Measurement While Michael F.

Medeiros

Shell Offshore, Inc.

Drilling New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.A.

INTRODUCTION drilling are commonly being used to supplement or replace

wireline logs for formation evaluation and geological
Measurement while drilling (MWD) technology provides correlation in high risk or high cost operations.
downhole evaluation of formation gamma ray, resistivity, and
porosity while drilling is in progress. Mechanical parameters Formation Evaluation
such as the following are also measured and recorded for well
surveillance: Formation evaluation using MWD technology has several
advantages over conventional wireline log methods:
Well deviation and azimuth
Rate of penetration (ROP) • Because MWD measurements are made soon after the
Weight and torque on bit interval has been penetrated by the bit, the effects of
invasion fluids are reduced. By minimizing the effects
of invasion, a more reliable evaluation of critical
DATA ACQUISITION

Downhole MWD hardware consists of sensors built into a

drill collar positioned near the bit (Figure 1). Electrical energy Pressure Relief Sub
for the system is provided by a battery pack or generated by a Protective Screen
small turbine.
In a battery pack MWD system, information is recorded
Signal Transmitter
and stored downhole in the microprocessor. The data are
retrieved when the MWD collar is brought to the surface and
are transferred to the computer in the logging unit for
additional processing.
In a typical turbine-powered "real time" MWD system,
data are sent directly to the surface by mud telemetry, which
utilizes the column of fluid inside the drill pipe as a
transmission line for digital acoustic signals. Downhole
measurements recorded by the sensors are transmitted
through the mud as positive or negative pressure pulses or as
a continuous, fixed-frequency pressure wave.
The mud telemetry signals are detected with pressure
transducers in the standpipe. The digital signals are then Direction (Azimuth)
recorded by a computer. Data are converted to engineering
units and processed to generate depth- or time-based output. Inclination(Drift)

Full Gauge Stabilizer

DATA DISPLAY

At the wellsite, information is displayed on video monitors ~-

located in the logging unit or at other locations around the rig. - Annular Temperature
Real time MWD data can also be transmitted via telephone "Short Normal"
22' " Resistivity
modem to a remote location where drilling progress can be
monitored by the development geologist, engineering Gamma Ray
personnel, and management.
13'
Hardcopy directional plots and well logs can be produced Stand Off

•E
at specified scales and annotated with mechanical and II' Turbine-Alternator
geological information (Figures 2 and 3). Downhole
Weight on Bit /Torque
APPLICATIONS IV Saver Sub

Measurement while drilling technology has become an

important tool for reservoir evaluation in the past 10 years. Figure 1. Location of MWD hardware (not drawn to scale). (From
Gamma ray, resistivity, and porosity logs obtained during Anadrill, 1988.)
 Measurement While Drilling 89

FORMATION LOGGING SERVICE

IROTARY MODE)
UMWMT UffUflED lESSHVITY MMUUR TCMKRMUK DOMNHQU WCKHT ON «T
API
» M

SHOW MMML KSBTIWTY DMMHOU romut SURFACE HUM ON IIT

ONMft. »* . » M M « N M #001 *

IN FM3

IS 7 TSM

it i IS* PUT

at i ist rs74

»• o 111 Nil

IT i

II • i n rem
II 0 111 TMt

31 1 i s * rwi

M * (31 TM«

M I 1 J« 197%

13* 13* 7T71

M 3 !*• Pr*i

J* 1 133 M»»

St. I IU m>
31 ft 1ST »••-

SO 4 1ST ?«M

*• 7 »3« «•*

»* 113 M>34

*» • 1 Sf Mlttr

»>.T t3t 1130

ift.i IS* H»4

»•» lit S30*

H 0 133 VIM

14.1 us mr

HI »»4 M M

1J I 1J4 «4M

tl.l 114 M M

Figure 2. Hardcopy plot of MWD data. (From Anadrill, 1988.)

formation properties can be achieved.
In directionally drilled wells, where hole angles can
deviate as much as 80° from vertical, wireline logs are
often difficult and very costly to obtain. In these
situations, MWD data may provide the only permanent
record of the borehole. MWD logs also provide
"insurance" in the event a well must be abandoned due
to mechanical reasons.
The electrode spacing and slower penetration rate of
the MWD tool provide a larger number of samples per
foot. The increased sample density often results in
better resolution of thin beds, particularly with
electromagnetic propagation resistivity tools. Because
the logging speed is dependent on the rate of
penetration, drilling can be controlled through zones of
interest to obtain maximum resolution.
Geological Correlation
Prior to MWD technology, drilling time plots or rate of
penetration (ROP) plots were used for geological correlation
while drilling was in progress. These plots can be difficult to
use, particularly in complex areas, because penetration rate
can be controlled by mechanical parameters. With a MWD
gamma ray or resistivity log, correlation with offset wells is
much more reliable.
Measurement while drilling logs have been used
90 PART 3—WELLSITE METHODS

successfully for geological correlation by providing the

following functions:
FOHM

MWD TIME
Interred Mhology Irom
LAG TIME
Vended Lithotogy
REAL TIME 1. Determination of coring points—Prediction of lithology
Lilhology
GR FORS. FORM, from Segmenlauon ahead of the bit is critical when selecting prospective
ResiSrvrry Cuttings Description
intervals for coring. With MWD log data, the geologist
can obtain a more reliable correlation and can select
core points with more confidence. This reduces the risk
of missing critical formation tops or coring intervals
that are not essential for geological or reservoir
evaluation.
2. Selection of optimum casing and total well depths—
Accurate and timely selection of casing and total well
depth become extremely important when the
possibility of penetrating abnormally pressured zones
exists. This condition often requires extra rig time to
circulate and condition the drilling mud or, in the worst
case, results in drill pipe sticking and expensive fishing
operations (see the chapter on "Fishing" in Part 3).
3. Determination of kick-off point(s) for sidetrack wells—The
decision to sidetrack or redrill a well to a more
favorable location can be made immediately if MWD
data show the objective section to be poorly developed,
faulted out, or drained. This often results in
considerable cost savings by preventing unnecessary
drilling below the objective interval and by eliminating
the need for wireline logs.
4. Determination of kick-off'point(s) for horizontal wells—
MWD logs are used for correlation with offset data and
for directional planning in complex horizontal wells.
With real time information obtained near the bit,
borehole deviation and azimuth are continuously
monitored and corrected to obtain the optimum angle
of penetration. This helps ensure that the horizontal
wellbore stays on target and within the desired
Figure 3. Composite lithological log from MWD data. (From reservoir interval.
Schlumberger, 1989.) 5. Aid in "steering" highly deviated and horizontal wells—
Using a real time MWD system, the geologist and field
personnel can monitor the well path as the objectives
are penetrated. The geologist is therefore better
equipped to make important cost-saving decisions and
provide management with the most recent
interpretation and well strategy.