Abstract
Abstract Recent advances in logging while drilling have enabled the development of a seismic tool that acquires and transmits seismic data in real time during the drilling process. Examples of this technology demonstrate the use of this service to significantly reduce risk and uncertainty, enabling better decision making during well construction operations. Operationally, the service runs with no interference with normal rig operations. This technology can have a significant impact on the cost of exploration and development drilling, particularly in the deepwater environment and other areas with significant seismic uncertainties. The service was first used to drill a wildcat well in the South Caspian Sea. The well was deviated to intersect the reservoir section within a steeply dipping structure at about 4500 m true vertical depth (TVD) while avoiding faulting, high pore pressures, and areas of poor seismic data quality in the overburden at the crest of the structure. The key product of the new seismic tool, real-time check-shot data, was used to position the drill bit and the borehole on the seismic section used to plan the well. Furthermore, an analysis of the seismic waveforms recorded in the tool memory demonstrates the capability of this technology to produce data of sufficient quality to allow imaging of the formation ahead and to the side of the bit. Images from the tool have higher resolution and good ties with the migrated surface seismic images. Future advances in technology offer the exciting possibility of imaging significant distances ahead of the bit in relevant real time.
Published Version
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