PyGeoPressure: Geopressure Prediction in Python

Yu Hao
2018 Journal of Open Source Software  
Geopressure (or pore pressure) prediction is of central importance in both the exploration and development of hydrocarbon reservoirs. Pore fluid pressure affects the physical properties of reservoir rocks, hence predicted pressure is a key input when building the geomechanical model of a reservoir. Overpressure also influences the distribution of hydrocarbon, and sometimes can even work as an effective seal. Predrill pore pressure data in depth can help prevent geo-hazards like kicks, blowouts
more » ... nd drilling fluid infiltrating the formation whiling drilling in overpressured formations. pyGeoPressure provides a set of open-source tools to perform geopressure prediction workflow which involves data preprocessing, parameter optimization, and pressure prediction. Pore pressure can be predicted using well log data or seismic velocity data. Both of these two kinds of predictions are implemented in pyGeoPressure. In addition to standard methods of Eaton's (Eaton & others, 1975) and Bowers' (Bowers & others, 1995) , a new multivariate prediction model (Sayers et al., 2003) is also implemented in pyGeoPressure which incorporates petrophysical properties like porosity and shale volume other than sonic velocity. Another set of functionalities that pyGeoPressure provides are generating graphs. It can generate slices and sections of predicted pressure cube and well log predicted pressure profiles. pyGeoPressure is designed with flexibility and portability in mind. pyGeoPressure provides a flexible survey management system based on a clear folder structure, in which adding new well or seismic data cube can simply be achieved by adding a json file with required information. The basic numerical type used in computation under the hood is NumPy array, so it can work together with scientific computation tools within python ecosystem. pyGeoPressure provides a simple, easily accessed open-source solution to geopressure prediction and a framework upon which researchers and engineers can quickly test and implement new prediction ideas.
doi:10.21105/joss.00992 fatcat:rfht7dl6sbbrbpzslli3cf537a