Production Logging Interpretation Challenges in Evaluating Highly Deviated Wells with Advanced ICD Completions

Abstract

Abstract In the last decade, more complex and efficient way to complete the wells has been used to maximize and optimize the production in highly deviated/horizontal-reach wells. This requires adjustments to the production logging (PL) interpretation methodology. This paper demonstrates the complexity of PLT interpretation in highly deviated wells completed with inflow control devices (ICD) and openhole packers in carbonate formations. The addressed issues and solutions include downhole calibrations, holdup and velocity stream determination for different fluids in the production tubing and accounting for the effect of wellbore inclination and inflow distribution from several fluid entries per single isolated zone. Production logging is performed using standard and advanced tools, such as multiple array modules and pulsed-neutron tools. The ICD pre-installation design is strongly based on the availability of a permeability profile, which is usually derived by static data logging interpretation. Consequently, the second objective of this paper is to compare the initial permeability profile with the permeability profile derived by interpretation of dynamic data such as PL. The results from production logging analysis demonstrate that the standard method of PL interpretation could be applied for advanced ICD completion evaluation by taking into consideration several factors such as calibration, well deviation and associated holdup, flow regime and zonal inflow distribution for multi-ICD inlets. The applicable software used for comparison of pre-design completion static-derived productivity index (PI) is contrasted with dynamic-derived PI from production logging tool (PLT). The pressure regime in the wellbore and annular pressures behind ICDs were used as additional input for better understanding the fluid flowing nature and investigation of the productivity index. The confirmed continuous permeability profile enables grid refining in a reservoir simulation study and better planning of the well production performance. The technique and solutions described in this paper can be widely used to evaluate and improve carbonate reservoir characterization for every deviated well completed with inflow control devices.