A new fracture gradient prediction technique that shows good results in Gulf of Mexico abnormal pressure

Conference · Sat Sep 01 00:00:00 EDT 1984 · Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6395088

Brennan, R M; Annis, M R

Accurate formation fracture gradient prediction in abnormally pressured wells is one of the most critical considerations involved in planning a successful drilling operation. Shallow abnormal pressure, coupled with deep geologic objectives, requires an accurate fracture gradient prediction to insure casing setting depths are correctly determined in order to carry sufficient mud weights to successfully reach the deep objectives. In an effort to better meet these requirements, a study of formation fracture gradients was made for the Western and Central Gulf of Mexico. As a result of this study, a new technique was developed which accurately predicts fracture gradients in the abnormally pressured formations. This technique is based on an empirical correlation of Effective Horizontal Stress Gradient to Effective Vertical Stress Gradient.

• Research Organization: Exxon Co. U.S.A.
• OSTI ID: 6395088
• Report Number(s): CONF-8409104-
• Journal Information: Soc. Pet. Eng. AIME, Pap.; (United States), Vol. SPE13210; Conference: 59. annual Society of Petroleum Engineers of AIME technical conference, Houston, TX, USA, 16 Sep 1984
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
FRACTURED RESERVOIRS
GEOPRESSURE ANOMALIES
PRESSURE GRADIENTS
GULF OF MEXICO
OIL FIELDS
FORECASTING
RESERVOIR ENGINEERING
RESERVOIR PRESSURE
STRESS ANALYSIS
ATLANTIC OCEAN
CARIBBEAN SEA
ENGINEERING
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
MINERAL RESOURCES
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
RESOURCES
SEAS
SURFACE WATERS
020300* - Petroleum- Drilling & Production