LWD Sine Wave Image Logging Advances: Utilizing the Latest Technology of High-Resolution Images Acquired in Highly Conductive Mud in Horizontal Hole

Abstract

Abstract Continued technological advances have made image logging-while-drilling (LWD) technologies a reliable tool to evaluate and describe reservoir characterization. One benefit of imaging-while-drilling is the ability to evaluate the formation in real-time and the rush interpretation of high-resolution images offers view of large fractures, vugs, faults and bedding planes. This can provide better well placement in regard to the intended target formation. The ability to obtain high quality images in a wide range of conductive/non-conductive mud environments, resistivity imaging tools requires special considerations. The deployment of a new LWD micro-imaging tool.in the studied well for a major oil field in UAE which is drilled with a high saline mud reveals successful while drilling image log acquisition with high image resolution and good quality data. This enables the specialists from both companies to capture all structural and sediment-logical features from the wellbore wall as well as to help in precise well placement (Geo-steering) decisions in real time. The quick look interpretation revealed direct and indirect evidences of three faults intersecting the wellbore (sub-seismic faults), pronounced fracture corridors and the variations in structural dip along the well trajectory (zonation). A detailed analysis of the image data enable a better understanding of the well structural and enhance reservoir model. This paper reviews the while drilling wire-line Quality micro-imager's deployment, the considerations that need to be reviewed before a micro-imaging job commences, and image examples demonstrate the good quality of image data. The implementation of this particular Sine Wave Image was very successful, which was saving huge money, time additional to improve the well productivity specially while drilling in a fractured reservoir using Sine wave Image with SAGOR tool to isolate by using Inflow control devices "ICD" completion with an isolated swelling packer.