Causes of Multi-Mechanism Abnormal Formation Pressure in Offshore Oil and Gas Wells

This study thoroughly investigates the complex origins of abnormal formation pressure in offshore oil and gas wells, taking the Rio del Rey Basin in Cameroon as a case study. Renowned for its abundant oil and gas resources, the area faces unique challenges in predicting overpressure due to its high-...

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Main Authors: Yang Xu, Jin Yang, Zhiqiang Hu, Quanmin Zhao, Lei Li, Qishuai Yin
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2024-11-01
Series:Applied Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/22/10149
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author Yang Xu
Jin Yang
Zhiqiang Hu
Quanmin Zhao
Lei Li
Qishuai Yin
author_facet Yang Xu
Jin Yang
Zhiqiang Hu
Quanmin Zhao
Lei Li
Qishuai Yin
author_sort Yang Xu
collection DOAJ
description This study thoroughly investigates the complex origins of abnormal formation pressure in offshore oil and gas wells, taking the Rio del Rey Basin in Cameroon as a case study. Renowned for its abundant oil and gas resources, the area faces unique challenges in predicting overpressure due to its high-temperature and high-pressure reservoir characteristics. By quantitatively analyzing the main mechanisms such as undercompaction, high-temperature fluid expansion, and mud diapirism, the study addresses the complexities of overpressure prediction. This paper introduces an innovative analytical framework that combines hierarchical clustering algorithms with the LightGBM model. Further refined by the application of Bayesian optimization, the model intelligently adjusts hyperparameters to enhance predictive accuracy. Utilizing well logging data and applying machine learning techniques, the paper classifies and identifies different mechanisms causing abnormal pressures, achieving a model prediction accuracy of 0.942. The research findings highlight the predominant role of the undercompaction mechanism, accounting for approximately 70% of the abnormal high-pressure events in the study area. Fluid expansion and shale diapirism contribute smaller but significant proportions of 10% and 20%, respectively. These quantitative insights into the pressure mechanisms are vital for optimizing drilling operations and reducing risks in oil and gas exploration. The study’s hybrid approach, integrating geophysical analysis with advanced computational techniques, sets a precedent for future research. It provides new avenues for applying machine learning to understand complex geological phenomena in similar geological environments and makes a significant contribution to the strategic planning of hydrocarbon exploration and production activities.
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institution Kabale University
issn 2076-3417
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spelling doaj-art-bc8dafee33ce463384db565a454b0e632024-11-26T17:47:39ZengMDPI AGApplied Sciences2076-34172024-11-0114221014910.3390/app142210149Causes of Multi-Mechanism Abnormal Formation Pressure in Offshore Oil and Gas WellsYang Xu0Jin Yang1Zhiqiang Hu2Quanmin Zhao3Lei Li4Qishuai Yin5College of Safety and Ocean Engineering, China University of Petroleum, Beijing 102249, ChinaCollege of Safety and Ocean Engineering, China University of Petroleum, Beijing 102249, ChinaSINOPEC Research Institute of Petroleum Engineering Co., Ltd., Beijing 102206, ChinaSINOPEC International Petroleum Exploration & Production Corporation, Beijing 100029, ChinaCollege of Safety and Ocean Engineering, China University of Petroleum, Beijing 102249, ChinaCollege of Safety and Ocean Engineering, China University of Petroleum, Beijing 102249, ChinaThis study thoroughly investigates the complex origins of abnormal formation pressure in offshore oil and gas wells, taking the Rio del Rey Basin in Cameroon as a case study. Renowned for its abundant oil and gas resources, the area faces unique challenges in predicting overpressure due to its high-temperature and high-pressure reservoir characteristics. By quantitatively analyzing the main mechanisms such as undercompaction, high-temperature fluid expansion, and mud diapirism, the study addresses the complexities of overpressure prediction. This paper introduces an innovative analytical framework that combines hierarchical clustering algorithms with the LightGBM model. Further refined by the application of Bayesian optimization, the model intelligently adjusts hyperparameters to enhance predictive accuracy. Utilizing well logging data and applying machine learning techniques, the paper classifies and identifies different mechanisms causing abnormal pressures, achieving a model prediction accuracy of 0.942. The research findings highlight the predominant role of the undercompaction mechanism, accounting for approximately 70% of the abnormal high-pressure events in the study area. Fluid expansion and shale diapirism contribute smaller but significant proportions of 10% and 20%, respectively. These quantitative insights into the pressure mechanisms are vital for optimizing drilling operations and reducing risks in oil and gas exploration. The study’s hybrid approach, integrating geophysical analysis with advanced computational techniques, sets a precedent for future research. It provides new avenues for applying machine learning to understand complex geological phenomena in similar geological environments and makes a significant contribution to the strategic planning of hydrocarbon exploration and production activities.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/22/10149offshore oil and gas wellsabnormal formation pressureRio del Rey Basinundercompaction mechanismhigh-temperature fluid expansionmachine learning classification
spellingShingle Yang Xu
Jin Yang
Zhiqiang Hu
Quanmin Zhao
Lei Li
Qishuai Yin
Causes of Multi-Mechanism Abnormal Formation Pressure in Offshore Oil and Gas Wells
Applied Sciences
offshore oil and gas wells
abnormal formation pressure
Rio del Rey Basin
undercompaction mechanism
high-temperature fluid expansion
machine learning classification
title Causes of Multi-Mechanism Abnormal Formation Pressure in Offshore Oil and Gas Wells
title_full Causes of Multi-Mechanism Abnormal Formation Pressure in Offshore Oil and Gas Wells
title_fullStr Causes of Multi-Mechanism Abnormal Formation Pressure in Offshore Oil and Gas Wells
title_full_unstemmed Causes of Multi-Mechanism Abnormal Formation Pressure in Offshore Oil and Gas Wells
title_short Causes of Multi-Mechanism Abnormal Formation Pressure in Offshore Oil and Gas Wells
title_sort causes of multi mechanism abnormal formation pressure in offshore oil and gas wells
topic offshore oil and gas wells
abnormal formation pressure
Rio del Rey Basin
undercompaction mechanism
high-temperature fluid expansion
machine learning classification
url https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/22/10149
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AT zhiqianghu causesofmultimechanismabnormalformationpressureinoffshoreoilandgaswells
AT quanminzhao causesofmultimechanismabnormalformationpressureinoffshoreoilandgaswells
AT leili causesofmultimechanismabnormalformationpressureinoffshoreoilandgaswells
AT qishuaiyin causesofmultimechanismabnormalformationpressureinoffshoreoilandgaswells