IADC/SPE 155056

Real-Time Bed Boundary Mapping And Formation DIP Image To Navigate

Horizontal Well At Channel Sand
Case Study: Niru Field - Pertamina UBEP Limau
Muhammad Natsir, Pertamina EP; Nurul Hasani, Pertamina EP; Tubagus Nasiruddin, Pertamina EP; Adjie
Setiawan, Schlumberger; Yus Willian, Schlumberger; Julianta P. Panjaitan, Schlumberger, Laurence Reynolds,
Schlumberger

Copyright 2012, IADC/SPE Asia Pacific Drilling Technology Conference and Exhibition

This paper was prepared for presentation at the IADC/SPE Asia Pacific Drilling Technology Conference and Exhibition held in Tianjin, China, 9–11 July 2012.

This paper was selected for presentation by an IADC/SPE program committee following review of information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents of the paper have not
been reviewed by the International Association of Drilling Contractors or the Society of Petroleum Engineers and are subject to correction by the author(s). The material does not necessarily
reflect any position of the International Association of Drilling Contractors or the Society of Petroleum Engineers, its officers, or members. Electronic reproduction, distribution, or storage of any
part of this paper without the written consent of the International Association of Drilling Contractors or the Society of Petroleum Engineers is prohibited. Permission to reproduce in print is
restricted to an abstract of not more than 300 words; illustrations may not be copied. The abstract must contain conspicuous acknowledgment of IADC/SPE copyright.

Abstract

PERTAMINA EP’s Niru field development objective is to drain attic oil from the X0 sandstones. The thin

fluvial-distributary channel environment of the reservoir brings drilling challenges due to the complex reservoir

geometry and uncertain lateral continuity. A horizontal well was planned in order to maximize recovery of oil in

this mature oil field well.

An integrated LWD solution combining fit for purpose real time measurements from a continuous rotating

bottom hole assembly, bed boundary mapping tool, formation images with real time correlation and Geosteering

software, was used to steer the well in real time. The real time monitoring of petrophysical parameters, enabled

TD to be decided after achieving maximum exposure to the reservoir. In addition, the analysis of dip information

from formation images acquired while drilling enabled an important update to the field geological model to be

made, while highlighting the limitations in reservoir characterisation of using data from vertical wells drilled into a

structure with lateral variations

The improved understanding of the reservoir, as well as the capabilities of the deep directional resistivity

tool to locate and map the roof of the reservoir while drilling, enabled the wellbore to be maintained 1-2 m below

it.

This precise and accurate positioning of the wellbore in the reservoir sweet spot, resulted in the sustained

production of oil at a rate almost 4 times higher than expected with the addition of low water cut.
2 IADC/SPE 155056

The benefits of real time bed boundary mapping and well placement techniques have led to both a better

understanding of the X0 channel sandstones reservoir, and a direct change in the development strategy of the

field by Pertamina EP. This will now include further horizontal wells, which are now considered to be essential to

the successful development of the Niru field, for draining oil from the thin (2-4 m thick) reservoir, which was

previously thought to be impossible.

Introduction

The Niru field is located in South Sumatra and discovered in April, 1949 by BPM. The development of the

field commenced in 1953 and the field reached peak production of 6000 BOPD in 1958. Several operators have

operated in this field, such as JOB Husky Limau from 1989 – 1997, JOB Sea Union Energy 1998 – 2004 and PT.

Pertamina UBEP Limau, since January 1, 2005. Eight structures are identified within the block, including the Niru

structure which covered 15.75 km2 and is located approximately 30 km to the southwest of Prabumulih, South

Sumatera. (Figure-1)

The Niru structure is located on the north flanks of the Limau anticlinorium. The development of this field,

especially in the upper structure has been made more complex by depletion, unknown reservoir pressure and

water coning. Based on sequence stratigraphy analysis, PERTAMINA EP decided to develop the lower part of the

structure, the X0 sandstone which has a fluvial - distributary channels environments. This reservoir type, which

has fair to excellent reservoir potential is also associated with reservoir geometry variations such as changes in

dip, lateral extent and thickness.

Reservoir performance in this environment is extremely sensitive to the positioning of a horizontal well bore

relative to reservoir and fluid boundaries, such as overlying cap rock or fluid contacts. Deep and directional

measurement while drilling technologies are designed to meet these challenges. By characterizing the best

reservoir zones and placing the horizontal well bore entirely within it in real time, maximum hydrocarbon

production and minimized well construction cost can be achieved, while at the same time reducing drilling risk

Geological Setting

Niru structure is a part of the Limau Anticlinorium, trending west-east, cut by a downthrown fault of broadly

north-south orientation. Tectonically, the Niru field lies in the trend of Anticlinorium Pendopo-Limau in between

Lematang Depression and Limau Graben. This sub-basin together with the Middle Palembang Sub-Basin and

Jambi Sub Basin to the north formed a large basin known as the South Sumatra Basin, a Tertiary Back Arc Basin,
IADC/SPE 155056 3

located along the western and southern part of Sunda land. The reservoir of the Niru Field is within sandstones of

the Talang Akar Formation. Structural traps were created during the Plio-Pleistocene. The mapping of this

structure led to the initial discovery of Niru Field (Figure-2).

Petroleum Geology

a. Source Rock

Hydrocarbons in South Sumatra Province, are derived from both lacustrine source rocks of the Lahat

Formation and terrestrial coal and coaly shale source rocks of the Talang Akar Formation (Sarjono and Sardjito,

1989; Todd and others, 1997; Katz, 1991; Sladen, 1997; Suseno and others, 1992; Schiefelbein and others,

1997; Schiefelbein and Cameron, 1997; Sosrowidjojo and others, 1994). The lacustrine source rocks were

deposited in a complex of half-grabens whereas the subsequent coal and coaly shale were deposited in and

extended beyond the limits of the half-grabens. The Batu Raja Limestone and the Gumai Formation shales may

also be mature and have generated hydrocarbons in local areas (Sarjono and Sardjito, 1989).

b. Trap Types

Northwest to southeast trending anticlines were the first traps explored and remain the most important traps

in the South Sumatra basin (van Bemmelen, 1949). These fields have primarily sandstone reservoirs with some

limestone and calcareous sandstones and include every producing formation in the basin (Petroconsultants,

1996). Stratigraphic pinch-outs and carbonate buildups locally combine with folds and anticlines to enhance the

effectiveness of the primary trap type. Drape, facies-change, and startigraphic traps are also important and may

be attractive future targets.

c. Seal Rock

The Gumai Formation represents the maximum highstand transgression following development of Batu Raja

carbonates (Hartanto and others, 1991). Shales of this regional formation seal carbonate reservoirs and locally seal

a series of stacked sandstone reservoirs of the Talang Akar Formation (Martadinata and Wright, 1984; Hartanto and

others, 1991). Hydrocarbons that are found above the regional seal either have migrated there due to faults that

broke the seal during the compression phase or were generated by the Gumai Formation shale in local areas where

this formation might be mature. Intraformational seals within the Talang Akar consist of shallow marine and

overbank shales that are important seals that compartmentalize the sandstones (Courteney and others, 1990).
4 IADC/SPE 155056

d. Reservoir Rock

Talang Akar Formation

The late Oligocene lower Talang Akar Formation is also referred to as the Gritsand Member and the

Oligocene to early Miocene upper Talang Akar Formation as the Transition Member (Sitompul and others, 1992;

Tamtomo and others, 1997). The Talang Akar Formation is as much as 610 m thick (Hutchison, 1996). It is a late

synrift to post-rift formation that is thick where the underlying Lahat Formation is thickest (Figure-3). The Talang

Akar Formation unconformably overlies the Lahat Formation. It onlaps the Lahat and the basement, extending

farther outside of the depositional basins than the depositional limits of the Lahat Formation (Hutchison, 1996).

This reservoir consists of quartzose sandstones, siltstones, and shales deposited in a delta plain setting that

changed basinward, generally to the south and west, into marginal marine sandstones and shales (Adiwidjaja and

de Coster, 1973; Hutchison, 1996; Eko Widianto and Nanang Muksin, 1989). Specific depositional environments

that have been identified include open marine, nearshore, delta plain, delta, distributary channel, fluvial, and

beach (Hutapea, 1981). Talang Akar Formation sandstones, which were deposited during marine transgressions

and regressions, form important stratigraphic traps (Tamtomo and others, 1997). These shoreline sands are

generally aligned east to west, and are supplied with sediment from the Sunda Shelf to the north and the

Palembang High (Lampung High) to the east, can be laterally restricted, and thicken and thin in response to the

topography at the time of deposition (Adiwidjaja and de Coster, 1973; Hamilton, 1979; Hutapea, 1981; Sitompul

and others, 1992). Other shoreline sandstones that surround basement highs are productive reservoirs for several

fields (Tamtomo and others, 1997). Here the quality of the reservoir depends on the type of basement rock

eroded to provide the clastics.

The Talang Akar Formation reservoir accounts for more than 75% of the cumulative oil production in South

Sumatra (Tamtomo and others, 1997). Approximately 2 BBOE ultimate recoverable reserves have been found in

Talang Akar reservoirs (Petroconsultants, 1996). Porosity of this reservoir rock ranges from 15—30 % and

permeability is as much as 5 Darcies (Tamtomo and others, 1997; Petroconsultants, 1996). Porosity of the

Gritsand Member is primarily secondary and averages 25% (Sitompul and others, 1992). Porosity of the

Transitional Member is also primarily secondary and caused by the dissolution of grains and detrital clays. This

cleaner and more mature sandstone has 25% average porosity (Sitompul and others, 1992). Clays in both

members include smectite, illite, and abundant kaolinite (Sitompul and others, 1992).
IADC/SPE 155056 5

Gumai Formation

The Oligocene to middle Miocene Gumai Formation, also known as the Telisa Formation, is composed of

fossiliferous marine shales with thin, glauconitic limestones that represent a rapid, widespread maximum

transgression (Hartanto and others, 1991; Hutchison, 1996). The transgression was toward the northeast, and

water depths were shallow in the northeast and bathyal in the southwest (Hamilton, 1979). Fine-grained

sandstones and siltstones occur on the basin margins (Hutchison, 1996). The thickness of the Gumai Formation

varies and is as much as 2,700 m thick in basins. The formation thins at basin margins and across highs

(Hartanto and others, 1991; Hutchison, 1996).

The Gumai Formation is the regional seal for the Batu Raja Limestone in South Sumatra but also contains

some reservoir intervals. These carbonates contain 130 MMBOE ultimate recoverable reserves (Petroconsultants,

1996). These reserves average 33—52° API gravity and are found primarily in shoreline and shallow marine

sandstones with 20% porosity, however, Hartanto and others (1991) have used well logs to identify turbidites and

suggest that these sands could be exploration targets in the basins. The turbidities suggest that a rapid drop in sea

level occurred at the end of Gumai deposition in middle Miocene time (Hartanto and others, 1991).

CASE STUDY

Drilling and producing oil efficiently from a fluvial - distributary channel environment is very challenging due

to the complex geology (Figure-4). Multiple uncertainties such as geological structure and geometry uncertainty

exist in the form of channels with variable continuity, thickness and depth, as well as variable reservoir properties.

In the past, the challenge of placing vertical wells in the best position in this reservoir had often resulting in

inconsistent production.

For the first time PERTAMINA EP decided to construct a horizontal well in the Niru field. The objective of

well L5A-NR-26Hz was to produce oil from the X0 sandstones with a minimum flow rate of 350 BOPD.

Workflow and Execution

The key to a successful horizontal well is reducing uncertainties of geometry and formation properties. This

is brought about through better understanding of the risks and variations likely to be encountered at the proposed

location. Through modeling, multiple geological and drilling scenarios can be explored prior to drilling, with the

models updated in real time while drilling. The use of fit purpose technologies and workflows from the Planning

through to the Execution and Post job stages are critical to success.
6 IADC/SPE 155056

Project Planning starts with a Feasibility Study in which subsurface modeling is used to better understand

the likely success of achieving the planned well objective, taking into account the existing well planning and

design, and the selection of technology. Through log and BHA response modeling in the Pre job Planning Phase,

the well construction process is optimized with recommendations for drilling technology formation evaluation

measurements and real-time monitoring program in order to provide control during the well construction

(Execution) Phase. Operations in the pilot hole, and landing section and lateral all need to be considered. The

end phase of the workflow cycle is the Evaluation Phase, which includes final formation evaluation analysis, with

geological and reservoir model update, and monitoring of production figures. (Figure 5). Additional value, such as

improved candidate selection for future wells, can be realized by using this information to update the client

geological, petrophysical and reservoir models. Having a well defined process in place enables repeatability and

consistency in delivering results, enabling the well placement process to contribute significantly towards the

overall reservoir management strategy for the field.

There are three complementary methods of well placement (Figure 6). First, Model, Compare, and Update

is the original method, which involves modeling log responses based on a formation model and well trajectory,

comparing the modeled responses with real-time measured logs, and updating the formation model to match the

real-time measured logs. This method can be applied to any real time log data, and was used during the Landing

Section in this case study.

Second, the formation dip is calculated through the correlation of features from opposite sides of the

borehole, preferably using images from azimuthal measurement such as density, gamma ray, preferably images

scanned from the entire inner circumference of the wellbore. This can be done using images and data transmitted

uphole in real time, or post-job using data acquired in the tool memory. The dip is then extrapolated away from

the borehole and the well steered on the assumption that the formation dip does not change significantly. This

method was also used during the Lateral section in this case study.

Third, bed boundary mapping, using deep azimuthal electromagnetic measurements. Through an inversion

process, the distance and direction to boundaries (changes in formation resistivity) can be determined in real

time, enabling steering decisions to be made while drilling. This method was also used during the lateral section

in this case study.

All three methods of well placement were used in this Case Study.

The development of deep, directional electromagnetic measurements has revolutionized well placement by

enabling the remote detection of resistivity changes within a formation while drilling, and at sufficient distance to
IADC/SPE 155056 7

provide early warning for steering decision in real time. The bed boundary mapping service complements the

LWD measurement portfolio by adding the azimuthal sensitivity, previously available only with images, while

extending the depth of investigation beyond that of conventional LWD propagation resistivity (Figure 7). Tilted

antennae create directional sensitivity to conductivity changes in the formation. Directional measurements of

electromagnetic phase shift and attenuation are analyzed down hole to determine the direction to the nearest

conductivity contrast and then transmitted from to the surface, where inversion processing extracts the distance-to

boundary information. Combined, these two pieces of information provide for full 3D navigation. Inversion

processing converts raw directional phase-shift and attenuation measurements, acquired at multiple frequencies

and transmitter-receiver spacings, into a three-layer formation model. The inversion solves for the resistivity of

and distance to the layer above, the resistivity of and distance to the layer below, and the resistivity of the layer in

which the well is being drilled. (Figure 8). The inversion is done point by point, while drilling – finding the simplest

model that fits the incoming PeriScope data. The cycle keeps repeating itself: stream the next incoming data

packet, find the model that best fits the data, invert for DTB, and repeat the whole cycle again until the entire

horizontal section is successfully placed.

+ * *
The Petrel and Real-time Geosteering Screen (RTGS ) Software were used to construct a detailed model

of the geometry and petrophysical properties of the markers in offset wells, then tool responses along the well

trajectory through that model were simulated. The goal is to build the 3D geological model and petrophysical

description of the prospect along the plan trajectory, from offset well logs and production data, geological maps

and cross sections, extracted from 2D geological models available in Pertamina (Geographic software). Logs and

other petrophysical data from offset or pilot wells provide the foundation for the RTGS* model. Finally, the

geometry of the well trajectory is input so that the relative angles can be computed. As the well deviates with

depth, in addition to variations in formation properties, the distance and the angle between the tool and layer

boundaries also change, affecting logging tool responses. In the prejob phase, different trajectories and structures

can be modeled, enabling drilling and log response scenarios to be anticipated. During the Execution Phase, real

time log and trajectory data is plotted and matched to the prejob model(s), using the Model, Compare, Update

Well Placement technique described above. And in the Post Job phase the same software is used to valid the

final models.

The next step was to design and execute LWD logging program to include the measurements required to meet

the challenges and objectives of the planned L5A-NR-26Hz well.

8 IADC/SPE 155056

Pilot Well
* *
The Multi Conveyance Resistivity (MCR ) propagation and Slimpulse LWD telemetry tools were run in the

8 !” hole section of pilot hole and 8 !” hole section of landing hole of well L5A-NR-26Hz, behind a positive

displacement mud motor (Figure 10). The objective of the pilot well was to get a correlation of the formations

markers, and identify a position, thickness and formation petrophysical properties of the X0 sand reservoir using

resistivity and GR data in real-time. Six formation markers were identified, and the top of the X0 sand was found

at 1676 m MD, 1588 m TVD, 8 m deeper than prognosis, based on the offset wells L5A-252 and L5A-239. X0

reservoir thickness was approx. 6 m and apparent homogenous reservoir properties, approximately in line with

expectations from offset wells (Figure 9)

The total depth of the pilot hole was 1768 m MD, (1630 m TVD), with maximum inclination 63.5 degree at

107 degree azimuth.

The pilot hole successfully enabled the X0 target reservoir structure to be confirmed, while reducing

uncertainties in the geometry and the expected formation properties, ahead of landing and drilling the horizontal

lateral.

Landing

Due to the relatively small thickness of the X0 sand, ensuring the optimum incident angle of the trajectory

to the target layer (X0 Top) at landing was critical to the success of the horizontal well L5A-NR-26Hz. Having

confirmed the position of the reservoir top in the Pilot well, it was decided to initiate the kick off of the 8 !” landing

section higher than the original plan, in order to enter the X0 sand with 88-89 degree of inclination. After plugging

back the pilot hole, the kickoff was done 30 meters below the 9 5/8” casing shoe, at 1024 m MD (1024 m TVD,

with 0 degrees inclination (vertical hole) on the trajectory, using the same bottom hole assembly configuration as

in the Pilot well (Figure 10).

After kickoff, drilling of the landing section continued. Through real time correlation of the LWD data in with

logs from offset wells, as well as the pilot well, it was predicted that the top of the X0 sand could come in 2.5m

higher than expected, and drilling was stopped at at the top of the X0 reservoir confirmed at 1712 m MD, (1596m

TVD), with 88 degrees of inclination on the trajectory. Due to the large offset of the LWD sensors from the bit

(16.3 m and 23.7 m for resistivity and gamma ray), the rock cuttings information alone was used to confirm the

landing, and consequently the 7” casing point (Figure 11), , with oil shows demonstrated continuously from 1709

m MD.
IADC/SPE 155056 9

The dynamic nature of the depositional environment in the Niru field was confirmed by the fact that the 6

formation markers, identified from the pilot well, were found to be on average 1-2m shallower in the landing

phase, in the presence of only a 15 m lateral offset. The top of the X0 reservoir was confirmed 2.5 m shallower at

1712 m MD (1596 m TVD). A comparison of the LWD logs with the modeled log response (Model, Compare,

Update method) in real time enabled the reservoir properties and structural model (RTGS) for the landing section

to be updated while drilling, with the final result in Figure 12, complementing the real time TVD correlation

between wells during the landing (Figure 7). This model was then used as the initial properties and structural

model for planning and drilling the lateral section in real time.

In the Pre-job planning for the lateral section, the client’s geological model was updated using the final real

time landing RTGS model, as mentioned above, and final adjustments were made to the well plan. Pre-lateral log

response modeling and simulations of the PeriScope tool response were carried out, using this updated reservoir

properties model, to finalise the selection of LWD technology for the drilling BHA in the lateral. The simulations

demonstrated the ability of the tool achieve the stated well objectives, by mapping the upper boundary of the X0

layer up to the maximum 2 m TVD distance above the trajectory, as well as detecting the X0 base at greater than

a 3 m TVD distance below it. .These benefits confirmed the use of the deep directional resistivity PeriScope tool

in the BHA for the lateral. (Figure-13)

Lateral

Deep bed boundary mapping technology (PeriScope) was chosen for use in the 6” lateral section in well

L5A-NR-26Hz in order to detect and map the top of the reservoir, enabling precise and accurate navigation, while

maximizing access to attic oil, This was complemented with conventional propagation resistivity and GR

measurements, and in combination with the azimuthal density-neutron tool (ADN), along with the ShortPulse

telemetry cartridge and a continuously rotating bottom hole assembly (PowerDrive). These provided continuous

petrophysical evaluation of the reservoir in real time, with the addition of density images for correlation (Figure

14). As previously discussed, real-time correlation and geo-steering software provided visualisation of the well

placement operations, enabling real-time decisions.

The main objective of the lateral section was to drill the L5A-NR-26Hz wellbore close to the top of the X0

sand in order to maximize access to attic oil.

Operations on the lateral started with reaming while logging from 1680 m MD until 1709 m MD to check the

location of the casing shoe (confirmed at 1711.0 m MD, 1596 m TVD), and acquire data with the new
10 IADC/SPE 155056

measurements from that point onwards.

Despite strong oil shows and high gas readings encountered after exiting the casing shoes, the GR and

resistivity logs indicated a higher than expected Vclay content in the X0 reservoir, when compared to the pilot

well. Drilling continued with the logs indicating varying reservoir quality, while tracking the top of the reservoir 1-

2m above (Figure 15). Reaching approx. 1760 m MD, 1599 m TVD, with approx 89 degrees of inclination on the

trajectory, and the X0 top consistently more than 2 m TVD above it, it was decided to build angle in order to return

towards the upper part of the reservoir, and the cleaner sands expected there. Real time log measurements

indicated the presence of a cleaner lean sandstones, with porosity of about 20% from approx. 1794 m MD (1598

m TVD) to 1895 m, 1596.9 m TVD, over an interval of 101 m MD. The track of the original planned trajectory on

the real time updated model showed that it would have exited the reservoir into the overlying shale from approx

1745 m MD to 1815 m MD (a total of 75 m MD), if it had been followed instead.

From 1850 m MD (1598 m TVD) onwards the density-neutron separation started to increase and the

decision was made to stop drilling at 1895 m MD, 1596.9 m TVD, with 91.5 degrees inclination on the trajectory,

in order to avoid entering a suspected gas cap and the possibility of encountering a nearby fault. The lateral was

drilled to a total depth TD at 1895 m MD, (1596.9 m TVD, and was accompanied by high gas readings and oil

shows in the rock cuttings throughout, with total footage of 183 m with net pay of 163 m (89.1% Net to Gross).

The lateral length was less than plan (91%) to reduce a operation risk and geological uncertainty (gas cap).

Evaluation

Analysis of the density images and petrophysical logs from the L5A-NR-26Hz 6” lateral section highlighted

the limits of resolution inherent in data from vertical wells (offset wells) when drilled into a laterally varying

geological environment. Characterisation of the X0 sand body from vertical offset well logs confirmed some

variation in reservoir thickness, between wells, but suggested a fairly homogenous reservoir quality. However, the

logs and images from the horizontal lateral section of well L5A-NR-26Hz clearly revealed distinct sand bodies

within the X0 reservoir, showing variations in internal structure and different petrophysical properties (Figure 16).

These findings are much more in line with the true characteristics of the channel bar sand structure with which the

X0 reservoir layer is believed to be associated, than the interpretation possible from the offset vertical well logs

alone.

Certainly it could well explain the range of production figures of other wells drilled into the same X0

reservoir, where the clay content, lateral extent of the sand members, as well as the changes in channel sand
IADC/SPE 155056 11

thickness are all likely to be a controlling factors. Logs acquired in vertical or slightly deviated wells, such as the

pilot and offset wells, do not respond to the lateral property variations due to the limited step out of the wellbore,

and, therefore appear to indicate relatively homogeneous layers of the X0 sandstone, as previously seen in

Figure 9. Knowing the formation dip and azimuth of the sand bodies in the channel bar during drilling can help

steer the well in the search for cleaner and larger sands in the thalweg of the channel bar. In this case the well,

with a 100 degree azimuth (ESE), can be seen cutting across the sand bodies, which have dips of a 4-10

degrees, to the NNW, allowing the well to maximise its exposure to multiple sand bodies in the reservoir.. The

reservoir quality is seen to be poorer in the smaller sand bodies, and improving in the larger, which could be

interpreted as lying in the channel thalweg. This more precise and accurate positioning of the wellbore in the

reservoir sweet spot, resulted in the well producing oil at a rate almost 4 times higher than expected, despite the

shorter than expected lateral length (91%).

Todate the Niru field has been producing 100% oil with no gas, so detecting an approaching gas cap was

not expected. This was the first well where a possible gas cap had been identified in the Niru field. It is not

believed to be expansion gas, and it is possible that the gas may be associated with migration through micro

faults / fracturing linked to a larger fault system

CONCLUSIONS

The use of fit for purpose LWD technologies and processes, including the bed boundary mapping in real

time, images, and the associated well placement processes, has enabled the L5A-NR-26Hz ellbore to be placed

close to the top of the reservoir while drilling, while at the same time optimizing the reservoir quality encountered.

This has assured access to the attic oil in the reservoir, and provided production significantly in excess of target

figures. Total horizontal well length was 183 m with 89.1% net pay, although the lateral length was reduced (91%

of plan) to avoid the risk of further geological uncertainty associated a possible gas cap.

This success as well as the improved understanding of the complexity of the X0 fluvial-distributary channel

reservoir and its structure in the Niru field has led Pertamina to reevaluate their field development strategy, This

will now include more horizontal wells with the use of deep directional resistivity technologies, as well as images

in real time for well placement. Furthermore, the use of horizontal wells and similar LWD technologies is now

being considered for the development of other fields with similar depositional environments.

It is interesting to note that historical production from the Niru field has always been comingled from various

layers. Previous lease owners had relinquished the Niru field, considering it a brown field with limited
12 IADC/SPE 155056

development potential, but without ever having drilled a horizontal well. The L5A-NR-26Hz well is significant since

it is not only the first horizontal well in the field, but also the first producer from a single layer.

To date, L5A-NR-26Hz well has been flowing approx 1256 BOPD with v. low water cut, under natural flow since

completion, 350% higher than target. It is the only well in the field producing without the need for an Electric

Submersible Pump (ESP).

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We would like to thank BPMIGAS and Pertamina EP for permitting us to publish this work and we are

indebted to PERTAMINA EP and Schlumberger for allowing us to write the paper.

REFERENCES CITED

Adiwidjaja, P., and de Coster, G. L., 1973, Pre-Tertiary paleotopography and related sedimentation in South

Sumatra: Indonesian Petroleum Association Second Annual Convention, June, 1973, p.89-103

Bishop., Michele G 2000. South Sumatra Basin Province, Indonesia: The Lahat/Talang Akar-Cenezoic Total

Petroleum System, U. S. Department Of The Interior - U.S. Geological Survey, Open-File Report 99-50S

Bonner, S., Bagersh, A., Clark, B., Dajee, G., Dennison, M., Hall, J.S., Jundt, J., Lovell, J., Rosthal, R., Allan, D.,

1994. A New Generation of Electrode Resistivity Measurements for Formation Evaluation While Drilling:
th
Transactions of the SPWLA 35 Annual Logging Symposium 1994, Paper OO.

Butt, P., (Schlumberger), Dossari, S., (Saudi Aramco), Hashem, M., (Saudi Aramco), Sayed, R., (Schlumberger)

& Hussain, S., (Schlumberger) “Enhanced Reservoir Contact Using New LWD Technology in Thin Channel

Sands” (SPE-113779)

Eko Widianto and Nanang Muksin, 1989, Seismic stratigraphy study on the Talangakar Formation in the Selat

area, Jambi: Proceedings Indonesian Petroleum Association Eighteenth Annual Convention, October, 1989, p.

324-338.
IADC/SPE 155056 13

Farruggio, G., Rasmus, J.,S. Low, S., Ingold, C., Jackson, K., Curtis, C., 1999. Innovative use of BHAs and LWD

Measurements to Optimize Placement of Horizontal Laterals. SPE/IADC Drilling Conference, 1999, Paper

SPE/IADC 5282.

Courteney, S., Cockcroft, P., Lorentz, R., Miller, R., Ott, H. L., Prijosoesilo, P., Suhendan, A. R., and Wight, A. W.

R., eds., 1990, Indonesia-Oil and Gas Fields Atlas Volume III: South Sumatra; Indonesian Petroleum Association

Professional Division, p., one map.

Hamilton, W., 1979, Tectonics of the Indonesian Region: USGS Professional Paper 1078, 345 pp., 1 map

Hartanto, Karsan, Widianto, Eko, and Safrizal, 1991, Hydrocarbon prospect related to the local unconformities of

the Duang area, South Sumatra Basin: Proceedings Indonesian Petroleum Association Twentieth Annual

Convention, October, 1991, p. 17-36.

Hutapea, O. M., 1981, The prolific Talang Akar Formation in Raja Field South Sumatra: Proceedings Indonesian

Petroleum Association Tenth Annual Convention, May, 1981, p. 249-267

Hutchison, C. S., 1996, South-East Asian Oil, Gas, Coal and Mineral Deposits: Clarendon Press Oxford.

Katz, B. J., 1991, Controls on lacustrine source rock development: a model for Indonesia: Proceedings

Indonesian Petroleum Association Twentieth Annual Convention, October, 1991, p. 587-619.

Martadinata, A. H., and Wright, J. H., 1984, Development of Ibul stratigraphic play, South Sumatra Basin, by

integration of geologic and seismic data: Proceedings Indonesian Petroleum Association Thirteenth Annual

Convention, May, 1984, p. 51-61.

Natsir, Muhamad., Nasirudin, TB., Hasani, Nurul, “Rejuvenation of Niru : An Integrated Subsurfece Re-

Interpretation” ,IPA 34’th, May 2010

14 IADC/SPE 155056

Perruchot, M-P., Horstmann, M., Panggabean, F., Oemar, N., Bourg, L.M.: "First Step in Tunu Shallow

Development: Geosteering using Azimuthal Deep-boundary Detection Technology.", Proceedings, Indonesian

Petroleum Association, (2009)

Petroconsultants, 1996, Petroleum Exploration and Production Database: Petroconsultants, Inc., P.O. Box

740619, 6600 Sands Point Drive, Houston TX 77274-0619, USA or Petroconsultants, Inc., P.O. Box 152, 24

Chemin de la Mairie, 1258 Perly, Geneva, Switzerland.

Qiming Li, Dzevat Omeragic, Lawrence Chou, Libo Yang, Khanh Duong, Jan Smits, Jian Yang, Ting Lau,

ChengBing Liu, Roger Dworak, Vanessa Dreuillault, and Hong Ye, Schlumberger ”New Directional

Electromagnetic Tool for Proactive Geosteering and Accurate Formation Evaluation While Drilling”, SPWLA 46th

Annual Logging Symposium, June 26-29, 2005.Salis Aprilian, Kun Kurnely, Kiagus Nivian,“Rejuvenation of

Matured Oil Field in South Sumatera, Indonesia” , SPE International, 2003

Sarjono, S., and Sardjito, 1989, Hydrocarbon source rock identification in the South Palembang sub-basin:

Proceedings Indonesian Petroleum Association Eighteenth Annual Convention, October, 1989, p. 427-467.

Schiefelbein, C., and Cameron, N., 1997, Sumatra/Java oil families; in Fraser, A. J., Mathews, S. J., and Murphy,

R. W., eds., Petroleum geology of Southeast Asia: Geological Society Special Publication no. 126, p. 143-146.

Schiefelbein, C. F., Zumberge, J. E., and Brown, S. W., 1997, Petroleum systems in the far east, Proceedings of

the Petroleum Systems of SE Asia and Australasia Conference: Indonesian Petroleum Association, May 1997, p

101-113.

Sitompul, N., Rudiyanto, Wirawan, A., and Zaim, Y., 1992, Effects of sea level drops during late early Miocene to

the reservoirs in South Palembang sub basin, South Sumatra, Indonesia: Proceedings Indonesian Petroleum

Association Twenty First Annual Convention, October, 1992, p. 309-324.

Sladen, C., 1997, Exploring the lake basins of east and southeast Asia; in Fraser, A. J., Matthews, S, J., and Murphy,

R. W., eds., Petroleum Geology of Southeast Asia: Geological Society Special Publication No. 126, p. 49-76.
IADC/SPE 155056 15

Sosrowidjojo, Imam B., Setiardja, Bagus, Zakaria, Kralert, P. G., Alexander, R., and Kagi, R. I., 1994, A new

geochemical method for assessing the maturity of petroleum: application to the South Sumatra basin:

Proceedings

Suseno, P. H., Zakaria, Mujahindin, Nizar, and Subroto, E. A., 1992, Contribution of Lahat Formation as

hydrocarbon source rock in South Palembang area, South Sumatera, Indonesia: Proceedings Indonesian

Petroleum Association Twenty First Annual Convention, October, 1992, p.325-337

Tamtomo, Budi, Yuswar, Irzan, and Widianto, Eko, 1997, Transgressive Talang Akar sands of the Duang area,

south Sumatra basin: origin, distribution and implication for exploration play concept, in Howes, J. V. C., and

Noble, R. A., eds., Proceedings of the Petroleum Systems of Se Asia and Australasia: Indonesian Petroleum

Association Conference, May 1997, p. 699-708.

Todd, S. P., Dunn, M. E., and Barwise, A. J. G., 1997, Characterizing petroleum charge systems in the tertiary of

SE Asia, in Fraser, A. J., Matthews, S. J., and Murphy, R. W., eds., Petroleum Geology of Southeast Asia:

Geological Society Special Publication No. 126, p. 25-47.

van Bemmelen, R. W., 1949, The Geology of Indonesia, Volume II Economic Geology: The Hague, 265 pp.

Wiig, M., Berg. E., Kjaerefjord, J.M., Saltnes, M., Stordal, E.A., SPE, Sygnabere, T.O., and Laastad, H., SPE,

Statoil and Raeper, G., Gustavsson, E., Denichou, J-M, SPE, Darquin, A., and Omeragic, D., SPE, Schlumberger,

“Geosteering Using New Cirectional Electromagnetic Measurements and a 3D Rotary Steerable System on the

Veslefrikk Field, North Sea, SPE 9572.

16 IADC/SPE 155056

"#$% &' ()*+,- .$/ -.0'1 /2&/3+04/5/6'

7889

Figure-1
Generalized Structural Pattern Map and South Summary Basin Stratigraphy for the case study area. The
approximate location of the Niru field is indicated.

Figure-2
The Geological setting of the Limau Field
IADC/SPE 155056 17

Figure 3
Schematic cross section of the South Sumatra basin (based on unpublished material from Amoco production).
18 IADC/SPE 155056

!"#
$%&'

Figure 4
Illustration of the depositional environment of a Fluvial - Distributary channel system, showing typical distributary
sequence and sand body description, with a well section of GR and resistivity logs through 6 offset wells in the
Niru field, with the X0 reservoir target sand indicated.
IADC/SPE 155056 19

>*&B",)$>#6''-'0 >*"?@&A$>#6''-'0
. =+A(+*D6,"$G&<"#-'0 . !"##$9AB",)-C"(
. %6'<-<6)"$="#",)-&' . ="#",)-&'$&D$1",2'&#&03
. !"##$>#6''-'0$6'<$/"(-0'
. ,"'(-./0"#/.(!"1.+$#'

8C6#+6)-&' !"##$%&'()*+,)-&'
. 7&*:6)-&'$8C6#+6)-&' . /*-##-'0$1",2'&#&03$455#-,6)-&'
. E5<6)"$F"("*C&-*$:&<"# . 78$95)-:-;6)-&'
. G&'-)&*$>*&<+,)-&'$F"(+#)( . !"#$%&'(" !"#$%"&$#'()(*"#%&"+
. !"##$%&:5#")-&'$6'<$=)-:+#6)-&'

Figure 5
Well Placement Components and Workflow. Having a well defined process in place enables repeatability and
consistency in delivering results.
20 IADC/SPE 155056

!"#$%&'()#*%+,-.')#/,&-0'
1 *%23'204%2-(#2%25-64+708-(#
0%%(9
1 :0.-04;.-,84<#42=%.+-04%2

>"#?4,#?'0'.+42-04%2
1 @64+708-(#4+-;42;#0%%(9
1 :0.7<07.'#42=%.+-04%2

A"#?490-2<'#0%#B%72&-.C
1 D'+%0'#&'0'<04%2#0%%(
1 D'9'.3%4.#E2=%.+-04%2

!"#

Figure 6
The 3 Well Placement Methods - Each method uses a different type of Logging While Drilling data, and takes into
account a different level of geosciences information.
IADC/SPE 155056 21

Figure 7
Showing PeriScope boundary mapping tool with 360° directional sensitivity and 6m+ (21 ft+) boundary detection
range. The inclined receivers and transverse transmitter are indicated, and provide directional measurements
which are independent of dip and anisotropy, allowing proactive well placement and steering decisions in real
time. The multi-spacing and multi-frequency azimuthal and deep measurements also provide early warning of
approaching boundaries and the best steering direction to stay in the “sweet spot”, as well as avoiding exiting the
reservoir. Fully compensated LWD propagations measurements, azimuthal GR and APWD measurements are
also incorporated into the tool.
22 IADC/SPE 155056

Figure 8

Inversion Processing to determine Distance to Boundary (DTB) using deep, directional measurements in real
time. All available real time measurements are inverted for a simple three layer model.

An algorithm runs multiple hierarchical models, from simple to the most complex, with up to six parameters,
including distance to two shoulder beds, anisotropic bed resistivity, and two shoulder bed resistivity values.

The process of generating the formation image is fully automated and requires no user interaction.

The inversion is done point by point, while drilling – finding the simplest model that fits the incoming PeriScope
data. The cycle keeps repeating itself: stream next incoming data packet, find the model that best fits the data,
invert for DTB and repeat the whole cycle again until the entire horizontal section is successfully placed.
IADC/SPE 155056 23

%&'(),-.$/0#12$-1#" !"##$%&'()&)
!"##$
%&'(*+&

34$5678

Figure 9
Well Correlation between vertical offset wells (L5A-195 & L5A-232) and L5A-NR-26 Hz Pilot hole with the X0
reservoir target indicated, showing some lateral thickness variations, but apparent homogenous quality of the X0
reservoir.
24 IADC/SPE 155056

Figure 10
Bottom Hole Assembly with Multiple Conveyance Resistivity (MCR*) as used in the 8 !” Pilot and the 8 !”
Landing Sections, showing measure points for the principal sensors.
IADC/SPE 155056 25

Figure 11
It shows real-time log correlations between the pilot and landing phase of the L5A-NR-26Hz well. The landing
point is indicated at 1712m MD, 1596.12 m TVD. Also displayed at the landing section TD is the mud log used to
confirm the top of X0 reservoir through oil shows and rock cuttings.
26 IADC/SPE 155056

!"#$#%$&$%'(()*+( ,-*."/".(0 (1"2 /(%$-"

?2--2 (!2 '()*+(, -*."/".(0 (1"2/ (%$ -"

!"#$$%&'( ")*%+(,"-

)23.$3+ (4*$3%(
2%(5657(-(8 9(
.$)//%&' 0")*%+( ,"- :5;< =( -(89>

Figure 12
The final reservoir properties and structural model of the landing section (RTGS model) is updated by a
comparison of the LWD real time logs with the modeled log response (Model, Compare, Update method) while
drilling. This model complements the real time TVD correlation between wells during landing as seen in Figure 11
and was then used as the initial model for drilling the lateral section in real time. The bottom panel, is the Curtain
Section, and shows the main planned and drilled trajectories, as well as principal markers along the well azimuth.
At the top is the Horizontal Log Display which allows the modeled log responses to be compared to the actual real
time logs while drilling.
IADC/SPE 155056 27

8$&' &.' #' .3) ,(4)%$& 5("& $)1(+$, '"4

9' %$7.' ("2,)8 $&'& .'#'.3), (4)%$&5( "&$)1(+ $,'" 4

:' "2,)%$& $%#(' %)5%(5 $%.3)2"+)& .%;7.;%2, )

1( +$, )0% (1),2" +'" 4)& $7.' ("

!"#$%&'(")*(+$,)-'./).-()0(%12.'(")
,23$%&)2,("4)5,2""$+),2.$%2,)
.%26$7.(%3)&$7.'("

!"# ()*

+%,- .,/# *).,(#%(# 0102# !"# $%&'

3#45#607893# :;5< =>%, ,'-#>%('?%># (?%@'A()?B#
0C2#3#$'>)D#(E'# ()*# )F#(E '#
!"#? '&'?G).?

Figure 13
Pre-lateral log simulation of GR and resistivity as well as deep directional resistivity measurements prior to drilling
the lateral). The Curtain Sections and Horizontal Log Display shows resistivity inversion using a 2 layer formation
model, confirming the ability of the PeriScope tool to detect and map the X0 upper boundary above the length of
the planned trajectory,. up to the maximum 2 m TVD distance above the trajectory, as well as detecting the X0
base at greater than a 3 m TVD distance below it.
28 IADC/SPE 155056

$*&*2'/34567894:

"%; 2'/34 5<78<4 :

"'&%)/'*;4 @4A;)1'; >/'*; 4D(0&-%3E49F7B94:4

=>::>4?>34957<54 :

? %2'2/'-'/ 34 87<64 :

$"4"@A4579<4 :

$"4=?4 97BC4 :

!"# ( .*&/$012% $%&'()*+% $*,%&"&'-%

Figure 14
Bottom Hole Assembly for the 6” Lateral Section. This integrated solution combines continuous rotating bottom
hole assembly (PowerDrive), bed boundary mapping and real-time image tool (PeriScope) and Azimuthal
Density-Neutron (ADN), showing measure points for the principal sensors.
IADC/SPE 155056 29

Figure 15
It shows the real time mapping of the actual upper and lower boundaries of the X0 sand along the trajectory used
to navigate the lateral section for well L5A-NR-26Hz in the Curtain Section. The well was able to be placed 1-2
meter below the top of X0 sand reservoir throughout its length. Also indicated is the approach to the possible gas
cap at the end of the well, and the interval in which the planned trajectory, would have been outside the reservoir.
30 IADC/SPE 155056

Figure 16
The Geology Model based on density image interpretation in –confirms the X0 sandstones reservoir is a
heterogeneous sand with various channel thickness and sand bodies. It shows the reservoir quality varying in the
smaller sand bodies, and improving in the larger. Dip analysis shows true dips of 4-10 degrees in NNE direction,
with the well cutting across the channel with approx. 100 degrees azimuth.