The value of the continuing integration of logging-while-drilling (LWD) and directional drilling processes has been more prominent in the current economic environment in terms of optimizing field development costs by means of precise well placement, as well as improved reservoir characterization and drilling performance in real time. A successful horizontal drain was drilled in an undeveloped Reservoir A for the first time in an offshore carbonate sequence, using advanced LWD acoustic and high-resolution microresistivity sensors. The well plan required maximizing the exposure of the most porous body in a thinner sublayer. This sublayer lies directly over a large, developed carbonate reservoir as part of the Upper Jurassic Carbonate sequence located offshore Abu Dhabi. The flow test results during the drillstem test (DST) operation for the first appraisal well in the target reservoir produced at a rate that was greater than expected. Production log data were acquired and integrated with the LWD microresistivity image interpretation. In addition, in this environment, the inferred Rt and Rxo measurements from the LWD azimuthal focused resistivity tool were shown to be more reliable than conventional electromagnetic wave resistivity measurements, which are prone to exhibiting significant polarization, anisotropy, and bed boundary effects. Lessons learned from the first appraisal well in Reservoir A for reservoir characterization and flow unit identification were used and implemented in the planning and successful delivery of the future horizontal wells. Unlike the other reservoir subunits that are deposited within the same sequence, the field development strategy for these undeveloped reservoirs has been under review based on the recent data. The field development strategy used enhancements in well placement, formation evaluation, and production technologies, including extended reach horizontal wells, with maximized reservoir exposure in the sweetest zones, to compensate for the poor petrophysical character and low oil mobility. This case study presents insights into the advanced geosteering and multidisciplinary reservoir characterization processes along these successful horizontal drains drilled in undeveloped Reservoir A and the future horizontal wells. It also demonstrates the integration between the geological and petrophysical interpretation and the use of acoustic measurements and high-resolution microresistivity imaging. This combination has enhanced the understanding of Reservoir A in terms of the unexpected production performance and helped optimize efforts for the future field development plan.
The undeveloped sublayers of the prolific offshore Arab reservoir were recently targeted for appraisal drilling, aligning with the ever-increasing efforts to expand production and book new reserves. The first extended reach horizontal well was drilled in this field to evaluate the economic potential of four different reservoir sublayers. Reservoir characterization and the evaluation of lateral permeability changes were the primary objectives for these low permeability layers. Maximizing reservoir contact while maintaining minimum borehole tortuosity presented substantial geosteering challenges. Another challenge is that the bottomhole assembly (BHA) must be free from radioactive chemical sources. A well placement workflow was developed that honors the structural geological setting, based on the existing field knowledge and offset petrophysical data. The optimized BHA consists of a point-the-bit rotary steerable system (RSS) and logging-while-drilling (LWD) sensors. These LWD sensors include high-resolution microresistivity imaging, laterolog resistivity, azimuthal multipole acoustic, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), ultrasonic calliper, and near-bit azimuthal gamma ray sensors. High-resolution microresistivity imaging and the near-bit azimuthal gamma ray sensor were used to geosteer in the thin reservoir subunits and to facilitate fracture identification. NMR was used to help remain in sweet zones in real time and to provide pore size distribution, based on T1 measurements for permeability evaluation. Acoustic and high-resolution image data were used to derive empirical permeabilities. The 8,000-ft horizontal section was successfully geosteered with 100% reservoir contact, tapping into four thin reservoir sublayers. Real-time high-resolution microresistivity images, dip picks, and near-bit azimuthal gamma ray data helped to maintain the wellbore attitude parallel to the stratigraphy within each sublayer; they also facilitated a smooth transition from one sublayer to the next with minimum borehole tortuosity, aided by the point-the-bit RSS and at-bit inclination measurements. Fracture evaluation from high-resolution images, NMR, acoustic, and image-based permeabilities are integrated with production log results to enable a better understanding of the field, to benchmark flow unit identification in these undeveloped reservoirs, and to optimize future geosteering and petrophysical data acquisition requirements. The traditional reactive geosteering concept is challenged by placing the 8,000-ft extended reach section in four different sublayers that are as thin as 3 ft true stratigraphic thickness (TST) without penetrating any boundaries. The multidisciplinary approach helped to assess the economic potential of these undeveloped layers within the local reservoir sector and to formulate plans for a future field development program.
Undeveloped reservoirs poses many uncertainties in terms of reservoir structural control and inherent properties and as a result integrated fit for purpose engineering and technology plays a vital role to drill, appraise and complete a well successfully. While Maximum Reservoir Contact (MRC) wells show promise in increased deliverability, sustainability and cumulative recovery, the risk of high cost, reduced well life and sustainability issues can become real if the well is not planned, executed and appraised properly. This paper focuses on the integrated multi-disciplinary approach between Reservoir Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, Drilling and Geoscience functions to achieve MRC of 8,500 ft. in two sublayers of 3 ft. each while mapping and avoiding any potential risk for water zones. Data acquisition pertaining to reservoir characterization, fracture and fault identification was planned to enhance this undeveloped reservoir understanding and to optimize lower completion design. 3D real-time multiwell reservoir modelling and updating capabilities with appropriate LWD measurements for Proactive Geosteering and Formation Evaluation was planned. Based on forward response model from offset well data along with drilling engineering and data acquisition requirements, an LWD suite consisting of RSS, Gamma Ray Image, High Resolution Resistivity Image (Fracture and Fault identification), NMR (both Total and Partial Porosities, and T2 Distribution) along with a Deep Azimuthal Resistivity measurement for early detection and avoidance of conductive/water zones was utilized. Achieved a field record of the longest drain drilled with 8,500 ft. of MRC. The fit for purpose real time LWD measurements enabled successful placement of the lower completion and blanking the risk zones for pro-longed sustainable production. Identification of fracture zones in real time helped in optimizing the completion plan while drilling. Based on this well's results, it is established that replicating the same practice could positively affect the overall Field Development potential. The same technique is planned for the future development of undeveloped reservoirs in this field.
Ultrahigh-resolution electrical images (UHRIs) acquired with logging while drilling (LWD) tools have brought to light different side effects of using drilling tools such as rotary steerable systems (RSSs) and bits when drilling a horizontal borehole. This paper will go through the extensive analysis and simulations that followed, gathering data from almost thirty wells, to try and understand the root causes behind these side effects, along with the actions put in place to mitigate it. UHRIs were used while drilling a 6-in horizontal hole to achieve a 100% net-to-gross and perform advanced formation evaluation to optimize well production. Surprisingly, these images revealed more details: wellbore threading–a type of spiral–inside the formation. To understand the cause behind such marks, RSS and bit data was gathered from around thirty wells, compared, and analyzed. Simulations were run over months, considering rock types, drilling parameters, and bottom hole assembly (BHA) design to reproduce the issue and propose the best solution to prevent these events from reoccurring. After the data compilation, a trend emerged. Wellbore threading was observed in soft, high-porosity reservoir formations. It also appeared in tandem with controlled rate of penetration (ROP), low weight on bit (WOB), and a low steering ratio. At this point, advanced analysis and simulations were needed to determine the root cause of this phenomenon. A Finite Element Analysis (FEA) based 4D modeling software showed that the bit gauge pad length, combined with the RSS pad force, contributed to this threading. A pad pressure force higher than 7,000 N in conjunction with a short-gauge bit increased the likelihood of having this borehole deformation. Simulations comparing different size tapered and nominal bit gauge pad lengths were run to determine the effect on the borehole and on the steerability. Bit design is directly linked to the wellbore threading effect. It is more pronounced when associated with a powerful rotary steerable system and in a soft formation environment. However, altering a specific bit design can have a direct and undesirable effect on the steerability of the BHA. UHRI revealed details of borehole deformation that new drilling technologies are causing. It enabled an in-depth analysis of the different causes behind it, revealing ad-hoc solutions. Horizontal wells are being drilled in more challenging environments such as through thin formation layers, unpredictable geology, and unknown fluid movement. Detailed evaluation has a direct impact on the completion approach. But we also need to drill faster and more efficiently. The wellbore threading caused formation damage that masked information needed for formation evaluation. In a novel application of UHRI data, simulations gave birth to information which has been lacking and incentivized the development of new, formation-friendly technology.
Reservoirs located offshore Abu Dhabi can be complex in terms of sub-seismic structural features such as faults and localized deformations. With use of high-resolution resistivity image logs, a TST (true stratigraphic thickness) technique, along with 3D structural models, uncertainties related to sub seismic structural ambiguities are resolved and well trajectory is optimized while drilling. In this case study, real-time resistivity image logs were used while drilling. The sinusoid’s shape on images provided cutting down dip or up dip information. Dip trends were analyzed using a dip vector plot and to identify zones-of-interest. Dip attribute along with the log response were compared with the pre-job model and the inclination is adjusted accordingly during drilling. Several high angle features can be characterized as stratigraphic changes, fractures, or faults. The morphology and trend change observed in the dip vector plot of these features lead to the conclusion that these are sub-seismic resolution faults and deformation is associated with the fault. The stratigraphic drilling polarity and the TST were calculated using the formation dip data. Using a TST scale and splitting the logs into stratigraphic drilling polarity domains, the fault throw displacement is estimated. The model is updated to reflect the interpreted data. The fault plunge and trend are extrapolated away from the wellbore and to nearby wells.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
hi@scite.ai
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
Copyright © 2024 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.