You must log in to edit PetroWiki. Help with editing
Content of PetroWiki is intended for personal use only and to supplement, not replace, engineering judgment. SPE disclaims any and all liability for your use of such content. More information
Message: PetroWiki content is moving to OnePetro! Please note that all projects need to be complete by November 1, 2024, to ensure a smooth transition. Online editing will be turned off on this date.
Glossary:Hydrostatic pressure
Hydrostatic pressure (HP) is the pressure exerted by a fluid column such as drilling mud in a well. It is essential in well operations to balance the Formation pressure (FP) in order to prevent formation fluid entry into the well. Because if the Hydrostatic pressure in the wellbore is lower than the Formation Pressure, it can lead to an influx of formation fluids into the well which can cause serious consequences such as well control issues.
It depends on 2 factors:
1- Mud Weight (MW)
2- True Vertical Depth (TVD)
It is determined with the following equation:
HP=0.052 x MW x TVD
Where:
- HP - Hydrostatic pressure in psi
- MW - Mud Weight in ppg
- TVD - True Vertical Depth in ft
It is an important concept that Hydrostatic pressure doesn't depend on wellbore geometry. Let's assume that we have two wells, one vertical and another deviated, with the same True Vertical Depth (TVD), the HP exerted by the drilling fluid will be the same at the same TVD.