Abstract
K field is a faulted anticline structure lying in a turbidite environmental setting, which consists of two main sand bodies of 50-100ft gross thickness. Two main challenges during development stages were, 1). The narrow thickness of the fault block requiring accurate landing, well placement and characterization. 2). The low vertical permeability inside the sand which requires the straddling and precision of horizontal placement relative to reservoir boundary. Geosteering was proposed to mitigate those challenges, which is then translated into a directional drilling plan. Hybrid LWD combination of Seismic, Reservoir Mapping, RT-Image and Formation Pressure While Drilling technology were used overcome those objectives and challenges. Seismic was used to update target uncertainty in both depth and lateral coordinates, hence accurate landing inside the target fault block was the main driver. Reservoir Mapping Technology and borehole images were used to update the presence of fault and plan for an accurate placement of the horizontal section. Pressure While Drilling was used to update the reservoir pressure and fault/ connectivity between fault/compartments. Post job subsurface modeling was updated using those measurement for accurate interpretation, which was used for future field development plan.
The drilling workflow was extensively discussed among the stakeholders to make sure it was fit for purpose and could achieve the objectives. Horizontal well landing procedures using Seismic While Drilling technology helped the well penetrate into fault block A at 100m before fault edge. Reservoir Mapping While Drilling technology enabled successful Geosteering inside the desired target zone. Another important application regarding the Reservoir Mapping Technology is the capability of resolving the internal sedimentary bedding feature (higher dip feature) and the delineating of multiple faults including sub seismic fault block B, which helped the team define well TD at the desired fault block position. An integrated interpretation between Reservoir Mapping While Drilling, High Resolution Images and Formation Pressure While Drilling to detect pressure continuity between one block to the other proved to be very helpful for production management and completion optimization. At the end, two horizontal wells were successfully drilled in the desired fault block. Everything worked, ie the technology, the people and the process, resulting in an accurate and well controlled execution of a complex and high-profile project.
The novel approach was successfully demonstrated to ensure well objectives are achieved in an integrated manner. The flawless execution allowed the team to avpid drilling any side tracks which would have been costly.
