Ultra–deep Resistivity Technology as a Solution for Efficient Well Placement; Geosteering and Fluid Mapping to Reduce Reservoir Uncertainty and Eliminate Pilot Hole-First Time in Offshore Abu Dhabi, UAE
Authors: Khemissa Hocine Amor , Alkindi Salem Ali , Al Felasi Ali Saeed , Al Mutwali Omar Imad , Al Hajeri Saeed Saleh , Alabed Sundos Ibrahim , Alkhoori Aysha Naser , Ashraf Muhammad , Goraya Yassar , Moustafa Islam Khaled , Gutierrez Freddy Alfonso , Al Shamsi Latifa Ali , Fares Wael , Clegg Nigel , Aki Ahmet 
Published: November 2020

This paper present the successful deployment of the ultra-deep EM tool in a mature carbonate reservoirs to reduce the uncertainty associated with fluid movement for horizontal/ MRC well-placement optimization and enable precise geosteering to maintain distance from fluid boundaries and mapping of nearby reservoirs for future reservoir development. In addition, the EM tool can facilitate to optimise lower completion design liner (blank pipe length, PPL, ICD and swellable packer depth).

The high heterogeneity of reservoir qualities increase uncertainty in fluid distribution and make drilling long horizontal, oil producer wells in offshore mature giant carbonate fields very challenging. The usual plan is to drill a pilot hole crossing the reservoir sections, evaluate log saturation, and then re-optimize horizontal sections accordingly. To study the possibility of eliminating pilot holes, an ultra-deep electromagnetic (EM) tool was deployed. The first objective was to detect reservoir boundaries and predict resistivity of the target before penetrating it (Geostopping). The second objective was to optimize the horizontal drain (Geosteering), and map resistivity of adjacent reservoirs for well completion and future well optimisation (Geomapping).

Pre-well inversion modeling was conducted to optimize the spacing and firing frequency selection in order to facilitate early real-time geosteering and geostopping decisions. The plan was to run the ultra-deep resistivity tool in conjunction with shallow propagation resistivity and density-neutron porosity while drilling the 8½ in landing section. The objective was to be able to detect the lithology boundary early and predict the resistivity of the reservoir before penetrating, facilitating geostopping decisions. This would allow optimization of the horizontal section to geosteer the well in an oil-saturated layer 4-6 feet from top boundary while geomapping the surrounding reservoirs’ resistivity.

The EM tool delivered accurate mapping of thin reservoir layers while drilling the 8½ in section, as well as enhanced mapping of low resistivity zones up to 85 feet true vertical thickness in a challenging low-resistivity environment. Comparison to recorded open-hole logs for validation showed good results, enabling identification of the optimal geostopping point in the 8½ in. section.

The EM tool is able to save up to five rig days in the future by eliminating pilot holes. The 6 inch horizontal section was successfully geosteered and placed 4-6 feet from top boundary. The EM tool was able to map reservoir resistivity 30 feet TVD below the wellbore and the completion design was designed accordingly. Additionally, the EM inversion for the nearby reservoirs helped to modify the plans for nearby future wells.