\Nell Controt Schoot, |DT-ONGS

2"2.2.1 Rate of Penetration Trends

When abnormal pressure formations are encountered, differential pressure & shale
density are decreased causing a gradual increase in ROP. An increase in drilling rate
can be masked by an increase in mud weight. Similarly bit weight changes can also
mask the increase in drilling rate but careful observation of drilling rate or some such
related parameter as "d" exponent can provide a timely warning of increasing pressure"
2.2.1.2 Drilling Break
The first indication of a possible well kick is a drilling break. For reservoir fluid to enter
the well bore there must be a permeable section of reservoir rock. This will cause a
change in drilling rate. ln soft formation, a sand section usually causes a sudden
increase in drilling rate. The increase in drilling rate varies. A200% to 300% increase in
drilling rate is not unusual. In hard formations a reverse drilling break to a slower drilling
rate occurs in the reservoir like sandstone that are hai'der than the shale body.

2.2.1.3lnerease in Torque & Drag

As the difference between the mud hydrostatic pressure and formation pressure
decreases (as a resuli of increasing formation pressuie), the bit makes larger cuttings
and the cuttings pile up ai'ound the collars and increase the rotar-y torque. Closing up of
the hole may also increase torque. lncrease in rotary torque is a good indication of
increasing pressure and a potential well kick. Drag & fill up on connections and trips
increase when high pressure formations are drilled.

2.2.1.4 Decrease in Shale Density

Shale density usually increases with depth but decreases in abnormal pressure zones.
The density of cuttings can be determined at surface and plotted against depth" A
normal trend line is established and any deviation should theoretically indicate changes
in pore pressure.
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2.2.1.5 Change in Cutting Size and Shapes

Cuttings from normal pressure shale are small in size with rounded edges and are
generally flat. Cuttings drilled from abnormal pressured formation often become long
and splintery with angular edges. As differential pressure is reduced due to increase in
forrnation pressure, the cuttings have a tendency to explode off bottom. A change in
cutting shape will be observed along with an increase in the amount of cuttings
recovered at the surface and this could indicate that formation pressure in the well is
increasing.
2.2.1.6 Change in Mud Property
As the pressure in the formation increases faster than the pressure of the mud column,
more cuttings & cavings lnrill dissolve into the mud and increase the viscosity of the mud.

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