Overpressure is caused by something specific, and the mechanism matters because it determines which prediction method works. Disequilibrium compaction leaves a clear signature in porosity-sensitive logs and responds well to standard methods; pressure from fluid expansion, hydrocarbon generation or lateral transfer does not reduce porosity in the same way, and methods calibrated for compaction underpredict it badly.

Prediction is always calibration. A method applied without offset well calibration produces a curve with no demonstrated relationship to the area. Pressure measurements, mud weights that worked, kicks taken, losses and leak-off tests from offset wells are what tie a prediction to reality, and a prediction report without that calibration section is of limited use.

Uncertainty is the part most often omitted. A single pore pressure curve implies a confidence nobody actually has, and casing design built on it leaves no room. Expressing prediction as a range, with the mechanisms and evidence behind each case, lets the well be designed with contingency where the uncertainty is real.

By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Explain overpressure generation mechanisms and their pressure signatures.
• Identify and assess the data available for pore pressure prediction.
• Construct normal compaction trends from log and seismic data.
• Apply standard pore pressure prediction methods and understand their assumptions.
• Apply seismic velocity based prediction and calibration.
• Analyse offset well data for pressure evidence.
• Estimate fracture gradients using recognised methods.
• Design and interpret leak-off and formation integrity tests.
• Assess uncertainty and produce probabilistic pressure predictions.
• Translate pressure predictions into casing and mud weight design.

The course is instructor-led and data-based. Participants build pore pressure and fracture gradient predictions from real seismic, log and offset well data, calibrate them against measurements and compare with what the well actually encountered. Leak-off test interpretation is practised on real test records. Participants are encouraged to bring their own data for discussion.

Organisations sending participants to this training will:

• Improve pre-drill pressure prediction and reduce surprises while drilling.
• Reduce kicks, losses and unplanned casing strings.
• Improve casing design and mud weight programmes.
• Make pressure uncertainty explicit in well planning.
• Improve the quality of pressure prediction work commissioned from specialists.

Participants will:

• Understand overpressure mechanisms and their signatures.
• Be able to build and calibrate a pore pressure prediction.
• Be able to estimate fracture gradients and design tests.
• Be able to express prediction uncertainty credibly.
• Be able to apply predictions in well design.

• Drilling and well engineers
• Pore pressure specialists and geoscientists
• Petrophysicists
• Wellsite and operations geologists
• Well planners
• Technical authorities reviewing well designs

Upon successful completion of this training course, delegates will be awarded an official Certificate of Completion issued by the Petroleum Engineers Association (PEA), an ISO 9001:2015 certified training organization. The certificate carries 10 Credits and formally records the total learning hours completed.

Each certificate is signed by the Course Facilitator and the CEO of the Petroleum Engineers Association, and serves as verifiable proof of professional training that delegates can present to employers and professional bodies worldwide.