Drilling the HP/HT Moon Prospect Exploration Well

Abstract

Planning for the deep vertical exploration well, in shallow waters off the West Coast of India commenced more than a year ahead of drilling operations. The well was targeted to 4500m to explore deep objectives in a four-way closure. Bottom hole pressure was expected to be in excess of 12000 psi and formation temperatures were predicted to be higher than 400°F (205°C). A major challenge was mobilizing special high pressure equipment to an area with limited oilfield infrastructure. The successful drilling and formation evaluation of the well has validated the efficacy of the design philosophy, highlighted the critical importance of mud hydraulics, HP/HT rheology, temperature modeling, real time detection of pressure transition zones, and will significantly impact future exploratory drilling operations in the area.