A comprehensive regional pressure study of the Niger Delta, Nigeria.

The Department of Petroleum Resources in Nigeria awarded this pressure study to GeoPressure Technology in association with Sonar Nigeria Limited.  The study will investigate:

• Distribution and control on overpressures including variation in top of overpressure and vertical/lateral seals.
• Trap integrity assessment - seal breach risking and top seal failure.
• Evidence for lateral transfer (leading to higher than expected pressures when drilling).
• Lateral drainage and implications for migration, hydrodynamic flow and tilted OWCs.
• Mechanisms of overpressure generation.
• Fracture and overburden pressures (to assist pre-drill prediction).

Phase 1 commences March 2010, with completion in February 2011, focussed on deep offshore/ultra-deep offshore areas.  The Pressure Study of the Niger Delta aims to deliver:

• Additional exploration potential.
• Reduced risk of drilling dry holes where seal breach is considered likely.
• Improved ability of operators to predict pressures pre-drill and hence improve safety.

GeoPressure Technology and Sonar Nigeria are now looking for early sponsors to this study.   Benefits of early participation include access to preliminary results, favourable pricing and involvement in the technical programme.  If you are interested in participating, please contact Richard Swarbrick on info@geopressure.co.uk.