Deep Directional Electromagnetic Technique Improves Well-Drilling Efficiency

Abstract

This article, written by JPT Technology Editor Chris Carpenter, contains highlights of paper SPE 202265, “Leap of Faith From Conventional to EM Look-Ahead: A Game-Changing Technology To Improve Well Efficiency,” by Muhamad Yanuar Mahardi, Hendarsyah Hendarsyah, and Kharisma Endarmoyo, PT Pertamina, et al., prepared for the 2020 SPE Asia Pacific Oil and Gas Conference and Exhibition, originally scheduled to be held in Perth, Australia, 20–22 October. The paper has not been peer reviewed. The structure in the Matindok block in Central Sulawesi operated by Pertamina has proven producible gas reserves in the Minahaki formation. One of the main challenges in this area is the low resolution of seismic data, leading to a high depth uncertainty. The complete paper describes a technology developed to meet these challenges with the capability to map and detect lithology changes ahead of the bit in real time. Geological Background A first exploration well, PEP-001, was drilled in 2018. The structure has a Miocene carbonate buildup play, and the target reservoir is the M pinnacle carbonate reef. The PEP-001 well was planned to set the 9⅝-in. casing point above the top of the M formation. Offset wells did not show any clear markers in the thick shale above the M formation that could have been used for log correlation. In previously drilled offset wells, correlation was performed convention-ally by examination of cutting samples and on drilling breaks. However, when Well PEP-001 was drilled, no apparent drilling break was observed. By the time cuttings reached the surface, the bit had drilled into 20 m of the M formation. Because the casing covered most of the upper carbonate formation, openhole logging and well-testing data were not acquired to delineate the target formation optimally. The second exploration well, PEP-002, was planned with an objective of setting 9⅝-in. casing approximately 5 m above the top of M to acquire full-interval coverage of coring, openhole wireline logging, and well testing. This information was critical for optimal reservoir delineation to allow for accurate reserves calculation and future development. Conventional correlation methods have proven insufficient for casing point placement. The presence of limestone stringers in offset wells within proximity of the top of M presented an additional challenge. The stringers could have been misinterpreted as the main carbonate body, if interpretation were based solely on cutting samples. Real-Time Electromagnetic (EM) Look-Ahead Technology