Application of High-Definition Reservoir Scale Mapping-While-Drilling with Comprehensive Formation Evaluation in the Challenging Low Resistivity Contrast Environment

Abstract

Abstract The horizontal wells within the context of this case study are located offshore Malaysia, where the reservoirs vary in grain size and quality. The infill wells include 3 oil producer wells targeting S reservoir and 1 horizontal sidetrack well targeting R1-R3 subunit reservoirs. The horizontal wells’ objective is to optimize minimum lateral length of 1,000-2,000ft MD at 1/3 vertical standoff from GOC within the target oil column. Based on recent data from offset wells, the fluid contacts (GOC and OWC) remained uncertain, hence well placement within the target oil column becomes the main challenge. The wells are expected to have low resistivity contrast between oil and water composition. In this kind of reservoir environment, the standard reservoir mapping tool may not be sufficient for differentiating reservoir fluid properties of oil and water bearing formation. For such challenging condition, an integrated real-time well placement technology, high tier triple-combo logs, Neutron Near- Far count and Formation Sigma measurements were deployed to fully achieve drilling objectives. 3 horizontal wells with 1 horizontal sidetrack well were successfully executed within the target zone, achieving objectives beyond expectation. A new generation of LWD tool including high-definition reservoir mapping-while-drilling technology with advanced inversion was deployed to fulfill geosteering requirements. The workflow presented in this project is a synergized scope of multi-domain, from both drilling and subsurface. This case study demonstrated the value of high-definition reservoir scale mapping technology. It provides an innovative and deterministic method to identify low resistivity low contrast boundaries of oil from transitional water zone which was difficult to be achieved by conventional reservoir mapping tool. At the landing section, the high-definition tool helped to reveal clearly OWC below the tool with greater confidence compared to the standard tool. The information from the high-definition tool, paired with the fluid identification offered from Neutron-Density and Neutron Near- Far count together were essential for an accurate landing. The usage of reservoir scale mapping technology in the horizontal section revealed the tilted OWC and reservoir structure at the same time, which allowed the team to achieve the required minimum production length while maintaining required standoff from the OWC. All wells were geosteered successfully with the accomplishment of placing the trajectories in optimum positions despite having a tight TVD window.