Bulletin of the Geological Society of Malaysia, Volume 36, Dec. 1994, pp. 81-91
PETRONAS Carigali Sdn. Bhd., Wisma Peladang, Jalan Bukit Bintang, P.O. Box 12407, 50776 Kuala Lumpur
Abstract: A majority of wells drilled in the Malay and Penyu basins were terminated due to abnormal pressure. Blowouts and the subsequent loss of technical data have always been a concern during drilling operations.
This study employs data from 94 exploratory wells spread throughout the Malay-Penyu Basin. The postdrill abnormal pressure predictive method used is pressure versus depth plots of data obtained from RFT (Repeat Formation Tester) readings.
Results indicate that abnormal pressure occurs in a progressively older units towards the basin margins. The margins of the Malay Basin and the entire Penyu Basin are found to be normally pressured. The onset of abnormal pressure appears to be abrupt in the northern and more gradual in the southern portion of the Malay Basin. Abnormal pressure in the Malay Basin is found to be neither depth dependent nor age related.
This phenomenon is crucial to the understanding of hydrocarbon migration and will enable the planning of safe and efficient drilling campaigns.
https://doi.org/10.7186/bgsm36199408