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Geo-Steering with Advanced LWD Technologies - Placement of Maximum

Reservoir Contact Wells in a Thinly Layered Carbonate Reservoir

Article · January 2005

DOI: 10.2523/10077-MS

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IPTC 10077
Geosteering With Advanced LWD Technologies—Placement of Maximum-Reservoir-
Contact Wells in a Thinly Layered Carbonate Reservoir
M.A. Al-Mudhhi, S.M. Ma, A. Al-Hajari, K. Lewis, and G. Berberian, Saudi Aramco, and P. Butt and P. Richter, Schlumberger
Copyright 2005, International Petroleum Technology Conference
This paper was prepared for presentation at the International Petroleum Technology
Conference held in Doha, Qatar, 21–23 November 2005.
This paper was selected for presentation by an IPTC Programme Committee following review
of information contained in a proposal submitted by the author(s). Contents of the paper, as
presented, have not been reviewed by the International Petroleum Technology Conference
and are subject to correction by the author(s). The material, as presented, does not
necessarily reflect any position of the International Petroleum Technology Conference, its
officers, or members. Papers presented at IPTC are subject to publication review by Sponsor
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Librarian, IPTC, P.O. Box 833836, Richardson, TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435.
Abstract
Placing a maximum reservoir contact well in a thinly layered
reservoir has always been a challenge. Experiences showed
that the well trajectory could easily be steered out of the
target, necessitating expensive plug-back and redrilling
operations to ensure that the well is drilled as planned. With
the deployment of advanced LWD technologies, such as
density image (DI), resistivity image (RI) and directional deep
resistivity (DDR) logging tools, and high speed real time
satellite data transmission, well paths can be geosteered from
anywhere and kept in a thinly layered reservoir.
The first Saudi Aramco field examples of utilizing RI and
DDR are shown to demonstrate the added values of new
technologies in geosteering difficult-to-drill wells. In some of
the examples, images of density and resistivity are consistent
and all could be used for geosteering. In other examples,
wrong geosteering decisions would have been made had the
DI been the only available tool. With the help of RI, reservoir
contact of multi-lateral wells is increased. Examples also show
that using DDR can prevent the well trajectory from being too
close to the zero porosity rock layer or the underlying water.
Introduction
The main oil producing reservoir in the XA field is a massive
carbonate reservoir. At the top of this good quality reservoir,
there is a thin heterogeneous reservoir interval (named L1Z1)
with rock porosity ranging from less than 10 porosity unit (pu)
to more than 20 pu (Fig. 1). This L1Z1 is sandwiched between
an 8’ thick overlaying zero porosity anhydrite unit and an
underlying 2’ thick zero porosity anhydrite or close to zero
porosity anhydritic dolomite unit. The thickness of L1Z1
ranges from less than a few feet to more than 20’, with a
typical thickness from 4’ to 8’.
Because of the rock quality, this thin layer has been
difficult to target through traditional vertical producers. To
improve oil recovery, maximum reservoir contact (MRC)
multi-lateral (ML) horizontal wells have been drilled in the
last few years; some drilled in new locations and others side-
tracked from existing vertical wells.1
Conventional Geosteering Tools
It is impossible to place a horizontal well in a thinly layered
reservoir such as L1Z1 without the help of logging-while-
drilling (LWD). Traditionally, LWD tools consist of gamma
ray (GR), density, neutron, and resistivity (triple combo)
measurements. Geosteering a horizontal well with only
conventional LWD triple combo and GR are difficult because
they do not provide direction of the measurement. For
example, if drilling rate of penetration (ROP) is low and
porosity log shows that the hole is cutting zero porosity rock
(i.e., anhydrite), there is no way to tell if this zero porosity
rock is above or below the target reservoir. Therefore, more
advanced directional geosteering technologies are needed.
Advanced LWD Geosteering Technologies
With continuous development of LWD technologies,
azimuthal measurement became a reality. The first azimuthal
measurement for 6-1/8” hole size was density,2 then GR.3
Azimuthal density has proved to be a useful tool for well
placement in thinly bedded carbonates,4 as well as in shaly
sands.5 But azimuthal GR has limited application in carbonate
reservoirs due to the inconclusive GR responses in carbonates.
Since density is a relatively shallow measurement, it is
more sensitive to hole rugosity. Our experience has shown that
wrong geosteering decisions may be made if only azimuthal
density is available.
LWD resistivity image6-10 and the new extra deep
directional resistivity11-13 are more robust measurements (less
sensitive to hole conditions) and have been used to improve
the placement of ML wells in thinly bedded reservoirs.
Objectives of This Paper
The main objectives of this paper are to demonstrate the
benefits of using advanced LWD technologies in geosteering
MRC ML wells in thinly layered carbonate reservoirs. A
historical trail of LWD geosteering technology is reviewed;
from conventional LWD triple combo, images of density and
resistivity, to the newly developed directional deep resistivity
measurements.
Advancement in Geosteering – A Review
Rotary Steerable System (RSS) Technology
An advanced log only provides the driller real time guidance
regarding the direction of the borehole to be drilled. To
follow the guidance closely, the driller also needs an advanced
2 IPTC 10077
steerable drilling assembly, and the newly developed rotary
steerable system (RSS) is one of such systems.14-15
The RSS assembly, also referred to as point-the-bit
technology, used for ML well drilling in this study has a
steering assembly that continuously orients the tilted bit shaft
to control the drilling direction and the dogleg severity of the
borehole (Fig. 2). The tool does not push against the borehole
to build angle, and is therefore more effective for steering. It is
a fully rotating tool with no stationary external parts, which
reduces the risk of sticking pipe assembly. It looks and acts
like a conventional drilling motor although it has the ability to
adjust azimuth and inclination of the bit. ROP is improved
because there are no stationary components to create friction
(that reduces efficiency) to anchor the bottom hole assembly
(BHA) in the hole.
The tool is comprised of a slick collar with two spiral
stabilizers positioned 12’ behind the bit. The bit shaft is
deflected internally with hydraulics allowing only the bit box
to be offset.
Density Image (DI)
The tool used for density measurement described in this paper
has an OD of 4.75”, which is suitable for drilling 6-1/8” hole
(Fig. 3). It utilizes a 1.7 Curie Cesium-137 density source and
two scintillating NaI crystal detectors. High-energy gamma
rays are emitted from the source into the formation. They
undergo interaction with the formation and return at reduced
energies to the long and short spacing detectors. The quantity
that returns to the detectors is inversely proportional to the
formation electron density. Using an empirically determined
and laboratory calibrated relationship between electron density
and bulk density; the formation bulk density can be estimated.
Azimuthal density image (DI) is made from color-coding
density measurements around the borehole. Density
measurements are circumferentially binned into 16 sectors
(Fig. 3) and these measurements are color coded on a
graduated scale to bring out the heterogeneity of the borehole
as a stabilized tool traverses the formation.
Azimuthal measurements are established by placing
fluxgate magnetometers in the tool. When the tool is rotating,
these magnetometers measure the earth’s magnetic field
strength along their axis. The result of these measurements
can be used to analyze the relative position of the tool’s
measurement in relation to the earth’s magnetic field. This
relationship converts the north, south, east and west
measurements to up, down, left and right, thereby establishing
the quadrant measurements. Each quadrant is further
subdivided into four sectors, giving a total of sixteen sector
measurements (Fig. 3).
Resistivity Image (RI)
The azimuthal resistivity image (RI) tool is a bigger tool with
an OD of 6.75”; only suitable for 8-1/2” hole size drilling. It
provides a laterolog type resistivity-at-the-bit, a high-
resolution ring resistivity and three azimuthally focused
buttons resistivities (Fig. 4). The three button electrodes are
approximately 1” in diameter and are longitudinally spaced
along the axis of the tool. The spacing provides shallow (1”),
medium (3”), and deep (5”) depths of investigation for
quantifying invasion profiles. These azimuthally acquired
button measurements are also displayed as 56-sector resistivity
images, which is essential for better structural interpretation
while drilling.
A cylindrical electrode is used to provide a high-resolution
lateral resistivity referred to as ring resistivity. The ring
resistivity has a 7” depth of investigation. In addition to these
four resistivity measurements, the tool also acquires a bit
resistivity, azimuthal gamma ray, radial and lateral shock
records, and temperature measurements.
Images and Formation Dip Calculation
As discussed above, the circumferential measurements of
azimuthal densities are binned into 16 sectors to obtain DI,
while the RI is obtained by binning the measurements into 56
sectors. As shown in Fig. 5, the resolution of DI is about 6”
while the RI resolution is about 1.2”; 5 times better than that
of DI. Although this is a considerable improvement, it still
does not meet the standard of wireline resistivity images
which are about a 10 fold better in resolution.
The interpretation of real time image logs requires both an
understanding of the geology and how the tool responds to
different lithologies and borehole environment. The DI and RI
tools are proven to be useful for advanced interpretation of
geologic structures, such as, calculating dips from up and
down measurements.
The method of calculating dips relies on measuring the
offset between the top and bottom measurements.16-20 When
the borehole intersects a bed at a high incident angle from
above, the bottom log is the first to see the formation,
followed by the right and left, and finally by the top
measurement. The logs will appear as if the top and bottom
measurements are depth offset. The offset between the top and
bottom measurements is used to calculate the apparent dip of
the formation (α).
α = θ + I − 90 (1)
⎛ DE ⎞
θ = arctan⎜ ⎟ (2)
⎝ ∆D ⎠
D E = D BH + 2 × DOI (3)
Where θ is the intersection angle between the borehole and
the formation, I the borehole inclination, ∆D the depth offset
between the top and bottom measurements, DE the effective
wellbore diameter, DBH the borehole diameter, and DOI depth
of investigation of the measurement.
For LWD DI, DOI is about 1” while for LWD RI, DOI is
about 1.5”. Use of DOI in Eq. 3 is to account for the apparent
increase in wellbore diameter created by the depth of
investigation of the measurement.2 Fig. 6 provides a
diagrammatic explanation of Eqs. 1 to 3.
Directional Deep Resistivity (DDR)
A new LWD technology, which introduces directional deep
electromagnetic (EM) measurements that uses tilted and
transverse current-loop antennas, was developed recently. The
directional deep resistivity (DDR) determines the distance to
approaching formation boundaries and their orientation to help
IPTC 10077
in proactive geosteering. It can be combined with conventional
LWD resistivity to improve formation resistivity modeling and
interpretation around the wellbore. By monitoring in real time,
distance to formation boundary up to 15’ around the wellbore
can be detected allowing for sufficient time to make trajectory
adjustments to stay within the reservoir.
A schematic representation of the antenna configuration is
shown in Fig. 7. The array offers directional phase shift and
attenuation measurements at four different spacings (22”, 34”,
84”, and 96”.) with three different frequencies (100 kHZ, 400
kHz, and 2 MHz). The tool has an OD of 4.75”, thus it is
suitable for 6-1/8” hole size.
The azimuthal orientation of the tool is provided by a
magnetometer system. The downhole resistivity and EM
direction are sent to the surface through mud pulse telemetry,
with a speed of 6 bits per second, and then streamed into
automatic inversion software. The inversion produces the best
solution distance to resistivity boundaries and the resistivity of
layers close to wellbore. No prior knowledge of the bedding
structure is assumed, making the process fully automated. The
inversion software is also used for pre-job planning of the tool
responses. An example of pre-job modeling of tool response in
a thin reservoir is shown in Fig. 8.
Bottomhole Assemblies Used in This Study
Three different kinds of BHAs were used in this study, as
shown in Fig. 9. BHA-A consists of normal LWD triple
combo with azimuthal density and DI. This BHA was used in
drilling well XA-A in 2003. In BHA-B, conventional
resistivity was replaced with RI to provide real time RI for
geosteering as well as shallow formation resistivity for
formation evaluation. This BHA was used for
drilling/geosteering the 8-1/2” hole sections of wells XA-B
and XY-A. With DDR, BHA-C was used to drill/geosteer
laterals 1 and 2 of well XY-A. Drilling/geosteering wells XA-
A, XA-B, and XY-A are discussed in more detail below.
Drilling ML Wells in Thinly Layered Reservoirs
Geosteering with DI – An Example
XA-A, a L1Z1 ML well, was drilled in 2003 with
conventional LWD triple combo and density image (DI). In
general, the well was drilled and geosteered successfully,
except at depth x400 where the well trajectory intersected the
zero porosity anhydrite (Fig. 10a); both azimuthal density and
DI indicated that the anhydrite was at the top of the reservoir.
Therefore, the well was geosteered downward to get back to
the reservoir.
DI, being a shallower measurement, was not able to detect
the approaching boundary in advance. Consequently, when it
detects an anhydrite above or below, the drill bit has already
entered into it and coming back to reservoir could be difficult.
Formation Resistivity. In conventional formation evaluation,
deeper measurement is always preferred since it is less
affected by borehole rugosity and borehole fluids.21 However,
deep measurements in horizontal wells, especially in thinly
layered reservoir intervals such as L1Z1, may be severely
affected by adjacent bed, rock anisotropy, and other factors.
From Fig. 10a, it is seen that the conventional triple combo
deep (30+”), medium (20”), and shallow (10”) resistivity
3
measurements are very lazy from the top to the bottom of the
hole, even though reservoir porosity changed from 15 pu to
zero pu. In this case, shallower measurement may be more
representative of the reservoir, provided that the mud filtrate
invasion is minimized.
Geosteering with RI – An Example
XA-B, another L1Z1 ML well in the same field as well XA-A,
was drilled in 2004. This well was geosteered with LWD RI
tool, the first RI job in Saudi Arabia (Fig. 10b). Examples of
static and dynamic real time RI are shown in Fig. 11.
There were two main objectives for using RI in well XA-
B. One was that, due to the higher resolution of RI compare to
DI (Fig. 5), it can be used for better reservoir characterization,
thus better geosteering of the well. The other was that RI may
be able to provide more representative reservoir resistivity, as
discussed above, than the normal LWD deeper resistivity
measurement if mud filtrate invasion can be minimized by
optimizing the design of drilling fluid. After completing this
well, we believe that we achieved both objectives.
Fig. 12 shows a comparison between RI and DI. It is
evident from this figure that the quality of the RI is much
better than that of the DI, thus is easier for geoscientists to
characterize reservoir features along the well path with RI.
Azimuthal densities are also plotted in the figure for the
purpose of comparison.
Fig. 13 shows a similar plot as Fig. 12, but in this case, the
well trajectory with respect to the boundary formation is also
shown based on the real time RI interpretation. Real time
LWD RI provides clear guidance to the geoscientists as to
whether the wellbore is close to the bottom or the top zero
porosity anhydrite. Based on this information, real time
geosteering decisions can be made and appropriate actions can
be taken in order to have a more successful MRC well.
Effect of Borehole Rugosity on Shallow Measurements.
Fig. 14 demonstrates the benefits of the higher resolution and
deeper measurement of RI. In this example, due to the effect
of borehole rugosity on shallow density measurements, the
azimuthal density indicated that the well path was approaching
the bottom anhydrite (bottom density is heavier than the top
density). Had this been the only information available, it
would have been necessary to geosteer the well upward.
However, since RI was also run in real time, it clearly
showed that the approaching anhydrite was at the top of the
reservoir, thus, indicating the need to geosteer the well
downward. With more confidence in RI, a real time decision
was made and the well was geosteered downward to stay away
from the top anhydrite. As a result, a better well was achieved
(Fig. 10b).
The difference between DI and RI in this interval is
attributed to the effect of borehole rugosity. These borehole
rugosity effects on the shallower DI measurement, but not
much on the deeper RI measurement, are clearly shown in Fig.
15.
4 IPTC 10077
Geosteering with DDR – An Example
Directional Deep Resistivity (DDR) data was acquired in well
XY-A, the first well geosteered with DDR in Saudi Arabia
(Fig. 16). The objective was to drill a ML well to improve
well productivity and enhance reservoir sweep by providing
maximum reservoir contact. To ensure the well objectives are
delivered, DDR was run to provide real-time measurements of
distance to conductive boundary (DTCB). The capability to
detect boundaries away from the borehole provides the means
to maximize the net horizontal length drilled in the reservoir,
and reduces the risk of exiting to non-pay zones.
Around-the-clock coverage of well placement operations
was conducted from Saudi Aramco’s office by both the Saudi
Aramco and service company geoscientists. InterACT and
satellite data transmission services were used to provide
communication and data connectivity from the rig site to
Saudi Aramco’s Geosteering Operation Center (GOC)
enabling real-time interpretation, which was the key in
delivering DTCB for effective decision-making.
Pre-Job Modeling. Pre-job planning is essential for a
successful delivery of the well objectives. Data from near-by
wells was used to model the expected LWD resistivity and
DDR responses for the laterals, as shown in Fig. 8. This pre-
job modeling helped the well placement team to understand
the expected tool measurements along the planned well path
and distance to boundary response from the inversion
software. This approach enhances the team capability to act
before the wellpath exits any reservoir.
Added Value of DDR. It was decided by the asset team that
the 1st and 2nd laterals of well XY-A would be logged by the
DDR. The objective for the 1st lateral was to drill half of the
planned well length in lobe 1 (L1) and then cut through the
anhydrite stringer and drill the remaining half in lobe 2 (L2, a
thicker reservoir interval below L1). While in L1, DDR and
log correlation indicated that the interval thickness in this well
is about half of that expected from near-by wells.
Consequently, a decision was made to drop the hole
inclination to enter and drill in L2.
While in L2, a low porosity dolomitic zone was
encountered. It was decided to drop the well trajectory further
in TVD until the well was in good reservoir rock and then the
well was kept 3’ TVD below the dolomitic layer. As planned,
the well was placed in the good reservoir and drilling
continued in this zone until DDR detected that the oil-water
contact (OWC, Fig. 17) was approaching. The well was called
TD based on the DTCB information provided by DDR, in real
time.
The 2nd lateral was planned to be drilled in L1 only, but
based on L1 thickness in the 1st lateral, it was decided to drill
the 2nd lateral in both L1 and L2, with 1/3 of the length in L1
and 2/3 in L2. With the aid of DDR, the well was drilled
longer than planned in L1 in a tight 3’ window (Fig. 18).
Drilling through the anhydrite stringer into L2 proved to be
more challenging than anticipated as the formation started
dipping downward at a relatively steep angle (relative dip of
about 1.5 degrees), and as a result, about 200’ was drilled in
the anhydrite before the well eventually got into L2. After
drilling into L2, DDR indicated that the well was approaching
the OWC, and it was decided to stop drilling and TD the well.
Summary and Conclusions
To recover oil from thinly layered reservoirs, MRC ML wells
must be drilled with advanced LWD geosteering technologies
to maximize net reservoir contact.
LWD provides different levels of service: Conventional
triple combo can be used for simple formation evaluation as
well as geosteering simple-to-drill wells. For more difficult-to-
drill wells, azimuthal measurement and image are required.
DI is commonly used because of its slim tool OD. RI,
with more than 5 times of resolution, has a deeper depth of
investigation, thus is less affected by near wellbore effects.
High resolution measurements are needed for accurate
formation dip analysis and geosteering. However, the RI tool
OD is bigger, that limits its application in 8-1/2” holes only.
Both DI and RI are shallower measurements. When a
boundary shows on the image, it means that the wellpath is
already close to it. DDR provides a much deeper
measurement, thus can be used in geosteering a well away
from a boundary before getting too close to it.
The three case studies presented in this paper have showed
that it is possible to develop thin-targets through enhanced
geosteering and reservoir planning. Well XA-A, geosteered
with LWD triple combo and DI, was a successful well except
the well penetrated the zero porosity anhydrite at one interval.
For well XA-B, LWD RI provided extra added value by
keeping the well path in the reservoir. LWD azimuthal density
and DI were affected by borehole rugosity and could not have
been effective in keeping the borehole in the thin reservoir.
For well XY-A, though the formation was initially
assumed to be almost flat based on pre-spud maps, RI
confirmed that the formation was actually dipping. L1
thickness was initially assumed to be between 5’ and 7’ TVD
but both RI in the 8 ½” section and DDR in the 6 1/8” section
confirmed that the thickness of L1 is about 3’. With the aid of
DDR, it was possible to drill a rather long horizontal lateral in
L1 despite the tight window. In addition, drilling plans for
both laterals of well XY-A were optimized in real time based
on DDR’s response to WOC.
Recommendations
Apart from the drilling performance benefits that the RSS
delivers, it is important to utilize it in difficult-to-drill wells
where active geosteering is required.
Running high resolution LWD RI will not only improve
geosteering, but also enhance reservoir characterization. It has
the potential to replace some of the pipe conveyed image logs
for geological feature characterization, thus saving rig time.
It is recommended that DDR be run in wells where
distance to formation boundary is crucial, provided that the
conductivity contrast is large enough to be detected by the
tool.
Acknowledgements
The authors would like to thank Saudi Aramco management
for granting permission to publish this paper. Special thanks
are also extended to colleagues from both Saudi Aramco and
Schlumberger for their support.
IPTC 10077 5

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6 IPTC 10077

Upper
Targeted tra n s m itte r
interval

Rin g

Fig. 1 Well cross-section of the targeted top thin reservoir

interval, sandwiched by a top zero porosity anhydrite and a
bottom zero porosity anhydrite or very low porosity anhydritic
dolomite.

Fig. 4 Azimuthal near-bit latero resistivity tool configuration. The

tool outputs a bit resistivity, a ring resistivity with a DOI of 7”, and
three button resistivities of depth of investigations of 1”, 3” and
5”. Tool OD is 6.75”, suitable for 8-1/2” hole size.

Fig. 2 Rotary steerable system (RSS) tool schematics.

LW D W ir e lin e
RI RI

LW D
DI

Fig. 3 Schematics of density/neutron LWD tool and 16 sector

density image. Tool OD is 4.75”, suitable for 6-1/8” hole size. Fig. 5 Resolution comparison between LWD images and that of
wireline. The resolution of LWD RI is about 5 times better than
that of LWD DI, but is still much worse than (about 10 times) the
wireline RI.
IPTC 10077 7

⎛ DE ⎞
α = arctan⎜ ⎟ + I − 90
I ⎝ ∆D ⎠ Anhydrite: 1000 Ohmm Anhydrite
Model Scenario
Zone 1

∆D
Anhydrite

D For m a t ion Top Zone-1: 50 Ohmm Zone 2

θ
E
Anhydrite: 1000 Ohmm
α Water Zone

Zone-2: 20 Ohmm Anhydrite

Inversion Result
Zone 1
Bo Anhydrite
re
ho
le Zone 2

Water: 1 Ohmm
( a) Water Zone

Fig. 8 Pre-job modeling of DDR tool response to conductive

boundaries.

DI

DI
DI

( b)
BH A- B use d for ge ost e er ing w e ll X A- B a nd XY- A

Fig. 6 (a) Dip calculation from azimuthal measurements. and (b)

LW D Rt 1 8 ft

examples of image and the calculated dip angles.

BH A- A use d for ge ost e e r ing w e ll X A- A

BH A- C use d for ge ost e e r ing w e ll XY- A

8 ft
DDR
RI

1 0 ft

Fig. 7 Directional deep resistivity (DDR) tool layout with axial (T5,
RSS

RSS
RSS

T3, T1, T2, and T4) and transverse (T6) transmitter antennas and
axial (R1 and R2) and tilted (R3 and R4) receiver antennas. Tool
spacings are 22”, 34”, 84”, and 96”, frequencies are 100 kHz, 400
kHz, and 2 z. Tool OD is 4.75”, suitable for 6-1/8” hole size.

Fig. 9 BHAs used to drill the three wells.

8 IPTC 10077

( a) DRHO_1
( b) PEF_1
1 ” RI 5 ” RI DI
-0.05 G/C3 0.45 -3 B/E 7
PEF_1 DIP_WELL_1 DRHO_1 DIP_WELL_1
-0.05 G/C3 0.45 100 DEG 0
-3 B/E 7 100 DEG 0
TNPH_1 ILD_1 TVD_7
TNPH_1 ILD_1 TVD_6
0.45 V/V -0.15 0.2 5 IN 2000 7060 FEET 7010
0.45 V/V -0.15 0.2 OHMM 2000 7070 FEET 7050 ROP_1 ROBU_1 ILM_1 SALT_1 VOL_UWAT_1
ROP_1 ROBU_1 ILM_1 SALT_1 VOL_UWAT_1 FT/HR 0 1.95 G/C3 2.95 0.2 3 IN 2000 300 KPPM 0 0.5 BVW 0
MIN/FT 0 1.95 G/C3 2.95 0.2 OHMM 2000 300 KPPM 0 0.5 BVW 0 GR_1 RHOB_1 ILS_1 SWT_1 PHIT_1
GR_1 RHOB_1 ILS_1 SWT_1 PHIT_1 GAPI 50 1.95 G/C3 2.95 0.2 1 IN 2000 1 V/V 0 0.5 HC 0
GAPI 50 1.95 G/C3 2.95 0.2 OHMM 2000 1 V/V 0 0.5 HC 0
X2 0 0
X1 0 0
X8 0 0

Fig. 12 In this example, both DI and RI can be used successfully

X8 0 0

for geosteering, even though the RI has better resolution.

Fig. 10 Raw LWD logs and calculated volumetrics for well XA-A
(a) and well XA-B (b)

Re sist ivit y
Deep Re sist ivit y Re sist ivit y
M e d iu m I m a ge I m a ge
Sh a llow St a t ic D yn a m ic

Fig. 13 This example shows that the well was avoided to hit the
overlaying and underneath anhydrite with the help of RI.

1 ” RI 5 ” RI DI

Fig. 11 Real time LWD RI, deep, medium, shallow, and bit
resistivity. The real time logs were transmitted to surface by mud Fig. 14 In this example, azimuthal density (DI) indicates that the
pulse telemetry at a speed of 6 bits per second, and then to office well is approaching the bottom anhydrite (see top and bottom
via satellite. density) while the RI shows otherwise. Further investigation
reveals that hole rugosity affects the shallow DI measurement and
the well was geosteered down to get back to the reservoir.
IPTC 10077 9

Deep Shallow

Re a l Tim e I n ve r sion

I nv e r sion Usin g M e m or y D a t a

W OC w it h low
r e sist ivit y is 1 3 ft
TVD t h e w e ll pa t h

Fig. 17 DDR inversion processing using memory data confirmed

the real time results of the presence of OWC about 13’ TVD below
the XY-A lateral 1 path. Well TD is shorter than planned because
of this real time monitoring.

Fig. 15 Effect of borehole rugosity on shallow, but not deep

measurement.
At t en u a t ion
GR

Por osit y

Ph a se sh ift
Resist iv it y

Fig. 18 DDR was used to geosteer well XY-A lateral 2. The

thickness of L1Z1 in this area was found very thin, about 3’ TVD.
In addition, an advancing WOC was detected by DDR during
drilling. Consequently, the well was called TD to avoid being too
close to the WOC.

Fig. 16 BHA used for drilling well XY-A and real geosteering
using DDR.

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