Mud Logging

Geoservices is the industry leader in mud logging, focusing on drilling support and formation evaluation. Decision-ready information about well status is helping to drill better wells more efficiently. Timely and more accurate information on reservoir fluid composition and lithology is detecting pay zones that would otherwise be missed, assisting well placement, revealing reservoir connectivity and compartmentalization, and guiding critical decisions.

Drilling Support
Geoservices uses all available data, both real-time and historical, in specialized analytical tools to support safe and efficient drilling operations. Drilling performance is monitored in a variety of ways, including through vibration, hole condition and cleaning, and overall rig performance. The well surveillance feature monitors the relationship between borehole and formation pressures.
Thema Drilling Operations Support and Analysis Service

Monitor drilling mechanics, hole cleaning efficiency, borehole-formation pressure balance, and rig performance. Obtain an increased level of analysis of the well status in both depth and time. Use automatic rig-state detection together with the latest in information technology, new sensors, and advances in real-time data analysis and processing to drive continuous improvement. Thema drilling operations support and analysis service monitors drilling mechanics (including drillstring vibrations), hole cleaning efficiency, borehole-formation pressure balance, rig performance, and a range of geological data. In addition, it offers superior detection of the C1C5 components in gas extracted from the drilling mud for gas ratio analysis. Employing state-of-the-art technology, the service helps you to extract maximum value from the data obtained through mud logging and realtime surface data monitoring. Geoservices logging units are designed with safety in mindall components are ATEX-certified.

Superior data quality and speed

Signals are converted from analog to digital as close to the sensors as possible, avoiding the problems associated with analog signal transmission and a multitude of cables running across the rig floor. Very highfrequency acquisition, improved data resolution, and increased computation capacity enable faster processing of complex data.
Real-time analysis

Thema service analyzes real-time, high-frequency data streams from a number of sensors and displays decision-ready information on drilling performance and safety via customizable screens. A summary of the realtime status of the well is obtained by combining depth- and time-based data for

Well surveillance

Fast detection of fluid influx into the wellbore is vital, especially when drilling a slim hole or when drilling under high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) conditions. Early kick detection gives a valuable edge during drilling operations by reliably indicating influx or loss at very low volumes, by reducing the number of false alarms requiring time-consuming flowchecks, and by reducing the time taken to detect a kick or loss. Pumpoff gas is analyzed and used to identify potential underbalance situations. These measurements indicate the relationship between formation and borehole pressures. Automatic flowback fingerprint is captured and displayed on screens when the rig pumps are stopped, for quick and easy visual reference.

Drilling mechanics surveillance

The wear and behavior of the drill bit are assessed by monitoring key drilling parametersaxial (bit bouncing) and torsional (stick/slip) vibration frequencies and energyvia measurements by surface sensors. Potential problems like bit balling, drillstring vibration, and bit wear can be anticipated and drilling parameters can be optimized during the operation, improving ROP and increasing the life of downhole and surface equipment.

Hole condition monitoring

Wellbore stability and the efficiency of hole cleaning operations are analyzed in real time. An automated process records drillstring weights while reciprocating, rotating, or static. Incoming data is compared with theoretical values for parameters such as pickup, slack-off, and freerotating weights; torque; and equivalent circulating density (ECD) provided by industry-standard models. Monitoring can be enhanced by the use of cuttings flowmeters.

Drilling and rig performance analysis

Automatic rig state detection further enhances the value of the Thema service. For a given rig state, a specific combination of parameters is tracked and displayed as the situation warrants. Monitoring key performance indicators (KPIs) such as weight-to-weight time, slip-to-slip connection time, and net drilling time per standin real timeallows analysis and reduction of NPT and improvement of both rig and drilling performance. The duration of each operation is logged, enabling assessment of the rig performance during various operations including drilling, sliding, tripping, and circulating.
Remote service support

Thema service includes engineers both on the rig and in your office, working together to ensure that the right information is delivered within your organization in a timely manner. They also work closely with the centralized Geoservices Expertise Center (GEC), which is staffed by engineers and geoscientists with global experience who support our personnel in optimizing operations.
PreVue Real-Time Geopressure Service

Predict and monitor pore pressure and well stability in real time at the wellsite, integrating data from diverse sources for greater accuracy. The PreVue service provides prediction and real-time monitoring of pore pressure and wellbore stability at the wellsite, using LWD, MWD, and gas data.

No matter where you drill, the potential for encountering abnormal pressure is always present and can sometimes result in kicks, mud losses, and other well control problems. Significantly abnormal pore pressure could lead to loss of the entire well, together with substantial destruction of life and property. The PreVue service plays a significant role in reducing these risks.
Comprehensive analysis

The service

uses comprehensive, location-specific analyses in real time to calculate and analyze normal hydrostatic, overburden, and pore pressure; and fracture gradients incorporates seismic analysis to create a complete interpretation of the pore pressure regime likely to be encountered uses discrete pressure compartment analyses to better understand pore pressure envelope shifts at bedding interfaces, in particular for sand and shale. The PreVue service is applicable in all environments including wildcat exploration wells; deep gas wells; wells with narrow mud weight windows; wells drilled in basins with high tectonic stresses; high-pressure, hightemperature (HPHT) wells; and non-vertical and extended-reach drilling (ERD) wells. Daily geopressure reports are delivered to key decision makers at the wellsite and in your office. PreVue specialists become an integral part of the wellsite operations and the decision-making process related to geopressure issues, providing proactive and actionable geopressure expertise.

Flag Well Balance Assessment Service

Obtain fast and reliable warning of fluid influx or loss in the well, increasing the time available for remedial action.

Early kick detection for faster response

Offering gains of 5 to 10 minutes compared with conventional detection systems, the Flag well balance assessment service detects fluid influx or loss in the well quickly and reliably, even at very low volumes, allowing more time for remedial action. At the same time, this automated early kick detection system reduces the number of false alarms that require time-consuming flow checks.
Accurate differential flow-out in all operating conditions

The Flag service is calibrated for the rig circulating system to compute the theoretical return flow from the well in real time. A Coriolis flowmeter installed in the return flowline continuously measures the actual return flow. An electromagnetic flowmeter is used when space is limited. By comparing the measured and theoretical values, the Flag service can detect an influx or loss almost as soon as it occurs. Monitoring losses and gains in the flowline instead of the mud pit ensures faster detection and gives a true picture of downhole conditions, unaffected by surface actions such as addition of chemicals to the mud pit or mud transfers. The algorithm is accurate under a number of operating conditionsdrilling, circulating, and cementing. The system automatically compensates for mud compressibility and disturbances such as pipe movement, heave on a floating rig, or transitional flow regimes like those created by starting or stopping the pumps.
Clear audible and visual output

In addition to visual and audible alarms activated by preset thresholds, computed and measured data and the alarm status are continually displayed in log format on the Geoservices monitors. When used as part of the Thema service, data from the Flag system and other sensors is used to display decision-ready information on drilling performance and safety in real time.
Dedicated support

A dedicated Geoservices support technician supervises system design, installation, and commissioning.

Formation Evaluation Services

Formation evaluation services include hydrocarbon detection, downhole fluid characterization, and early information on reservoir fluid composition even in deepwater environments and cold or harsh mud conditions. Isotope logging is also available. Cuttings analysis helps identify lithology for formation evaluation, geosteering, and well placement.
FLAIR Fluid Logging and Analysis in Real Time

Obtain a unique quantitative analysis of C1C5 and qualitative information on the C6C8 components and light aromatics in gas extracted from drilling mud, unaffected by drilling conditions such as mud type and temperature. Benefit from fluid facies characterization and early information about formation fluid composition, with remote support from a FLAIR specialist provided as part of the service.
FLAIR fluid logging and analysis in real time is a premium gas service focused on fluid facies characterization and early information about formation fluid composition. Hydrocarbons extracted from the drilling mud at surface are continuously analyzed to provide a unique quantitative analysis of C 1C5 and qualitative information on the C6C8 components (including methylcyclohexane) and light aromatics (benzene and toluene). Drilling conditions such as deepwater wells, cold mud returns, and complex modern drilling fluids do not affect the results. As part of the service, a FLAIR specialist works closely with you and the centralized Geoservices Expertise Center (GEC), delivering the right information at the right time. The GEC is staffed by engineers and geoscientists with global experience, who assist office and wellsite personnel in optimizing operations.
Quantitative assessment of formation hydrocarbon composition

Because formation fluids are continuously mixed with the drilling mud, accurate gas fraction analysisor fluid loggingis the only way to access the hydrocarbon composition directly and continuously. Hydrocarbons are extracted from the mud under constant thermodynamic conditions, enabling calibration of the extraction efficiency for every component from C 1 to C5. The calibration

procedure, paired with a correction for recycled gas, makes the C 1C5 fluid compositionprovided at the end of each drilling sectionanalogous to the composition of the downhole reservoir fluid. The FLAIR service should be considered complementary to standard fluid analysis, the advantage being that it is available early and on a continuous basis. Integration of FLAIR data with that obtained by various other formation evaluation techniques, provides a robust and more accurate picture of hydrocarbons in the formation. This early quantitative assessment of the composition of potential pay zones while drilling is helping our customers to make faster decisions. The FLAIR service has been implemented in almost all operational and geological environments.
Daily fluid facies log to assist reservoir appraisal

A fluid facies log is generated daily, providing information for:

analyzing fluid similarities and dissimilarities characterizing cap rocks and reservoirs delineating pay zones determining the composition of formation hydrocarbons locating fluid contacts identifying compositional gradients in the reservoir detecting geochemical alteration studying reservoir compartmentalization and connectivity performing well-to-well correlation
Close Correlation with PVT Data

The FLAIR service is quantitative in the characterization of the light hydrocarbon gases C1C5. Gas composition numbers from the FLAIR service and PVT data have a close correlation, as seen in the table below. Consequently, customers have proposed that as a standard approach, datasets generated from the FLAIR service, downhole fluid analysis (DFA), and fluid analysis (e.g., PVT data) should all be compared to verify agreement with one

another, thus providing internal quality checks among the datasets. In the table on the right (courtesy of Shell, SPE Number 109861), a comparison is made for a number of basins located in different geographical regions, between the normalized gas composition C1C5 provided by the FLAIR service and compositional analyses of downhole fluid samples taken from the same interval.
Benefits

Guidance for critical decisions, which can have significant economic impact, provided by early fluid facies characterization and formation fluid composition analysis at the end of each drilling section. Efficient use of rig time through optimization of logging, pressure testing, and sampling programs. Reduced risk in high-pressure, high-temperature (HPHT) and other adverse environments because measurements are at surface and may be the only option available. Improved likelihood of identifying pay zones with low levels of C1 C5 by additionally monitoring C6C8 components and aromatics. Enhanced geosteering (well placement) in extended-reach horizontal drilling with identification of hydrocarbon-poor and -rich formations.

FLAIR data has higher resolution, sensitivity, and repeatability than standard gas logging, enabling quantitative hydrocarbon characterization. With technology that ensures a constant volume in the degassing chamber and sufficient energy to liberate gases properly, more accurate hydrocarbon estimates are obtained, going beyond basic C1C5 measurements.

Sampling and calibration

The FLEX fluid extractor unit continuously samples mud from the flowline returning from the well. The extracted hydrocarbon fluid is transported to the detector, which is able to analyze the gas from C1 to C8. The FLEX unit heats the drilling mud to a constant temperature and maintains a steady air-to-mud-ratio inside the extraction chamber. These features contribute to a very efficient and repeatable extraction. The constant

thermodynamic conditions enable calibration of the extraction efficiency for every component from C1 to C5.

Recycling correction

By placing a second FLEX unit in the pump suction line, the fraction of hydrocarbons recycled with the mud and pumped back into the well is also measured. Correction for recycled gas is only possible because the extraction conditions are the same for both units. The calibration and recycling correction enable the formation fluid composition with respect to the C1C5 components to be quantitatively determined throughout the drilling of the well.

High-speed chromatographic analysis

To detect and analyze gases at the parts-per-million (or micrograms-pergram) level, a specially designed mass spectrometer is used as a detector, coupled to a high-speed chromatograph. By using the principle of mass spectrometry, the FLAIR analyzer can detect co-eluting peaks created by the various ion currents that characterize the different components extracted from the mud. This leads to a very short analysis time85 s for a full chromatographic analysis up to C 8 including differentiation of several Cn isomers.

The InFact gas-on-surface interpretation software is a powerful gas data processing package that handles data vs. time, processes data for synchronization and correction, and generates a fluid facies log and compositional analysis of various facies.

Isotope Logging

Characterize the geological and geochemical hydrocarbon system in terms of source, generation, and behavior in the subsurface. Isotope logging provides a completely new dataset, helping the geochemical characterization of hydrocarbons in the formation in real time and on a continuous basis.

Geological and geochemical insights

Isotope logging is a tool for the identification of reservoir connectivity and compartmentalization. It also provides the means for evaluating the sealing characteristics of cap rocks and faults. 13C-CH4 data provides information about encountered hydrocarbons, their origins, characteristics, and behavior in the subsurface. Because 13C-CH4 ratios are related to hydrocarbon generation, they provide information about the hydrocarbon source rock, including its kerogen type and thermal maturity. This information can be used for correlating hydrocarbons with their source. The genetic information obtained from 13C-CH4 ratios might provide information about a possible pay zone. In conjunction with the quantitative composition derived from the FLAIR service, isotope logging provides additional information about the similarity or dissimilarity of hydrocarbons encountered in the subsurface, useful for the optimization of downhole sampling.

In-reservoir processesincluding biodegradation and water washingalter the isotopic composition of methane. Isotope logging can be used to identify the presence of such processes, and possibly their type and magnitude.
Greater depth resolution with less risk

Continuous, quality-controlled measurement of 13C-CH4 provides dramatically improved depth resolution and the identification of smallscale features that would otherwise be missed. There is the possibility of obtaining data in places where gas sampling is difficult or impossible. In addition, uncertainties and risks associated with collection, shipment, and analysis of samples are reduced or eliminated.
Integrated Interpretation

The integration of 13C-CH4 ratios, available in real time, with data from other sources allows an immediate, more accurate interpretation of the geological and geochemical system. This helps to optimize key decisions affecting the development of the reservoir.