's
findings imply that drilling under laboratory conditions
may be directly influenced by differential pressure, but
drilling under field conditions is not necessarily influenced
by differential pressure in the same manner.
In summary, all investigators recognize a strong relation between rate of penetration and pressure, differential
or hydrostatic; however, definition of the exact nature of
the relation has not yet been made. It was the original
premise of the present study that overpressures can be
detected in a well by a change in penetration rate and
it is implicit that a relationship between rate of penetration and differential pressure must exist for this premise to be valid. Therefore, this investigation is directed
toward developing a reasonable means to represent the
effect of differential pressure, recognizing that it mayor
may not be the only physical phenomenon involved.
Applieation of Drilling Fundamentals
Theory

This investigation is to relate rate of penetration behavior to differential pressure behavior and thus develop
a tool to detect overpressures. It has been shown by
several investigators'" that a recognizable relationship between differential pressure and rate of penetration should
obtain under constant drilling conditions. An equation
of the general form R/ N =a(W/ D)d has been shown" to
relate penetration rate to bit weight, rotary speed and
bit size, provided that all other drilling variables are

STRENGTH
EFFECT

~ 4.....
E

o
I-

~2

I-

Z
W
D..

\\

...'"

\ 5~

\ >:;i
\ o~

I
I

O+----.,..-----,------r---:---r------,
125
25
50
75
100
o

:ORMAL
COMPACTION
TREND

MUD PRESSURES, kg/cm

LOG Rsh

LOG 6tsh

PREssuRE
GRADIENT

tiP

RATE OF PENETRATION
"d" EXPONENT -

Fig. I-Schematic comparison between shale resistivity,

shale transit time, differential pressure and rate
of penetration.
1388

32 RPM ATMOSPHERIC PORE PRESSURE

OBERNKIRCHENER SANDSTONE BIT LOAD 300 kg.
X VAURION LIMESTONE
BIT LOAD 500 kg.
/! BELGIAN LIMESTONE
BIT LOAD 700 kg.

Fig. 2-Penetration rate as a function of mud pressure at

atmospheric pore pressure (after Garnier and van Lingen4 ).
JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY

BIT WEIGHT

RATE OF PENETRATION
R, FT. PER HOUR

lL

60N

250
200

EXAMPLE
Ro20
NIOO
W=25,OOO
D=97/8
d=1.64

"d" ..200

12W
106D

W,IOOO LB.

.001

150

100

.050

.002
.040
ROTARY SPEED
N, REV. PER MIN.
250
200 ~
159/

50

/"
/"

4
.004
.020

~O

.006

50
30

.008

6"
6'/i'
8 '/i'
9 7/8"

.010
.010

\
.006

10

8
fO

I~"

20

10

BIT SIZE
D,INCHES

20

.020

60N

d= - - 12 W

.030

10 6 D

.004

30

003

40
50

Fig. 3-Nomogram for d exponent determination.

constant and certain other ideal conditions are met. It

has also been shown' that this equation does not describe drilling performance under field conditions. However, as an empirical approximation, it is suggested that
a recognizable relationship between differential pressure
and d exponent (exponent of the general drilling equa2000

1600

tion) should also obtain under varying drilling conditions

(specifically varying bit weight, rotary speed and bit diameter, with all other drilling variables constant). Thus,
a plot of d exponent vs depth should define a trend as
'the normal pressure section is drilled and the differential
pressure increases, and the d exponent trend should reverse as overpressured formations are encountered and
the differential pressure decreases-provided all but these
three drilling variables are constant. Similarly, there should
be a relationship between the value of d exponent and differential pressure-again, provided all but these three
drilling variables are constant.
To test the concepts suggested, drilling performance
data were collected and analyzed in the following manner.

(/J

0-

a::
:::>
en 1200
en

Data Collection and Analysis

Ndrmalized Rate

0::

0/ Penetration (d Exponent)

a.

1. In 15 selected wells depth intervals, bit footage,

rotating hours, bit diameter, bit weight, rotary speed,
mud density, viscosity, water loss, circulating rate and
pressure, bit data and drill-string dimensions were taken
from AAODC-API Daily Drilling Reports and tabulated
for each bit run. Where necessary, weighted-average data
(weighted on the basis of number of rotating hours in
each tour) were used.

...J
<{
~

800

W
0::
W
U.

-U.
0
400
NORMAL PRESSURE. DATA
x OVER PRESSURE DATA
0 '------'--------'2'--0

lid II

Fig. <t-l exponent-dift'erential pressure relationship,

bit run data.
NOVEMBER, 11966

2. An average penetration rate for each bit run was

first calculated.
3. Using this penetration rate, bit diameter and
weighted-average bit weight and rotary speed, the d exponent was calculated according to the following
equation:
1389

DEPTH
FEET

SHALE TRANSIT
TIME

SHALE RESISTIVITY

"d" EXPONENT

flUID PRESSURE
GRADIENT

DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE

AUXILIARY DATA

-MUD
- - - FORMATION
X MEASURED F. P G

1\

I. HAD DRLG. BREAK 13205'-10', STARTE'I

6(l(X)

GAINING MUD VOLUME WHILE CIRC.

OUT. WELL FLOWED W/PUMPS OFF

CLOSED HYDRIL. INCR. Wl. IN PITS

8000

12,000

----

14,000

1\

I
05

'0

'0

RSh, ohm-m

70

lc

100
150
li.t.,aS~(:/fl

2
'd"

WATER-CUT TO 9.8 MIN. OPENED

HYDRIL. INCREASEO WT. IN PITS TO

TRIP O.K.

2000

AT 13232' TO CONTROL CAVING

_ _,
,
",,~
....

'000

2. INCREASED WT. FROM 12.5 TO 13.0

\,

9 5, , '
14157'

INCREASED WT, FROM

AT 15066'
HOLE 6

06
'OB
FP.G. , psi.lft

.4

EXCESS SHALE.

,.

'i

dp,psi

HOLE

'-lL ~--'"

'-.

I 000
0'

1/

\.

16.000

CHOKE

RETURNS STABILIZED AT

12.5. CIRCULATED 6 HRS.

RETURNS
STABILIZED AT 12.5. MADE SHORT

I
I
I

IL8. 'BOTTOMS UP HAD BEEN SALT-

I
I
I

TOP
OVERPRESSURES

7 HRS.

TO IZ.O. CIRCULATED ON

10,000

POINTS, K!CKS, ETC.

CASING

10.0 TO 17.0

TO CONTROL CAVING

EXCESS SHALE.

1.0

Fig. 5-0verpressure data sheet, Well A.

DEPTH
FEET

SHALE TRANSIT
TIME

SHALE RESISTIVITY

"d" EXPONENT

II

~\

8000

10,000

>
~ \

12,000'

14,000

16000

~ '-

/}

MOOERATE

'0

'0

'0

150

'00

BOTTOM
3. AFTER TRIPS AT 13202: 13325'

1
I
I

6 13436', RETURNS CUT fROM

165 TO 154 MIN.
4. AFTER

2
"d"

Ii

,l__)

AFTER LOG AT 13718', RETURNS

CUT FROM 16.5 TO 15.5 MIN.

~i;4~~"

,f

;,

' ----<

.~

1.)WlFT:068~ PSi~t

20000,4

'000

TRIP AT 13718: RETURNS

CUT FROM \6.5 TO <8 MIN.

1"

AT

!J.1.,aStc-/ft

Fish, ohm-m

GAS-CUT MUD

WHILE REAMING BACK TO

12176'

1I1~

5"
14S09'

1~680

ZISHp: 0192 p.i/Fl, AT

i
05

0'

AfTER LOG AT 12160' HAD

rr-

1\

2, HAD GAS-CUT MUD AT 12160:

---- ~ ..-1<--"-L

POINTS, KICKS, ETC

l. HAD EXCESS SHALE AT 12035:

1P-

'\

OVEflP~E~S

CASING

1:\'1,"
250u'

\
\

6000

AUXILIARY DATA

-MUD
- - - fORMATION
X MEASURED fPC>

4000

FLUID PRESSURE
GRADIENT

DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE

,0

0.6
FPC;, ps,/FI

,ps,

Fig. 6--0verpressure data sheet, Well B.

DEPTH
FEET

SHALE TRANSIT
TIME

SHALE RESISTIVITY

"d" EXPONENT

DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE

flUID PRESSURE
GRADIENT

AUXILIARY DATA

-MUD
- - - FORMATION
X MEASURED f.PC;

CASING

POINTS,

KICKS, ETC

~T
' _ """'" ." "'='" I
3455

4000

</

/'>

6000

8000

\~

10,000
TOP

-~~

-~
I
/ P.

OVE~P~ESSU"ES

12.000

14.000

,,~

0'

05

\
\

\
20

RtM, ohm-m

~
}

Ii

SHORT TRIP O.K. LOGGED WELL.

3

300p,i SIOPP. INCfl. WT. IN PITS TO

14.0. CIRCULATED 3.5 HRS. ON CHOICE

l.5 HRS, OPEN 6 RETURNS STABILIZED

iL_

./

-=: :3-

"""

LJ

l1t.,A,St(:,/Fl

'50

2
"d"

Ii

'000

200

,j:l$'

7~

/'

(,.~

HB60'

\,

0.6

4. HOLE SWABBED ON TRIP AT 12.015'.

5. HAD INTERMITTENT MILD GAS
CUTTING THROUGHOUT INTERVAL
14013'-14355'.

"L

hlFPG AT II'UTO.6$3

'00

AT !4.0, RESUMED DRLG.

1--'

(-

,
12.3 PPG jUO a

'0

WHILE DRLC>. AT 11948'. W/12.3 MUD,

WELL lOCKED. CLOSED HYDRIL WI

,~

BOTTOMS uP CUT FROM 12.0 TO 11.8

FOR 4 HRS. INCR. WT. TO 12.3. MADE

I
I

l:.

RATE OF PENETRATION INCREASE.

THROUGHOUT INTERVAL 10355'-11420'

2. CEASED DRILLING AT 11860' DUE TO

I
I

'0

If

eA~,EO

ON

:soo"r' SIOPP

10

Ff'G, psi/F!

Fig. 7-0verpressure data sheet, Well C.

lil90

JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM TECHNOLOGY

d=

log

[6~ ]

-[12W]'
log

(I)"

lO"D

R
When 60N is less than unity, the absolute value of log

6~N

2. When the well reaches this preselected depth, increase mud weight sufficiently (up to 12.0 Ib/ gal) to
avoid a kick at the top of overpressures.
3. Maintain (as nearly as practical) constant rotary
speed, weight on bit, bit size and type, pump pressure,
etc., throughout the selected interval. The rotary speed,
weight on bit, etc., should be optimum based on experience in the well of interest or nearby wells.

varies inversely with R; therefore, the d exponent

varies inversely with rate of penetration. Calculations of

the d exponent were facilitated by use of the nomogram
shown in Fig. 3.

S.P.

-H~20MV

~---r-.,...--4

"d"EXPONENT
3.0
2.0

g .0
0
o

C/)

4. d exponents and differential pressure between the

mud column and the formation were plotted vs depth
for each bit run (Figs. 5 through 7). To calculate the
differential pressure, a constant forrgation pressure gradient of 0.465 psi/ ft was used in the known normal
pressured section, and the formation pressure gradient in
the overpressured section was estimated from shale resistivity-formation pressure gradient relationships developed
by Hottman and Johnson: Recorded mud density data
were assumed to occur at the lowest depth of each bit
run and any changes in mud density were assumed to
occur linearly between these depth points, unless otherwise noted.

t:

\
\

l,

~\

:r.
u

Ui

~
c::;
t:::

5. To evaluate the reliability of d exponent plots as

an overpressure detection method, these plots were then
compared with shale resistivity and shale transit time
plots and the known drilling history of the wells under
study. To obtain a relationship between d and differential
pressure, d exponent data for each bit run were plotted
vs the average differential pressure occurring during the
bit run.

~
~
~
cC
jJ

f-----

6. Additionally, a program of data collection was undertaken on then-current offshore exploratory wells. Data
collection methods were similar to those previously outlined except that rate of penetration, bit weight, rotary
speed, mud weight and circulation rate were recorded
for short intervals (some every 30 ft and some every 10
ft drilled). These data were then analyzed as previously
described. The d exponents in shale sections were selected
and plotted for comparison with the shale resistivity and
transit time plots and drilling history. Short interval data
were available from two wells, and the analysis of one
is discussed herein.

l-

1-

Rate 01 Penetration

During the collection and analysis of d exponent data

it was recognized that another approach, possibly better
than normalizing drilling data, would be to maintain all
drilling variables constant and simply record uncorrected
rate of penetration. Since this practice cannot prudently
be followed over the entire hole due to changes in formation characteristics with depth, the following method
was developed.
1. Preselect an interval of 1,000 to 1,500 ft immediately above the expected top of overpressures based on available data in the area of the well of interest.

MUD WT. ppg.

10 12 14 16

I---+==~-~

c-r .\
.,
~

*This equation is not a rigorous solution of the equation R/N=

a (W / D)' in that the d exponent as used here actually represents d +
]oga
l -_ _-L-J._--'

o
o0
C\J

t:

1-

1-

'--

Fig. 3-d exponent vs depth compared with SP log,

Well C.
NOVEMBER, 1966

1~91

Note that the d exponent is higher between 13,000

to 14,000 ft (in the overpressure section) than anywhere in the normal pressure section. Even though the
formation pressure gradient is higher in the overpressure
interval than in the normal pressure interval, the respective mud column pressures are such that a higher
differential pressure occurs in the overpressure section.
This emphasizes the belief that drilling performance is
dependent upon differential pressure, and that d exponent
data must be interpreted in thc light .of existing mud
column pressures.

4. Record and plot rate of penetration in lO-ft increments throughout the interval until overpressures are indicated by the plot.
5. Log to confirm overp~essures by shale resistivity or
transit time plots.
Evaluation of Results
Normalized Rate of Penetration

Results of the original study show that definite correlations between d exponent and differential pressure can
be recognized from field data. Of the 17 original cases
studied, four showed a very consistent d exponent trend
in the normal pressure section, nine showed a reasonably consistent trend and four showed a poor trend. The
two wells for which closely spaced data were available
clearly showed the top of overpressures. Of the 11 wells
which drilled deep into overpressures, nine showed a definite decrease in d exponent. Several of the wells studied
showed an excellent correlation between d and differential pressure. in cases where the differential pressure
changed abruptly due to abrupt changes in mud weight.
These correlations were noted in both the normal and
overpressure sections. Fig. 4 shows a differential pressure-d exponent relationship obtained as previously described. Although a trend is indicated, the scatter of
data is too great for a quantitative field application of
this relationship. To note in some detail the characteristics and limitations of drilling performance data as an
overpressure detection technique, a discussion of representative well studies follows.

Well B, Terrebonne Parish, La.

The d exponent data form a poor trend in the normal

pressure section of this well (Fig. 6). The sharp increase in d at 10,450 ft appears related to the significant
increase in differential pressure at about the same depth.
Below protective casing there is an outstanding correlation between d exponent and differential pressure. Note
that shale resistivity data show an increasing formation
pressure gradient from 11,450 to 12,700 it and then a
decreasing formation pressure gradient below 12,700 ft.
The resulting differential pressure is clearly reflected by
the d exponent.
Well C, Offshore Iberia Parish, La.

Considerable scatter of d exponent data is evident in

the normal pressure section of this well (Figs. 7 and 8).
Much of this scatter is undoubtedly due to varying tooth
wear which becomes a major variable affecting drilling
performance when several data points are taken from
one bit run. A series of individual trends are apparent
in the individual bit runs. However, the over-all trend
is one of consistent increase with depth in the normal
pressure section. Note the abrupt shift in the trend at
about 10,400 ft due to the abrupt increase in diffe'rential
pressure. This was the first well in which overpressures
were detected from drilling performance data before experiencing a kick.
Between 10,000 and 10,400 ft the mud weight was increased rapidly from 10.3 to 12.1 lbl gal and held at that
value to 11,860 ft. Drilling performance data were recorded at lO-ft intervals. Fig. 8 shows a plot of d exponent vs depth on an expanded depth scale. Based on
the slow, consistent decrease in d exponent between
11,730 and 11,860 ft, the decision was made to stop

Well A, Offshore St. Mary Parish, La.

A very consistent d exponent trend occurs in the normal pressure section of this well, with the top of the
overpressures indicated at 12,450 ft (Fig. 5). Shale resistivity data are difficult to analyze in this well with two
possible interpretations of the overpressure top; i.e., at
12,200 and 14,000 ft. The preferred interpretation places
overpressures at 12,200 ft which seems to be confirmed
by d exponent data and the well behavior. There are
excellent indications of a decreasing pressure differential
below 15,300 ft. As the mud weight was held constant
through this interval, d exponent data give a direct indication of the increasing formation pressure gradient,
which is confirmed by shale resistivity data.

DEPTH

SHALE

FF:"ET

RATE OF
PENETRATION

SHALE TRANSIT

RESISTIVITY

TIME

FLUID PRESSURE
GffADIENT

DIFFERENTIAL
PRESSURE

-MUO

AUXILIARY DATA

- - - FOMIATIC*

CASING

~OIHTS.

I(I(:KS, (TC.

X MIE ... SUltED .... ~.G.

~ ,0>}4'
.000

4000

6000

8000

.r
J
\

- -

........ ----

10000

I
I

""NS

--C I,{-rop

"" \
\

B>T

.....

-- ~--

--)

- -- ---

I
I
l

WELl. KICkEO WHILE

IUI([ TIltP AT 9610'

P"EPARING TO

INCIt. MUD

..FROM 10.0 TO ll,7 PPG,-LOGGED

~~ ST

[;:.,

1 5/S" CS6. H8"

OVl "'__55""

12000

14000

16000

o.

os

'D

''-11,0,",'"'''

2.

70

100

.t, JL

LSO

Stc./F"!.

"0

.0

100

FT /

Hit

1000

00

200<: 0.4

AP. ,.i

...

0 .

0.0

F.t!ll.,p,i/FL

Fig. 9-0verpressure data sheet, Well D.

1392

JOURNAL OF PETROLEUM rrECHNOLOGY

DEPTH
FEET

SHALE

SHALE TRANSIT

RESISTIVITY

RATE OF

TIME

FLUID PRESSURE
GRADIENT

DIFFERENTIAL
PRESSURE

PENETRAflON

--MUD

AUXILIARY DATA

- - -FQltMATlOM

CASING

POINTS, KICKS. ETC

X MEASURED F.'.G.

~.lO3/4"
'""TI48

4000

6000

~
~

8000

10000

~
(

12000

"

,OVERTEssurs

As~, o~m-m

'00

"0

0.1,# Sec:./FI

I
I

I,f(~
I DEFINITE

~OVERPRE7SURE~

'.0

0'

if

POSSIBLE

,L

14000

16000

1/
I

"

'0
Ft/H,

( ~~

"

J"OM

MUD GAS CUT WHILE DRLG

I,
~

,"

l2:

200<

'000

" 0

~.

: ' 0 '0 " .

12030

INCR

,eo ' " ,"co m

12287 -LOGGEDlli SET CSG

0.0

12287

DALD OUT W114.0 PPG MUD,

I~,O

PPG

WHILE

INCR

TO

DRLG.

LO

0.'

FPG.,l's;!Fl

.Il.P,I"i

Fig. IO-Overpressure data sheet, Well E.

drilling and circulate out. Continued gas cutting while

circulating required an increase in mud weight to 12.3
Ib/ gal for control. The well was then logged. and the shale
resistivity and shale transit time data clearly showed the
top of overpressures at about 11,500 ft. Protective casing
was set at this point. While drilling 88 ft below the
protective casing, the well kicked with 12.3 Ib/ gal mud,
and a shut-in drill pipe pressure of 300 psi was recorded.
Shale resistivity and transit time data below the protective casing confirm the presence of overpressures.

RATE OF PENETRATION
'NDUCTION-ELECTRIC;lL LOG

Data from this well were obtained in the same manner as the preceeding example (Fig. 10). In this instance,
the mud weight was increased above the expected top of
overpressures in a deliberate effort to locate the top of
overpressures without taking a kick. Note the good agreement obtained by this method with subsequent log data.
Also note the excellent agreement between rate of penetration, shale resistivity and calculated differential pressure in the overpressured section where mud weight was
maintained constant at 15.0 Ib/ gal.
Well P,

Off.~lwre Iberia

.!

-Z
?

;:;
'.
I?

;:- ~
..---

<

-::;;

""":::c

"'"

1=

l-='

1
"'"

<I

1-

-=
.....,

...:

>
<:

),

~
~

~ .......

<

-===:;

BIT CHANGE _

..r'
f--

']

;sl

f--

TOP) OF

OVERPRESSURES

>/-

:;-

:;?

>
,(

1:L::.

Parish, La.

Fig. II illustrates continuous drilling data obtained

NOVEMRER. !l966

50

This example illustrates incremental rate of penetration data obtained with mechanical drilling variables held
constant using a light weight mud (Fig. 9).
Data shown here were obtained from a rate of penetration log plotted on lO-ft intervals with representative
values taken from shale intervals in a manner similar to
that used for the shale resistivity and travel time plots.
All data confirm the top of overpressures slightly below
9.000 ft. Calculated differential pressure data indicate
that the section below 9,300 ft was drilled with an apparent hydrostatic underbalance, suggesting that an overbalance was maintained only by pump pressure while the
interval was being drilled. When the pumps were shut
down to make a trip at 9,610 ft, the well kicked and
it was necessary to increase the mud weight to 11.7
Ib/ gal to log and case the hole, thus confirming the underbalanced condition.
La.

100

<-

Well D, Offshore Vermilion Parish, La.

,,~, Off.~hore IfJeria Pari.~h,

150

BIT CHANGE -

Rate of Penetration

Well

FTiHOUR

.,

Fig. II-Rate of penetration vs depth compared with IES

lo~, Well F.
1393

from an automatic rate of penetration recorder on an

offshore exploratory test. Comparison with the inductionelectric log shows very good correlation with sands encountered in the interval. This example also shows the
effect of bit wear on rate of penetration. (Note the saw
tooth profile with continually decreasing average penetration rate with depth.) Overpressures are clearly indicated by continuous increase in penetration rate below
11,750 ft. Note that the penetration rate reaches 125
ft/hour near total depth, being approximately eight times
greater than expected from extrapolation of the expected
rate of penetration.
Conclusions
Based on the original study from which this new technique was developed and over two years of subsequent
experience in field application, the following conclusions
can be made relative to the Texas-Louisiana Gulf Coast.
1. Drilling performance data can be used to detect
the top of overpressured sediments in areas where the
approximate depth of overpressuring is known. A plot
of normalized rate of penetration will show a trend of
continually decreasing penetration rates with depth and
a reversal in this trend as overpressures are penetrated
by the drill bit. This technique can be used as a means
to avoid taking a kick and to identify overpressures prior
to logging.
2. Rate of penetration data can be normalized by at
least two methods with sufficient validity for use with
this technique: (a) by using a general drilling equation
(d exponent method), or (b) by maintaining all drilling
variables constant in the field. Experience has shown the
latter method to be preferable. Experience has also shown
that analysis of short footage increments gives more
diagnostic results.
3. A correlation between normalized rate of penetration and differential pressure is recognizable from the
available data. Although a trend is indicated in the d
exponent-differential pressure curve shown in Fig. 4, the
scatter of data is too great for quantitative application.
However, results are sufficiently encouraging to merit further investigation under controlled drilling conditions specifically designed to investigate this relation.
Nomenclature
a
D
d
N
6.p

1394

constant in general drilling equation

= bit diameter, in.

=

exponent in general drilling equation

= rotary speed, rpm

=

differential pressure between mud column and

formation, psi

penetration rate, ft/ hr

R'h = shale resistivity, ohm-m'/m

6.t'h = shale transit time, microsec/ft
W = bit load, Ib
References

1. Dickinson, G.: "Geologic Aspects of Abnormal Reservoir Pressures in the Gulf Coast Region of Louisiana, U.S.A.", Proc.,
Third World Petroleum Congress, The Hague, Netherlands
(1951) 1.
2. Hubbert, M. King and Rubey, W. W.: "Role of Fluid Pressure
in Mechanics of Overthrust Faulting. Part I", Bull., GSA
(Feb., 1959) 70.
3. Hottman, C E. and Johnson, R. K.: "Estimation of Formation
Pressures from Log-Derived Shale Properties", lour. Pet. Tech.
(J une, 1965) 717-722.
4. Garnier, A. J. and van Lingen, N. H.: "Phenomena Affecting
Drilling Rates at Depth", Trans., AIME (1959) 216, 232-239.
5. Murray, A. S. and Cunningham, R. A.: "Effect of Mud Column Pressure on Drilling Rates", Trans., AIME (1955) 204,
196-204.
6. Eckel, J. R.: "Effect of Pressure on Rock Drillability", Trans.,
AIME (1958) 213, 1-6.
7. Cunningham, R. A. and Eenink, J. G.: "Laboratory Study of
Errect of Overburden. Formation and Mud Column Pressures
on Drilling Rates of Permeable Formations", Trans., AIME
(1959) 216,9-17.
8. Bingham, M. G.: "A New Approach to Interpreting Rock
Drillability", Oil & Gas IOllr. (Nov. 2, 1964-April 5, 1965).

***

J. R. JORDEN (left) is a senior petrophysical engineer

with Shell Development Co., Houston. He received a BS
degree with honors in petroleum engineering from the U.
of Tulsa in 1957. Since returning to Shell in 1960 from
military duty, he held various engineering positions in
South Louisiana prior to his present assignment. O. J.
SHIRLEY (right) holds a BS degree in petroleum engineering from The U. of Oklahoma. He joined Shell in 1948
as an exploitation engineer and has held various engineering assignments for Shell Oil and Shell Development in
Corpus Christi, Houston and New Orleans. He is currently assigned to Shell's Offshore West Div. as staff petrophysical engineer.

.1011 II:'iA I. OF PETROLlWM TECHNOLOGY