Formation Pressure While Drilling (FPWD) makes evaluating and in some cases drilling wells that were previously impossible possible.  This presentation will discuss three applications for this new technology.  They are evaluating wells where drillpipe assisted logging was required but introduced additional dangers, making real time well decisions based on formation evaluation, and optimizing drilling based on a better understanding the wellbore hydraulics.
 

Many of today’s wells are extended reach or depleted brown fields where any attempt at wireline formation pressures requires drillpipe assisted logging.  While drill pipe assisted logging works well in highly deviated wells, it is not a robust option for difficult hole conditions.  When FPWD is part of the Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) the driller can circulate, rotate, avoid latching issues, and can jar if necessary.  Not only is FPWD a robust part of the BHA, it is a real time measurement that allows the driller to optimize mud weight to avoid extreme overbalance.

Formation pressures as part of real time formation evaluation can result in substantial rig time savings and capture well data when it is first presented.  The operator can capture data while the hole is in its best condition, they can use the data to optimize sampling, make completion decisions, or use the information for geosteering.

A complete understanding of the hydraulic forces on a well will increase the rate of penetration, provide greater safety, minimize casing runs, reduce or eliminate kicks and formation fracturing, and allow faster and less expensive completions.

 
The three methods described in this presentation have been successfully used by operators in the Gulf of Mexico .  This information has reduced risk, produced significant savings, extended and eliminated casing, and preserved hydraulic pressure for well cleaning that would have prevented further drilling.