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The offshore part of the Nile Delta is considered one of the most prolific provinces for gas production and for future petroleum exploration. Amplitude Variation with Offset (AVO) analysis supported by composite logs considered as one of the best-advanced techniques enables the interpreter to understand the seismic data. It is used to generate a new view of the output results, especially for the identification of gas zones as gas channels by using pre-stack AVO attributes that based on the intercept product gradient (A*B) and the Scaled Poisson’s Ratio Change. Free gas, regardless of the percentage show obvious AVO anomaly. Well log data, including gamma-ray, resistivity, and Vp sonic logs are used in the seismic data to well tie and in the generation of the synthetic seismogram. Seismic data conditioning processes with check-shot correction is performed to improve the resolution of the reflection events and signal to noise ratio. AVO attributes technique, as a direct hydrocarbon indicator, including AVO gradient analysis and AVO crossplot separate the gas levels in the sand-shale sequences. The identified gas-bearing zones consistent with well log data responses. As the main conclusion, we show the visual evidence for the gas-bearing zones by interpreting different AVO responses due to the changes in fluid and rock types.

Early kick detection is of great concern while drilling wells. The late kick detection can lead to uncontrolled blowout which increases the possibility of injury and potential lose of life and equipment. Causes of kick and the importance of early kick detection are introduced. Kick detection from mud logging real time data and kick detection in the offshore Nile Delta are discussed. Limitation of the conventional well control procedure in low permeable formation is introduced. A comparison between gas parameters warning sign and drilling parameters warning sign was carried out. A new advanced early kick detection method is proposed based on more than 10 years of experience in monitoring real time mud logging data while drilling and analyzing flow and kick reports. The proposed advanced early kick detection method uses additional accurate flow check using trip tank and recommends adding two additional accurate pressure sensors while shut-in well. The proposed method has a great advantage using gas parameters which can detect near-balance state before kick occur. The advanced kick detection method does not require any rig equipment modification nor interfere with any drilling operation. Case studies in the offshore Nile Delta wells illustrate the limitation of the conventional well control procedure and the advantage of the proposed method.