Predrill pore pressure accurate prediction allows the appropriate mud weight to be selected and allows the casing program to be optimized, thus enabling safety by preventing wellbore collapse and economic drilling by reducing the cost. Mud weight and fracture gradient are essential parameters to have wellbore stability, prevent blowout, lost circulation, kick, sand production and reservoir damages. To optimize drilling decisions and well planning in abnormal pressured areas, it is essential to carry out pore pressure predictions before drilling. During the exploration phase, a prediction of pore pressure can be used to evaluate exploration risk factors including the migration of formation fluids and seal integrity. Pore pressure estimation is important for both exploration and drilling projects.
