On the Study of Abnormally High Formation Pressures and Their Role in Oil and Gas Field Development
GunayVagifgizi1* 
, Almaz Guliyeva2 , Orkhan Yagubov2
Abstract. Formation pressure is a key geological and reservoir parameter in well planning and hydrocarbon-field development. This study examines abnormally high formation pressure (AHFP) in the Bulla-Deniz gas-condensate field of the Baku Archipelago. Geological, pressure, temperature, well-depth, productive-interval, and production data for Horizons V, VII, and VIII of the Balakhani Suite were evaluated. Measured and calculated pressure values were compared with normal hydrostatic pressure, and the abnormality coefficient was used to identify high-pressure intervals. The productive horizons occur at depths of approximately 4,645-6,145 m and exhibit pressure values above normal hydrostatic conditions. Formation pressures of approximately 48.5 MPa in Horizon V, 70-72 MPa in Horizon VII, and 80 MPa in Horizon VIII demonstrate the persistence of AHFP with increasing depth. The findings indicate that deep burial, tectonic activity, hydrocarbon generation, elevated temperature, restricted fluid migration, and effective sealing formations may jointly control the pressure regime. Although high reservoir energy may support initial production, AHFP also increases drilling, completion, well-control, and development risks. Accurate pressure prediction and continuous monitoring are therefore essential for the safe and economically efficient development of the Bulla-Deniz field.
Keywords: abnormally high formation pressure, Bulla-Deniz field, productive horizon, reservoir pressure, hydrocarbon accumulation, abnormality coefficient