Normalized Rate

of Penetration

.preferred quantitative analytical method for the

detection of abnormal formation pressure.
In 1967 Vidrine and Benit published what should have been a landmark paper
on abnormal pressure detection. The procedure described the use of
"Normalized Penetration Rate Values" to indicate changes in formation
pressures. The SPE publication (SPE 1859) by Vidrine and Benit is well written
but was not styled as a "how to" publication. Consequently, the practical
application was not immediately apparent. Proceeding the normalized
penetration rate paper, Jorden and Shirley described the widely heralded and
easily understood "d" exponent. Because of these, and other more subtle
factors - the good work done by Vidrine and Benit has not been widely utilized
- to the detriment of the worldwide drilling industry. Additional work has been
done on Normalized Penetration Rate" and is presented herein along with a
"how to" approach for the original paper.

Normalized Penetration Rate is a procedure which uses a version of the long

sought after drilling equation, in combination with a graphical evaluation to
normalize the effects of the variables contributing to penetration rate. The
only controlling variable not normalized is differential pressure. Differential
pressure is the difference between the well bore dynamic pressure (ECD) and
the pressure contained within the fluids in the pore spaces of the rocks being
drilled (formation pressure). With AP the only non-normalized variable, if ECD
is considered to be relatively constant over short intervals of the hole, a
change in penetration rate can be considered as directly attributable to
changes in formation pressure.

Knowledge of formation pressures is the desired result of "abnormal pressure

detection", and the basis for "Near Balanced Drilling". Both subjects are
important in properly drilling wells, and in minimizing or eliminating the
intangible well costs associated with many "Drilling Problems".

Normalized penetration rate interpretation has been shown, by use, to be the

most responsive of all methods used to indicate changes in formation
pressure. Normalized penetration rate is also current with the bit, not "lag
time" behind as many formation pressure determination techniques are.

NORMALIZATION CONSIDERATIONS
Some of the variable factors known to influence penetration rate are as
follows:

l. Lithology

2. Formation compressive strength variations

3. Bit weight

4. Rotary speed 5. Tooth wear

6. Hydraulics at the face of the hole

7. Differential pressure

The normalizing process eliminates the influence of these variables, except

differential pressure.

LITHOLOGY: A plot of normalized penetration rates indicates lithologic changes

due to the different drillabilities corresponding to different formation types.
The quantitative interpretation of normalized penetration rate is based on bit
dulling trends in the formation where the pressure change occurs. In
continuous depositional basins, as well as many older basins, pressure changes
will occur in shales. In areas where abnormal pressures occur in carbonates,
the dulling trends must be based on the carbonates. In either case, variations
in lithology are indicated by the normalized penetration rate plot. The
normalization for lithologic changes is done visually by reference to the plot.

COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH VARIATIONS: This refers to the increase in

compressive strength a shale exhibits due to increased compaction. As grain to
grain contact increases, with decreasing porosity, compressive strength
increases. Increased compressive strength manifests itself as a slow decrease
in dulling trend slope one bit run to another. For practical purposes this rate of
change is insignificant. No normalization is required for this consideration.

WEIGHT ON THE BIT: Bit weight has been shown to exhibit

a linear relationship with penetration rate, within two limits. (Figure 1) The low
limit is defined as the threshold weight, and is the weight necessary to initiate
failure of the formation. In very soft, unconsolidated formations, the threshold
weight can have a negative value. The negative value indicates the bit can
achieve penetration rate without weight on the bit. This actually occurs, as
evidenced by "Jetting" a directional hole in snow-bank drilling areas. This is a
function of hydraulic action on the face of the hole.

The upper weight limit is known as the "flounder" point and occurs when the
bit teeth are completely imbedded in the formation. Additional weight only
serves to contact the cone face with the hole without increasing drill rate. The
effect of bit weight on penetration rate will be normalized by mathematical
manipulation.

FIGURE 1 - EFFECT OF BIT WEIGHT ON DRILL RATE

EXPRESSED MATHEMATICALLY

PR ~ W M EQ. 1
Where: W = Bit Weight
 M = Threshold Weight

ROTARY SPEED: As rotary speed increases, penetration rate increases, but at a

decreasing rate. (Figure 2) The relationship is exponential. The cause of the
reduction in penetration rate increase is the phenomena known as "dwell
time". As rotation rate increases, the time increment available for bit weight to
be applied at each bit tooth decreases. The result is incomplete application of
weight with an accompanying loss in drill rate. The effect of rotary speed on
penetration rate will be normalized by a mathematical operation.

FIGURE 2 - EFFECT OF ROTARY SPEE ON DRILLING RATE

The relationship can be expressed as:

PR ~ EQ. 2
Where: N = Bit Weight

= Rotary Exponent
TOOTH WEAR: Reference has been made to dulling trends, and the slope
thereof. All mill tooth bits, and some insert bits, exhibit a dulling trend
characteristic. As a bit drills, the abrasive nature of the formation acts to wear
away the bit teeth, resulting in a decrease in penetration rate. This phenomena
is most pronounced for bits designed to fail the formations in shear, i.e. the
soft formation bits. The process of dulling continues throughout the bit run so
that penetration rate will continuously decrease. If penetration rate is plotted
versus depth on linear coordinate paper, the result is a dulling trend slope
which will be a function of bit type. A dulling trend will be observed for all
formations but is used in this procedure only in the "base" formation - (the
formation containing formation pressure changes). The base formation will
generally be shale, except only in some carbonate series where the carbonates
become the base" formations. If non-dulling bits are utilized (diamonds, hard
formation inserts), the dulling trend becomes vertical.

The effect of tooth wear on penetration rate is normalized by the graphical

interpretation of dulling trend slope.

HYDRAULICS: Vidrine and Benit utilize a sample hydraulic model to describe

the effects of hydraulic action at the formation face on penetration rate.
(Figure 3) Specific hydraulic horsepower is assumed to be linearly proportional
to penetration rate. The mathematical relationship is used to normalize the
effects of hydraulics on penetration rate.

FIGURE 3 - EFFECT OF HYDRAULICS ON DRILL RATE

The Mathematical Relationship is:

PR ~ Sp HHP EQ. 3

Where: Q = Flow Rate

PB = Bit Pressure Drop

d = Bit Size

DIFFERENTIAL PRESSURE: Differential pressure is the lone contributing factor

in penetration rate whose effect is not eliminated by normalization. Any
deviation from the dulling trend indicates a change in differential pressure.
Since the dynamic pressure within the wellbore at the formation face
(Equivalent Circulating Density) is essentially constant over short intervals of
hole, changes in differential pressure are taken to indicate a change in
formation pressures.

NORMALIZING THE VARIABLES: The penetration rates for each individual bit
run are normalized to a set of arbitrarily set conditions. The normalized values
(which are plotted), are, in essence, the penetration rate which would have
been achieved if each interval, (5 feet), was drilled at the "normal" conditions.
If the arbitrarily set normal conditions are, in fact, the actual conditions under
which the intervals are drilled, no mathematical manipulation is necessary.

Arbitrary normalized conditions for the following variables must be assigned

for a bit run.

BIT WEIGHT = Wn
ROTARY SPEED = Nn
BIT PRESSURE DROP = PBn
FLOW RATES = Qn

Values for threshold weight (M), and rotary exponent (X) must also be
assigned. Accurate values for these formation dictated characteristics can be
obtained from evaluation of a 5 spot drill-off test.
In lieu of running a 5 spot test, M and a are estimated with acceptable
accuracy for continuous depositional basin drilling (Gulf Coast, Niger Delta,
etc.) in the following table.

TABLE 1

AVERAGE VALUES OF M AND

DEPTH M

0-9000 -5000 lbs. .6

9000 11000 0 lbs. .6

11000-25000 +5000 lbs. .6

An interval length must be selected. Intervals of 1, 2, 5, and 10 feet have been

used successfully. The most useful interval length has proven to be the 5 foot
section. The minutes required to drill the 5 foot interval can be counted from
the depth recorder and observed penetration rate (PRo) calculated from:

PRo = 300 / T EQ. 4

Where: PRo = Observed Penetration Rate

T = Time to drill 5 feet

If the observed penetration rate is obtained from an interval drilled at the

arbitrarily assigned "normal" values, it is also the normalized penetration rate.
If the observed penetration rate is obtained from an interval drilled at any
condition(s) other than the "normal" values, the observed rate must be
mathematically corrected to obtain the normalized penetration rate. In either
case the normalized penetration rate value for the interval is the value which
will be plotted. Nothing is ever plotted except normalized penetration rate.

The correction of PRo to PRn, for intervals drilled at values other than those
defined as normal is as follows:
 PRn = PRo X X X
EQ. 5

Where: Values subscripted n refer to "normal" values, and those subscripted o

refer to actual or observed values.

EXAMPLE 1
Use EQ. 5 and the following data to compute a normalized penetration rate.

NORMAL CONDITIONS - Wn = 30000 Lbs.

Nn = 150 RPM

PBn= 1500 psi

Qn = 250 gpm

OBSERVED CONDITIONS - PRo = 16 FT/HR

Wo = 35000 Lbs.

No = 175 RPM

PBo = 1300 psi

Qo = 210 RPM

CONSTANT VALUES : M= 5000 Lbs.

= .6

PRn = 16 X X X
PRn = 16 x (.8333) x (.9117) x (1.374)
PRn = 16.7 ft/hr
The value for the interval to be plotted in the normalized penetration rate plot
is 16.7 FT/HR. In effect, 16.7 FT/HR represents the penetration rate to be
expected had drilling conditions been as defined normal.

Obviously, "normal" conditions should be chosen so that most, if not all, of a

bit run can be drilled at these precise conditions. If this is done, PRo equals PRn
with no corrections being necessary, and the procedure is simplified
significantly.

PLOTTING THE NORMALIZED RATES: The scales chosen for the plot of
normalized penetration rates is important. Penetration rate is plotted on the
horizontal scale (Abscissa), and is linear throughout the range of drill rates
expected for the base formation. If the base formation is shale, the range of
penetration rates to be expected will range from 0-40 FT/HR. The scale is 1
inch = 10 FT/HR for

the linear range. For penetration rates higher than the linear range, the object
is to suppress these "breaks" in order to 1) keep them on a page, and 2) to
generate an S.P. or gamma ray-like lithology curve. The scale should double for
each of graph above the linear range. (See Figure 4) Note the scale increases to
the left.

The vertical scale (ordinate) is for depth and should be linear. It should be the
same as the depth scale on any correlation logs being utilized.

NOTE: The normalized penetration rate plot is an excellent lithology log and
is very useful for geologic correlation.

Normalized penetration rates for each interval are plotted, and the points
connected to create a continuous curve. Each bit run is completely separate
from all other bit runs and the plotted points should not be connected from
one bit run to another. If a mud weight change is made within a bit run, two
curves are generated, and one should not be connected to the other.
With the normalized penetration rate curves plotted (see Figure 4 as an
example), each bit run exhibits its own dulling trend. If a mud weight change is
made within a bit run, the segments of the bit run will each have a dulling
trend. These dulling trends are to be drawn utilizing as many of the base
formation points as possible.

The dulling trend is the key to interpretation of normalized penetration rates.

The dulling trend is based on a formation pressure. As long as the formation
pressure and mud weight controlled ECD remain constant, the bit will dull and
the plot of PRn will follow the dulling trend. If ECD is constant, as it will be for a
constant mud weight, and a deviation from the dulling trend is noted, the
deviation either indicates a lithology change, or a change in formation
pressure. Lithoiogy changes are generally abrupt, and easily identified.
Formation pressure changes are more gradual. Since pressure determination is
the objective; the gradual deviation from the dulling trend is the primary
indicator for this procedure.

EMPIRICAL INTERPRETATION CURVES: Vidrine and Benit, after extensive

compilation, analysis, and correlation of empirical data, generated generalized
curves showing the relationship between differential pressure (ECD -
Formation Pressure), and its effect on penetration rate.

The effect on penetration rate is shown as the percentage decrease in

penetration rate due to differential pressure. A value of 30% decrease in
penetration rate at a P of 435 psi, for instance, means the actual rate
achieved while drilling with a P of 435 psi is decreased by 30% from the rate
achievable had a zero differential pressure been maintained.

In areas other than continuous depositional basins or South Texas Wilcox, an

interested reader can generate his own evaluation curve and refine it with use.
Pore pressures from log analysis compared against calculated ECD's and actual
penetration rates will give a data set from which a curve can be drawn. .

INTERPRETING THE PLOT: With the normalized penetration rate values plotted
in a known formation pressure zone, and the dulling trend drawn in, as long as
formation pressures and mud weight remain constant, the plot is used
primarily for correlation work. As the new bit drills to 9925 ft. two sand breaks
are seen, but the shales drill on the dulling trend. Below 9925 to 10000 ft. an
indicator is observed.

For the first time during the drilling of this well, the normalized penetration
rate deviates from the dulling trend in a manner unlike that for a sand break.
The deviation indicates a formation pressure change. The formation no longer
exhibits the dulling trend pressure (9.0 ppg in this case). Had no change
occurred, the differential pressure at 10000 ft. would have been the difference
between the ECD and the formation pressure (dulling trend pressure). In this
instance:

P = (10.4 - 9.0)(.052)(10000) = 728 psi

Figure 4
Consulting the composite curve (Vidrine & Benit) for percent decrease versus
differential pressure at a P of 728 psi: (Figure 5) yields a percent decrease of
46.5%. This means that penetration rates achieved while drilling 728 psi
overbalanced are reduced 46.5% from the rates which would have occurred if
the drilling was done at exact balanced conditions.

FIGURE 5

Utilizing the extrapolated dulling trend to determine the penetration rate

which would have occurred if the formation pressure had not changed, yields
13.5 ft/hr.

FIGURE 6

The 13.5 ft/hr "represents the penetration rate which would have occurred
while the driller was suffering a 46.5% reduction in penetration rate due to the
overbalanced conditions. This relationship can be utilized to calculate the
penetration rate which would be expected at zero differential pressure, or
balance. A simple ratio stating 13.5 ft/hr is to (100% -

46.5%) as the zero P penetration rate is to 100% can be written:

= and X = 25.23 ft/hr EQ. 6

The actual penetration rate at 10000 ft is 28 ft/hr. This is compared to the

calculated value of penetration rate at zero P to determine the change in
penetration rate due to the effects of differential pressure.

%DECREASE = X 100 EQ.

7

= X 100

% DECREASE = -10.98%
The negative percent decrease means drilling is proceeding at a rate faster
than would be expected at zero differential pressure. This indicates that the
differential pressure is negative or an underbalance exists as in the case of
formation pressures greater than the ECD. Using the graphical display of
percent decrease in penetration rate versus differential pressure, for a percent
decrease of -10.98%, a pressure differential of -160 psi is observed. (See Figure
7)
 Figure 7

Knowing the actual differential pressure, the formation pressure can be

quantified in terms of ppg equivalent mud weight.

Formation Pressure =ECD - X 19.23 EQ. 8

FP = 10.4 - X 19.23

Formation Pressure = 10.7 ppg

The example shows that the mud weight was changed at this point so that a
new ECD of 11.5 ppg is established. With the new ECD, the bit was drilled out
and a new dulling trend, with the same previous slope was established. The,
fact that the penetration rates as plotted followed this same general slope
indicates that no further formation pressure changes occurred during the
remainder of the bit run. This new dulling trend is based on the new formation
pressure, in this case, 10.7 ppg.

A new bit is run in the hole. The new bit is of the same type as the previous bit,
meaning the dulling trend should exhibit the same general slope as the
previous bit. The new bit will start out drilling faster than the previous bit
finished up, but the rate of dulling should be virtually identical, i.e. a constant
slope should be noted.

So long as the new bit follows the dulling trend in the shales, no formation
pressure change has occurred. When the penetration rates deviate from the
dulling trend, except for lithology changes such as sand breaks, a formation
pressure change is indicated. These changes can be either increases or
decreases in formation pressure, indicating decreases or increases in
differential pressure respectively.

Following along with the example plot (Figure 8), a deviation from the dulling
trend is noted to occur at approximately 10100 ft. This penetration rate is seen
to be higher than expected according to the dulling trend, reflecting an
increase in formation pressure.

The calculation of the magnitude of formation pressure is made at 10200 ft.

where an actual penetration rate of 27 ft/hr is observed. (The actual
calculation of formation pressure will not be repeated here. Rather a step-by-
step narrative explanation will follow.)
 Figure 8

CALCULATION PROCEDURE:
1. The differential pressure for unchanged conditions, at the depth of interest
will be calculated. This differential pressure is the P that would have occurred
if formation pressures had remained constant.

P = (ECD - Dulling Trend Form. Press.)(.052)(Depth) EQ.9

2. Using the P vs. percent decrease curve, the percent decrease which would
be expected for the P calculated above is observed.

3. Using the penetration rate for unchanged conditions, obtained by

extrapolation of the dulling trend to the depth of interest, in conjunction with
the percent decrease noted above, the zero AP penetration rate can be
calculated.

=
EQ.10
4. Knowing the penetration rate to be expected at zero differential pressure, a
comparison can be made between actual penetration rate and zero P
penetration rate to determine the percent decrease actually being experienced
at the depth of interest.

Actual % Decrease = EQ.

11

5. Referring to the P versus percent decrease curve, utilizing the actual

percent decrease calculated at step 4, the existing differential pressure can be
determined.

6. Formation pressure expressed as ppg equivalent mud weight can be

calculated when the existing P determined in Step 5 is known.

Formation Pressure = ECD - X 19.23 EQ. 8

If a mud weight change is made, or if the bit is pulled, a new calculation of

formation pressure is required. Each calculation will utilize the same sequence
of steps as outlined and explained above.
Formation pressure has been shown to remain constant and to increase. It is
also possible, and very common, for formation pressures to decrease with
depth. In the event this occurs, it will manifest itself as shown in Figure 9.

FIGURE 9

The magnitude of the formation pressure indicated at 10850 in Figure 9 is

determined as follows: (See calculation procedure)

1. P = (14.8 - 13.9) (.052) (10850) = 508 psi

2. @ 508 psi P, %DECREASE = 34.2%

3. =

Zero P.R. = 19.45 ft/hr

4. X 100 = 54% DECREASE - Actual %DECREASE

5. @ 54% DECREASE, P = 880 psi

6. FP = 14.8 -(10880 850)(19.23) = 13.2 ppg EQ. 11
FP = Formation Pressure
If the bit is pulled at 10850', the dulling trend for the next bit will be based on a
formation pressure of 13.2 ppg.

EFFECT OF BIT TYPE:

The dulling trend slope is a function of bit type. To this point all dulling trends
shown have been for the same bit type. As bit types change, the slope of the
dulling trend changes; i.e., less slope (more horizontal) for softer bits, more
slope (more vertical) for harder bits. If no formation change is encountered,
the new, correct dulling trend will result by plotting the penetration rates. If
however, a formation change occurs too soon upon running a new bit for a
dulling trend to be established, the slope of the trend can be mathematically
determined and used to calculate formation pressures.

Using the API - IADC Bit classification chart for comparison (Figure 7), the
correction for slope for a different bit type is a 12% change in slope for each bit
type change. Using the easily remembered:

SLOPE = EQ. 13

To determine the numerical magnitude for slope, corrections can be made. If

for an example, a bit change is made from a medium bit, to a softer bit by 2 bit
types, the numerical value of the slope will decrease by 12% for each change.
 FIGURE 11

Figure 11 illustrates a change of two bit types followed immediately by a

formation pressure change. No dulling trend is established for the new bit, and
without a dulling trend, formation pressure determination is not possible. The
correct dulling trend slope can be determined mathematically and inserted
into the penetration rate plot.

Bit Type 2, 1, run to 11350 exhibited a slope of:

SLOPE / RISE = 35 = 5.0

The established rule dictates this value be changed 12% per bit type change.
Since the bit currently being run is a Type 1, 3, the change represents 2 bit
types. In addition the bit now being run is softer than the bit for which a
dulling trend is known, requiring that a reduction in slope be made.

SLOPE (New Bit) = SLOPE (Old Bit) X. 88 X .88

= (5.0) (.88) (.88)

= 3.872

Since the depth drilled by the new bit is known, a value for RISE is easily
determined. From the Penetration Rate Vs. Depth Plot (Figure 12), a value of
10 is measured. SLOPE and RISE, RUN can be calculated.

RUN = RISE / SLOPE

= 10 / 3.872

RUN = 2.58
 FIGURE 12

Graphically setting the calculated run vertically under the first point of the new
bit RUN, results in establishment of the SLOPE. (Figure 13)

With the new dulling trend established, formation pressure can be calculated
as previously discussed.

FIGURE 13

CONCLUSION: This procedure, with the special considerations discussed, can

be utilized to maintain differential pressure at a desired value throughout the
drilling of a well. Mud weights can be properly maintained, casing points
located, differential sticking and lost circulation minimized, and penetration
rates maximized, all without the necessity of prior knowledge of the Geologic
section or Geographic area. However, the most attractive aspect of this
procedure, in the author's viewpoint, is the large response to relative small
increases in formation pressures. There should never again be heard "We got
kicked and none of our indicators showed anything - we got no warning at all".

Appendix
BIT HYDRAULICS FOR USE IN NORMALIZED ROP
The hydraulic factors required in the Normalized ROP evaluation require a
Pressure Drop at the Bit and a Flow Rate in gallons per minute for a given
pumping rate. In order to calculate the Pressure Drop at the Bit, several
preliminary computations are required. The first factor which we must
determine is the Flow Rate. The value can be easily found by the following
equation.

Q=PO*spm*42

Were: PO = the pump output in bbl./stroke

spm = the number of strokes per minute

Q = flow rate in gallons per minute

The next parameter we must take into consideration is the nozzle area in
square inches. Knowing the bit nozzle sizes in 32 nd.s of an inch, we can
calculate the area by:

AN = nozzle area in square inches

n1..4 = nozzle size in 32nd.s

-ne nozzle velocity in feet per minuet is the next value which we must find. This
simple equation is:

Vn=(.32*Q)/AN

where :

Q = flow rate in gallons per minute

AN = nozzle area in square inches

VP = nozzle velocity in feet per minute

With the previous data we are now ready to give the equation to calculate the
pressure drop at the bit. Here, we have:

P = (MW * Vn )/1120

AN = ((n1/32)

MW = mud weight in pounds per gallon

Vn = nozzle velocity in feet per minute

P = pressure drop at the bit in PSI

By following these simple steps, both the observed and normal hydraulic
portions of the normalized rop can be easily determined.

NORMALIZED ROP EXAMPLE

NORMAL VALUES OBSERVED VALUES

WOB 55000 WOB = 60000

RPM= 90 RPM = 87

SPM= 60 SPM = 58

PO=.122 DEPTH = 12500

NOZ1=10 ROP = 23

NOZ2=10

NOZ3 =11

NOZ4 = 0

MW=11.2

Assume = .6

FIND: 1. FLOW RATE IN GALLONS/MINUTE (NORMAL & OBSERVED)

 2. NOZZLE AREA IN SQUARE INCHES (NORMAL & OBSERVED)

3. NOZZLE VELOCITY FT./MIN. (NORMAL & OBSERVED)

4. PRESSURE DROP @ BIT PSI

5. NORMALIZED ROP

SOLUTION TO NROP PROBLEM

1. Q = PO * SPM * 4 2

NORMAL:

Q =.122 * 60 * 42

Q= 307 GAL/MIN

OBSERVED:

Q=.122 * 58 * 42

Q=297 GAL/MIN

2. AN = ((N1/32)^2 + (N2/32)^2 + (N3/32)^2 + (N4/32)^2 ) + (3.14/4)

AN = ((10/32) + (10/32)+ (11/32)

AN = .25 SQ.IN.

3. VN = (.32 * Q) / AN

NORMAL :

VN=(.32 * 307) / .25

VN=392 FT./MIN.

OBSERVED:

VN = (.32 * 297) /.25

VN=380 FT./MIN.

4. PB = (MW * VN^2 ) / 1120

NORMAL :

PB = (11.2 * 392) / 1120

PB = 1536 PSI

OBSERVED:

PB = (11.2 * 380) / 1120

PB = 1444 PSI

5. PRn = PRo X X X

PRn = 23 X X X

PRn = 22.5