Prediction of Fracture Pressure Gradient in Halfaya Oilfield

Abstract

Fracture pressure gradient prediction is complementary in well design and it is must be considered in selecting the safe mud weight, cement design, and determine the optimal casing seat to minimize the common drilling problems. The exact fracture pressure gradient value obtained from tests on the well while drilling such as leak-off test, formation integrity test, cement squeeze ... etc.; however, to minimize the total cost of drilling, there are several methods could be used to calculate fracture pressure gradient classified into two groups: the first one depend on Poisson’s ratio of the rocks and the second is fully empirical methods. In this research, the methods selected are Huubert and willis, Cesaroni I, Cesaroni II, Cesaroni III, Eaton, and Daines where Poisson’s ratio is considered essential here and the empirical methods selected are Matthews and Kelly and Christman. The results of these methods give an approximately match with the previous field study which has been relied upon in drilling the previous wells in the field and Cesaroni I is selected to be the equation that represents the field under study in general. In the shallower formations, Cesaroni I is the best method; while in deepest formations, Eaton, Christman, and Cesaroni I are given a good and approximately matching. The fracture pressure gradient of Halfaya oilfield range is (0.98 to 1.03) psi/ft.