Nestor Martinez Romero
Raul Leon Ventura
Division de Evaluacion de Formaciones
Subdireccion de Tecnologia de la Explotacion.
Institute Mexicano del Petroleo
ABSTRACT
Very often there are problems of mud circulation loss while drilling a well. These looses can be avoided by knowing the fracture gradient of the formations. The prediction of fracture gradients is very important in abnormally pressured regions, in order to avoid, as much as possible, drilling problems. This is also important in well stimulation operations and secondary recuperation.
There are various methods used in the Oil Industry to calculate fracture pressure gradients. This paper briefly describes three methods for the appraisal of said gradients.
There is an automatization of the analysis procedure of these techniques, offering the possibility of monitor independent application of each method.
In order to illustrate the application of this automatic procedure, we give an example and make a comparison of results.