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Glossary of Technical Terms Used in Drilling & Well Completion: Shut-in Pressure

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Shut-in Pressure

Understanding Shut-In Pressure: A Crucial Metric in Oil & Gas Exploration

In the world of oil and gas exploration, the term shut-in pressure (SIP) holds significant importance. It refers to the pressure measured at a specific datum point within a wellbore when the well is completely closed off and not producing any fluids. This pressure serves as a vital indicator of the reservoir's characteristics and potential productivity.

Types of Shut-In Pressure:

There are two primary types of SIP:

  • Surface Shut-In Pressure (SSIP): This is the pressure measured at the surface of the wellhead when the well is shut in. It is typically measured using a pressure gauge attached to the wellhead.
  • Bottom Hole Shut-In Pressure (BHSP): This represents the pressure at the bottom of the wellbore, at the reservoir level, when the well is shut in. BHSP is calculated by extrapolating the SSIP to the reservoir depth using the pressure gradient of the fluid column in the wellbore.

Importance of Shut-In Pressure:

SIP plays a crucial role in various aspects of oil and gas operations:

  • Reservoir Characterization: SIP provides insights into the reservoir's pressure and fluid properties. It helps determine the reservoir's natural energy and potential for production.
  • Well Testing and Analysis: SIP is used in well testing procedures to calculate reservoir parameters such as permeability, porosity, and fluid saturation. This information is vital for optimizing well performance.
  • Production Forecasting: SIP helps predict the well's potential production rate and the amount of fluid that can be extracted over time.
  • Well Integrity Assessment: SIP measurements can help identify potential wellbore integrity issues like leaks or pressure build-up, which can impact production and safety.
  • Well Stimulation Design: SIP data is used in designing well stimulation treatments like hydraulic fracturing or acidizing, aiming to increase production by improving reservoir connectivity.

Factors Affecting Shut-In Pressure:

Several factors can influence SIP, including:

  • Reservoir pressure: The pressure within the reservoir directly affects SIP.
  • Fluid properties: The type of fluids present in the reservoir (oil, gas, or water) and their compressibility influence SIP.
  • Wellbore depth: The depth of the wellbore affects the hydrostatic pressure, which impacts SIP.
  • Wellbore condition: The presence of leaks or obstructions in the wellbore can affect SIP measurements.

Conclusion:

Shut-in pressure is a fundamental parameter in oil and gas exploration, providing valuable insights into reservoir characteristics and well performance. Understanding the concept of SIP and its implications is crucial for efficient well management and optimizing production from oil and gas reservoirs.

Test Your Knowledge

Shut-In Pressure Quiz

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What does "shut-in pressure" (SIP) refer to?

a) The pressure at the surface of a wellhead when it is actively producing fluids. b) The pressure at the bottom of a wellbore when it is closed off and not producing fluids. c) The pressure gradient of the fluid column in the wellbore. d) The amount of fluid extracted from a well over time.

Answer

b) The pressure at the bottom of a wellbore when it is closed off and not producing fluids.

2. Which of the following is NOT a type of shut-in pressure?

a) Surface Shut-In Pressure (SSIP) b) Bottom Hole Shut-In Pressure (BHSP) c) Reservoir Pressure (RP) d) Initial Shut-In Pressure (ISIP)

Answer

c) Reservoir Pressure (RP)

3. How is Bottom Hole Shut-In Pressure (BHSP) calculated?

a) By measuring the pressure at the surface of the wellhead. b) By extrapolating Surface Shut-In Pressure to the reservoir depth. c) By measuring the pressure gradient of the fluid column in the wellbore. d) By calculating the amount of fluid extracted over time.

Answer

b) By extrapolating Surface Shut-In Pressure to the reservoir depth.

4. What information can shut-in pressure provide about a reservoir?

a) Only the reservoir's pressure. b) The reservoir's pressure and fluid properties. c) The reservoir's potential for production. d) Both b) and c).

Answer

d) Both b) and c).

5. Which of the following factors does NOT influence shut-in pressure?

a) Reservoir pressure b) Fluid properties c) Wellbore depth d) The amount of sunlight reaching the wellhead.

Answer

d) The amount of sunlight reaching the wellhead.

Shut-In Pressure Exercise

Scenario:

You are an oil and gas engineer working on a new well. You have measured the following data:

  • Surface Shut-In Pressure (SSIP) = 2500 psi
  • Wellbore depth = 10,000 feet
  • Fluid density = 8.5 lb/gal
  • Pressure gradient = 0.465 psi/ft

Task: Calculate the Bottom Hole Shut-In Pressure (BHSP) using the given data.

Exercice Correction

1. **Calculate the hydrostatic pressure:** * Hydrostatic pressure = Fluid density * Wellbore depth * Pressure gradient * Hydrostatic pressure = 8.5 lb/gal * 10,000 ft * 0.465 psi/ft * Hydrostatic pressure ≈ 3952.5 psi 2. **Calculate the BHSP:** * BHSP = SSIP + Hydrostatic pressure * BHSP = 2500 psi + 3952.5 psi * BHSP ≈ 6452.5 psi **Therefore, the Bottom Hole Shut-In Pressure (BHSP) is approximately 6452.5 psi.**

Books

  • Petroleum Engineering Handbook: This comprehensive handbook covers a wide range of topics in petroleum engineering, including well testing and shut-in pressure.
  • Reservoir Engineering: A standard text in reservoir engineering, covering concepts like reservoir characterization, well testing, and pressure analysis.
  • Production Operations: An Introduction to Oil and Gas Production Technology: This book explores the practical aspects of oil and gas production, including well testing and shut-in pressure considerations.

Articles

  • "Shut-In Pressure: A Key Parameter in Reservoir Evaluation" by [Author's Name] - Search for articles on the topic of shut-in pressure in journals like SPE Journal, Journal of Petroleum Technology, or similar publications.
  • "Well Testing and Analysis for Reservoir Characterization" by [Author's Name] - Many articles delve into the use of well testing and shut-in pressure in reservoir characterization and evaluation.

Online Resources

  • Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE): The SPE website offers a vast library of technical resources, including publications, presentations, and training courses related to oil and gas production and well testing.
  • Schlumberger: This leading oilfield services company provides various resources, including technical articles and training materials, on well testing and reservoir engineering.
  • Halliburton: Another major oilfield services provider, Halliburton also has online resources related to well testing and pressure analysis.

Search Tips

  • Specific Keywords: Use keywords like "shut-in pressure," "well testing," "reservoir characterization," "production forecasting," "bottom hole pressure," and "surface shut-in pressure."
  • Combine Keywords: Use combinations like "shut-in pressure reservoir evaluation," "well testing shut-in pressure analysis," or "shut-in pressure factors influencing."
  • Advanced Search Operators: Use operators like "site:spe.org" or "site:slb.com" to narrow your search to specific websites.
  • File Type: Use "filetype:pdf" to find specific PDF documents relevant to your search topic.
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