Duppenbecker, Stephan J.1, James E. Iliffe1, Mark J. Osborne2,
Toby Harrold3
(1) BP Exploration, Exploration Production Technology, Sunbury-on-Thames, United Kingdom
(2) bpTT Exploration, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
(3) BP Exploration, Azerbaijan Resource Development Team, Sunbury Upon Thames,
ABSTRACT: The Role of Multi-dimensional Basin Modeling in Integrated Pre-Drill Pressure Prediction
Basin modeling tools have been traditionally used to study basin development, source
rock maturation, petroleum generation and expulsion. In BP today the value of 2D and 3D
dynamic fluid flow modeling from basin simulation has been realized for its additional
role in integrated pre-drill pressure prediction.
The main overpressure generating mechanisms are disequilibrium compaction and gas
generation, both of which are quantitatively modeled in our simulators. From our early
studies we learned that sedimentation rate and the nature of fine-grained sediments exert
a fundamental control on pressure distribution. Our methodology is strongly based on
calibration of models to observed pressures and temperatures in offset wells. The complex
feedback between 3D connectivity of high perm sediments (aquifers) and the 3D architecture
of the aquitards can only be understood using basin simulators. To make a better
contribution to pressure prediction we established an improved mudstone characterization
in particular grain size based porosity - effective stress, and porosity –
permeability relationships. Also we recognized that depositional architecture and mudstone
fabric apply another significant control on the fluid flow dynamics.
In BP, basin model derived pre-drill pressure predictions are used alongside the
predictions from more traditional log based and seismic velocity methods by drillers and
engineers for well planning and highlighting potential drilling hazards. A step change in
integration is facilitated by a proprietary well planning toolkit and communicated to the
drilling and operation community in a highly immersive visualization environment.
Concerted decisions on targets and well trajectories are therefore made in context with
all available subsurface and drilling information.
AAPG Search and Discovery Article #90026©2004 AAPG Annual Meeting, Dallas, Texas, April 18-21, 2004.