Navigating Complex Drilling Conditions: A Pore Pressure-Guided Approach in Lembak Field, South Sumatra, Indonesia

The Lembak gas field, situated within the South Sumatra Basin, Indonesia, has been a focal point of hydrocarbon extraction, primarily targeting the Baturaja carbonate as the main reservoir. However, recent drilling activities have highlighted challenges associated with the lower segment of the Baturaja Formation (BRF). Notably, this transition zone exhibits porous characteristics, which have led to partial or total loss of circulation during drilling operations. These unexpected porous features in the lower BRF carbonate complicate the drilling process, prompting the need for a refined approach to ensure operational efficiency and safety. This study aims to address these challenges by leveraging pore pressure and fracture gradient analysis to optimize casing point design, particularly focusing on the upper Talang Akar Formation (TAF) sand layer as a potential solution.