Maximising Production Potential by Successful Application of Deep Azimuthal Resistivity and Geo-Steering of an Appraisal Well in an Interbedded Reservoir – A Case Study from UAE

Abstract

Accurately placing a horizontal appraisal well within an interbedded reservoir sequence presents a wide range of challenges especially when there is a lack of nearby control wells. These challenges relate to uncertainties in the formation (dip, reservoir continuity & porosity development) and reservoir fluids (contact depth, transition zone height). In order to achieve the appraisal objectives it was critical to successfully intersect certain zones within the reservoir sequence and ascertain their hydrocarbon flow potential along with quantifying key reservoir properties and fluid boundaries. This data was essential for defining and optimizing the subsurface components of field development planning including well count, expected flow rates and in- place / recoverable resource estimations. In this particular application the target reservoirs are porous gas saturated carbonates developed within an interbedded Jurassic aged limestone. Well placement in the subject well had the primary objective of intersecting five HC bearing zones while maintaining a safe distance from a conductive zone interpreted to be water saturated. As part of the pre-well planning, 3D real-time multiwell reservoir modelling and its 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), Neutron, Density and 16 sector Density image along with a Deep Azimuthal Resistivity measurement for early detection and avoidance of conductive/water zones was utilized. This tool is capable of early detection of conductive zones that could indicate either transition zone saturations or water saturated porosity beneath a gas-water contact (GWC). Application of the Azimuthal Resistivity measurements along with the realtime updates of the subsurface model helped place the appraisal well within the hydrocarbon column and also established the top of the low resistivity "Wet Zone". Importantly, these results were later confirmed with production logs acquired as part of well testing operations.