The estimation of hydraulic fracturing pressure during drilling is one of the key aspects for the safe and efficient construction of wells. The lack of information about hydraulic fracturing pressure can lead to mud losses during drilling. Therefore, the question of accurate hydraulic fracturing pressure calculation is particularly important for trouble-free well construction and minimizing non-productive time. Currently, there is a practice of using various methods to calculate the hydraulic fracturing pressure, and the use of these methods can lead to significant discrepancies in choosing optimal solutions for well drilling. As a result of this, problems can arise in the interaction between different services involved in the well construction cycle. In order to avoid these issues, it is important to carefully consider all factors when selecting a method for calculating hydraulic fracturing pressures. This article attempts to evaluate the possibility of using different methods in different geological conditions, their limitations, and their compliance with actual measurement data from leak-off tests, pressure testing, mini-fracturing treatments, and others. The article also discusses the results of 1D geomechanical modeling for predicting hydraulic fracturing pressure in various regions, including Western and Eastern Siberia, the Volga-Ural province, and assesses the potential impact of the well trajectory on its variation. Finally, the article provides recommendations on the application of different methods for calculating hydraulic fracturing pressure and explores the possibility of conducting simplified operational determinations of a safe mud weight window.
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