Azimuthal Resistivity Data Research Articles

New Software for Processing of LWD Extradeep Resistivity and Azimuthal Resistivity Data

Summary In petroleum exploration, reservoir navigation is used for reaching a productive reservoir and placing the borehole optimally inside the reservoir to maximize production. For proper well placement, it is necessary to calculate in real-time the parameters of the formation we are drilling in and the parameters of formations we are approaching. On the basis of these results, a decision to change the direction of drilling could be made. Modern logging-while-drilling (LWD) extra-deep and azimuthal resistivity tools acquire multicomponent, multispacing, and multifrequency data that provide sufficient information for resolving the surrounding formation parameters. These tools are generally used for reservoir navigation and real-time formation evaluation. However, real-time interpretation software is very often based on simplified resistivity models that can be inadequate and lead to incorrect geosteering decisions. The core of the newly developed software is an inversion algorithm based on transversely isotropic layered Earth with an arbitrary number of layers. The following model parameters are determined in real time: horizontal and vertical resistivities and thickness of each layer, formation dip, and azimuth. The inversion algorithm is based on the method of the most-probable parameter combination. The algorithm has good performance and excellent convergence because of its enhanced capability of avoiding local minima. This capability enables interpretation of real-time resistivity data, including azimuthal and extra-deep measurements. A graphical user interface (GUI) was developed to provide an interactive environment for each stage of the resistivity data interpretation process: preview of input resistivity logs, initial preprocessing and filtering of raw data, creation of initial guess, running inversion and viewing inversion results, and quality-control indicators. Applications of the developed software will be shown on a series of synthetic examples and field data from the North Sea and Gulf of Mexico (GOM). This newly developed software is currently in use for real-time reservoir navigation and post-well analysis.

Characterization of near-surface fractures for hydrogeological studies using azimuthal resistivity survey: A case history from the Mamu Formation, Enugu (Nigeria)

Two azimuthal resistivity surveys were completed using the square array within the Mamu Formation, Enugu area, Nigeria, to characterize the orientation and porosity of fractures. The target consists of a shallow (30 m [98 ft]) fracture zone that corresponds to the average completion depth for the water supply wells in the study area. Fracture orientation, fracture porosity, and coefficient of anisotropy of the investigated media were determined from the azimuthal resistivity data. Results of the survey data indicate that the fractures trend generally in the northwest–southeast direction at depths of 7.1, 10.0, 20.0, and 28.3 m (23.3, 32.8, 65.6, and 92.8 ft). The fracture porosity ranged between 0.68% and 17%. The coefficient of anisotropy () ranges between 1.00 and 1.12. Fractures at localities with relatively high values of possess relatively high fracture porosity and relatively low specific surface area and thus are more likely to be permeable. These interpretations were in agreement with the information collected at bedrock outcrops during this and previous studies. It is therefore true that the data obtained from this study will enhance the understanding of the permeable zone, fluid migration pattern, and vulnerability of the groundwater to mine drainage problems in the Enugu area.

Study of The Subsurface Fractures in Ayn-Sfni Plain/North Iraq from Azimuthal Resistivity Data

Study of The Subsurface Fractures in Ayn-Sfni Plain/North Iraq from Azimuthal Resistivity Data

Hydraulic anisotropy characterization of pneumatic-fractured sediments using azimuthal self potential gradient

The pneumatic fracturing technique is used to enhance the permeability and porosity of tight unconsolidated soils (e.g. clays), thereby improving the effectiveness of remediation treatments. Azimuthal self potential gradient (ASPG) surveys were performed on a compacted, unconsolidated clay block in order to evaluate their potential to delineate contaminant migration pathways in a mechanically-induced fracture network. Azimuthal resistivity (ARS) measurements were also made for comparative purposes. Following similar procedures to those used in the field, compressed kaolinite sediments were pneumatically fractured and the resulting fracture geometry characterized from strike analysis of visible fractures combined with strike data from optical borehole televiewer (BHTV) imaging. We subsequently injected a simulated treatment (electrolyte/dye) into the fractures. Both ASPG and ARS data exhibit anisotropic geoelectric signatures resulting from the fracturing. Self potentials observed during injection of electrolyte are consistent with electrokinetic theory and previous laboratory results on a fracture block model. Visual (polar plot) analysis and linear regression of cross plots show ASPG lobes are correlated with azimuths of high fracture strike density, evidence that the ASPG anisotropy is a proxy measure of hydraulic anisotropy created by the pneumatic fracturing. However, ARS data are uncorrelated with fracture strike maxima and resistivity anisotropy is probably dominated by enhanced surface conduction along azimuths of weak ‘starter paths’ formed from pulverization of the clay and increases in interfacial surface area. We find the magnitude of electrokinetic SP scales with the applied N 2 gas pressure gradient (Δ PN 2 ) for any particular hydraulically-active fracture set and that the positive lobe of the ASPG anomaly indicates the flow direction within the fracture network. These findings demonstrate the use of ASPG in characterizing the effectiveness of (1) pneumatic fracturing and (2) defining likely flow directions of remedial treatments in unconsolidated sediments and rock.