4D benefits specific to Carbonate Production Problems in Carbonate Production 1. Degree and orientation of Fracturing controls production, but is rarely measured. Horizontal wells must be placed across natural fracture patterns. Carbonates are often chalky, especially in permeability zones, and debris can build up and block perforations. Most perforations in general are unsuccessful anyway.
Unwanted precipitates can clog perforations, such as parrafins.
Advantages of 4D 1. Steering of new wells in a field is commonplace now. What is not is the steering of remediation wells designed to correct drainage problems shown up by 4D monitoring. Drilling schedules are set often more than a year in advance, and rapid response involving the drilling of a new wellbore is currently not possible because of the planning structure of oil companies. Stand-by rigs for troubleshot drilling are unheard of.