Using XRF Elemental Data and XRD Direct Measured Mineralogy for an Accurate Wellbore Placement and Geosteering through Carbonates Reservoirs* Drilled Within 04 ½" Slim Hole: A Case Study from a Jurassic Middle Marrat Carbonates Reservoir-Kuwait
Authors: Al-Muraikhi Rasha , Al-Mutairi Nami Mohammad , Ousdidene Karim , Magnier Caroline , Sharma Sachin , Benyounes Hakim 
Published: September 2021

As the pursuit of oil and gas in Middle East Jurassic carbonates reservoirs grows, it is increasingly evident that horizontal wellbore placement, or targeting, plays a first-order role in the production capability of a well. Indeed, the percentage of a wellbore "in target" is a common metric used when evaluating the causes for good or poor production from any particular well. The most common process used for geosteering a horizontal wellbore into a chosen target is the correlation of logging-while-drilling (LWD) total gamma-ray (GR) to a vertical pilot-hole GR log or offset wells GR logs. However, limitations inherent to this procedure can reduce the ability to effectively use LWD GR data due to 4 ½" slim hole diameter and mud telemetry issues, the non-descript signal from LWD tools due to high pressure and high temperature and the possibility of lost signal from LWD tools. In addition, the thickness of MRW-F11 targeted reservoir is limited to plus or minus 22 ft and low GR contrast from bed to bed might lead to loss of directional control in the target MRW-F11.

To accurately geosteer a well, Geochemical analyses of drilled cuttings are proposed to assist well placement. The analyses performed were elemental data derived from energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (ED-XRF) and mineralogical quantitative content acquired from the direct measurement from energy-dispersive X-ray Diffraction (ED-XRD). The Elemental and mineralogy data were acquired from drilling cuttings taken at ten feet intervals, from two offsets wells.

The mineral and elemental data were used to build a chemo-stratigraphic profile and zonation of the sedimentary section. Chemo-stratigraphic zones are defined as having multiple elements and keys ratios (where possible) which illustrate distinct changes in chemical and mineralogical composition profiles from one zone to another. These zones were correlated over reasonable distances (at a minimum the length of the horizontal wellbore) and can be readily identifiable in cuttings. Using these criteria chemo-stratigraphic zonation's have been constructed in the Middle Marrat formation going from MRW-F1 toward MRW-F11 layer.

Well site ED-XRF and ED-XRD data were used in conjunction with LWD Gamma Ray to geosteer at approximately 22 feet thin zone which resides at the base of an approximately 100 ft thick reservoir carbonate section of the main MRW-F11 reservoir. The LWD GR Signal was 45 ft behind the bit while all XRF and XRD data were at plus or minus 5 feet while sliding at plus or minus 10 ft in rotary mode and with a controlled slow rate of penetration (ROP) of 10 ft/hr.

Geochemical rock analyses (GEAR) using XRF & XRD chemical analyses was the unique reference for approximately 500 ft interval to geosteer the well when LWD lost the signal, wiper trip was cancelled which considerably reduced drilling costs.

Well site XRF and XRD data was successfully applied to geosteer the well, determine the position of the wellbore in zones of non-descript LWD GR signature, and determine the lateral extent of the reservoir interval.