It is possible to estimate pore pressure, fracture gradient, and mud weight window using only Microsoft Excel. Here's a general approach:
1. Collect the necessary data: You will need well log data (such as resistivity, sonic, and density logs) and drilling data (such as formation depths, mud weight, and drilling fluid properties) for the well you are analyzing.
2. Create a new Excel spreadsheet and enter the data into the appropriate cells. Organize the data into columns and label each column with a descriptive heading.
3. Calculate the pore pressure using one of several methods, such as the Eaton method or the Bowers method. These methods use different equations to estimate pore pressure based on well log data. You can find these equations online or in textbooks on well logging and formation evaluation. Here's an example of how to use the Eaton method:
- Calculate the normal compaction trend line for the formation using the density log and the depth values.
- Calculate the overburden pressure using the normal compaction trend line and the depth values.
- Calculate the effective stress using the overburden pressure and the pore pressure.
- Use the resistivity log to estimate the water saturation.
- Use the estimated water saturation and the effective stress to calculate the pore pressure using the Eaton equation.
4. Calculate the fracture gradient using the Eaton or Matthews-Kelly methods. These methods use different equations to estimate the fracture gradient based on the pore pressure and other well data. Here's an example of how to use the Eaton method:
- Calculate the minimum horizontal stress using the pore pressure, the density log, and the depth values.
- Calculate the maximum horizontal stress using the minimum horizontal stress and a stress ratio (which can be estimated based on the formation properties).
- Calculate the fracture gradient using the maximum horizontal stress and a safety factor (which can be based on the drilling conditions and the experience of the drillers).
5. Calculate the mud weight window by subtracting the pore pressure from the fracture gradient. This will give you the range of mud weights that can be safely used for drilling.
6. Visualize the data and results using graphs and charts. You can create plots of the well log data, the pore pressure, the fracture gradient, and the mud weight window to help you analyze the data and make decisions about drilling operations.
Note that these are just general steps and there may be other factors to consider depending on the specific well and formation being analyzed. It's also important to note that the accuracy of the estimates will depend on the quality and accuracy of the data used.