SPE 67756
Innovations in Reservoir Navigation
J. Coghill, Baker Hughes INTEQ, SPE, M Benefield, A Poppitt, J. Skillings, all Baker Hughes INTEQ
Copyright 2001, SPE/IADC Drilling Conference
This paper was prepared for presentation at the SPE/IADC Drilling Conference held in
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Abstract
In order to maximize recoverable reserves in both new
marginal satellite developments and bypassed oil in mature
fields it is vital that a horizontal wellbore is optimally
positioned within the reservoir. Recent innovations in drilling
technology, three dimensional (3-D) visualization and logging
while drilling (LWD) sensors have been integrated into a
Reservoir Navigation Service focusing on maximizing the
value recovered from every geosteered well.
Introduction
Standard geosteering techniques based on layer cake resistivity
response modelling1,2,3 have proven to be inadequate for the
complex geology of the North Sea. To effectively geosteer
these fields a range of innovative techniques have been
devised to achieve optimal wellbore placement. In this paper
we review four recent successful geosteering projects
illustrating the key benefits of developing project specific
solutions as summarised below.
• Integration of the earth model into the wellplanning
and wellsite geosteering process significantly reduced
time and cost involved. The use of wellsite 3-D
visualization assisted the entire asset team in realising
the goals of the project.
• Near bit Formation Evaluation sensors4 were used to
characterize formation dip and ensure effective
navigation within the reservoir utilizing the improved
steerability of Rotary Closed Loop Steerable (RCLS)
drilling systems.5
• Advanced processing and unique interpretation of
LWD propagation resistivity data confirmed fracture
identification in a fractured chalk reservoir prior to
completion6.
• Four horizontal wells were accurately placed within a
3 to 10ft thick zone for a carbonate reservoir gas
storage project by geosteering on effective porosity.
These case histories are used to demonstrate how
geosteering in complex North Sea reservoirs requires field
specific techniques to be developed for both the planning and
successful execution of a project.
Earth Model Integration into Planning and Drilling
Wellplanning
Conventional wellplanning techniques require the Geoscience
team to select a number of targets defined by their location in
3-D space. The Drilling team then attempt to construct a
wellplan satisfying these targets which also takes account of
necessary engineering limitations such as torque and drag, dog
leg severity (DLS), the practical limitations of proposed
drilling tools and completion requirements. To achieve a
wellplan that is acceptable to both Geoscience and
Engineering needs, an iterative process requiring numerous
adjustments is commonly used before a definitive wellplan is
approved.
To improve efficiency and reduce time and costs involved
in generating an approved wellplan it is necessary to develop a
service integrating wellplanning into the 3-D earth model.
A recent proposal from a North Sea operator required the
Directional Drilling / LWD contractor to construct a 3-D
faulted geological model centred on a proposed horizontal
well. Once an accurate model had been built and verified then
the well was planned from the reservoir upwards based on the
geological objectives supplied by the operator. The objectives
were defined as stratigraphic well position within the Brent
sequence for a specific fault block, e.g. in fault block 3 the
well should remain in the Ranoch formation as opposed to
conventional wellplanning where a geometric target is
specified (Fig. 1).
This method allowed the contractor to verify that the well
met the geological objectives whilst ensuring the well
remained within the operating constraints required for drilling
and completion. A single meeting was required between
contractor and key operator personnel from both Geoscience
and Drilling disciplines to provide any further input, fine
tuning of the wellpath was possible during the meeting
ensuring wellplanning costs and time were kept to a minimum.
2 J. Coghill, M. Benefield, A. Poppitt and J. Skillings
The Earth Model in the Drilling Phase
It is important that the geosteering team recognise limitations
of relying solely on a 3-D model7 by considering the
uncertainties inherent in the model. Geological uncertainty is
dependent on both the interpretation and quality of the seismic
data and the quantity and accuracy of data from offset control
wells. Typically geological uncertainties of the order +/-10ft to
+/-100 ft in true vertical depth (TVD) can be expected.
Borehole position uncertainty is also a significant factor
that affects the accuracy of control well data and can introduce
large lateral and TVD uncertainty in horizontal and extended
reach wells. Typically TVD uncertainty can be of the range +/-
10 ft in shallow horizontal wells to +/- 100 ft in deep ERD
wells, similarly a range of lateral uncertainties of +/- 50 ft to
+/- 500 ft left or right can exist.
On this project the Reservoir Navigation Supervisors were
located in the contractor office with a real-time data link from
the wellsite to provide a live feed of LWD data as the well was
drilled. As LWD information identified geological horizons,
the earth model was modified to honour the new data. The
updated model was used to visualize whether any adjustments
to the well trajectory were required to ensure geological
objectives were achieved.
Efficient Geosteering with a Rotary Steerable System
Geological Objectives
Chevron Europe Limited’s Alba field is an Eocene Turbidite
reservoir in the Central North Sea, the reservoir is
characterized by clean unconsolidated sand with allochthonous
intra reservoir shales. Recent four-dimensional (4D) seismic
identified a sand lobe on the structure, which required a single
horizontal well to effectively drain the area. Figure 2
illustrates how a complex 3-D wellpath is required to
maximise recovery from the sand lobe.
Steerability
Conventional drilling technology has proved to be unable to
achieve both the required 4° DLS and 30° azimuthal turn in
the horizontal plane necessary for this well. To perform
precise 3-D geosteering in the unconsolidated Alba sands it
was necessary to utilize a Rotary Closed Loop Steerable
drilling system. A typical rotary sterable BHA is illustrated in
Fig. 3.
The rotary steerable system integrates precise steering control
with near bit LWD sensors. The LWD sub located 15ft behind
the bit consist of 2 azimuthal gamma ray sensors and a
Multiple Propagation Resistivity (MPRTM) array providing up
to 4 resistivity measurements, all at differing depths of
investigation. Using the 2 MHz and unique 400 kHz multiple
frequency resistivity measurements, early bed boundary
detection and avoidance is possible. Further to this, a near-bit
inclination measurement located 3ft from the bit provides
excellent well trajectory monitoring.
IADC/SPE 67756
Geosteering
Whilst drilling the 8 ½” horizontal section the well intersected
a 300ft shale section with minimal warning from the deep
reading LWD resistivity. Such a log response is typical when
formations have a high apparent dip. To improve net to gross
it was decided to sidetrack the well, additional information
characterizing the shale body was required for planning the
sidetrack. Two independent LWD measurements were used to
calculate the apparent dip of the shale body and hence evaluate
whether sidetracking below this shale was viable.
Further processing of the multiple depth of investigation
real-time resistivity data resulted in a plot of distance to bed
boundary to be calculated across the shale body of interest.
Using this information in conjunction with the well trajectory
data an apparent formation dip can be calculated as shown in
Figs. 4 & 5.
A second more direct measurement utilizing the azimuthal
gamma ray sensors can be used to validate the calculated
apparent dip. This method involves conducting an oriented
azimuthal gamma test over the formation boundary and
applying some basic trigonometry to calculated apparent
formation dip as illustrated in Fig. 6.
A comparison of the results of the two methods is shown
below.
Method Apparent Dip
Resistivity 19° to 22°
Azimuthal Gamma Ray 18° to 22°
Based on these findings a deeper sidetrack was unlikely to
result in a significant reduction in length of shale penetrated
and hence the sidetrack well was planned to drill through this
particular shale zone.
Towards the ‘toe’ of the well, inclination was built to 95°
inclination in order to place well higher in the structure and
additionally to intercept the top reservoir as a seismic tie in
point. Figure 7 below illustrates how the deep reading
resistivity measurement provides early warning of approach to
the bed boundary. Once the bed boundary was crossed the
resistivity distance to bed method was used to further
characterize the reservoir with an apparent formation dip at the
intersect point.
Results
A combination of effective geosteering and precise well
placement using rotary steerable drilling technology achieved
results not possible with conventional drilling technology.
Figure 8 (Courtesy of Chevron Europe Ltd.) shows the actual
sidetrack scenario. Figure 8a describes the situation prior to
drilling with the requirement to access more attic oil. Figure
8b shows the “conventional” approach rejected due to the
inability to steer the well optimally. Figure 8c shows the
reservoir in plan view, highlighting the true benefit achieved
IADC/SPE 67756 Innovations in Reservoir Navigation
from the application of RCLS technology with the change in
azimuth as well as TVD allowing increased reservoir
exposure. Finally Fig. 8d represents the resultant side view
with the succesful sidetrack well paced in the optimal higher
position accessing the previously untapped attic oil and
penetrating approximately 500 ft of additional reservoir. This
not only resulted in a potential for additional recovery of up to
1 million barrels of oil but also provided a much lower and
later water cut further enhancing production.
Fracture Identification from LWD
Geological Objectives
Ranger Oil (U.K.) Limited’s Kyle field is a salt diapir feature
with reservoirs of Late Cretaceous - Palaeocene chalk and
sandstone around the flanks of the salt stock. The main
reservoir is formed by the fractured chalks of the Ekofisk, Tor
and Mackerel Formations, deposited by the pelagic settling of
calcareous planktonic algae together with variable amounts of
suspended clay material. The trapping of the hydrocarbons
encountered in Kyle is considered to be due to a structural
closure and pinch-out associated with the salt diapir. The
shales of the Montrose and Moray Groups provide top seal.
The horizonal well was to be drilled at 6750 ft true vertical
depth sub sea (TVDSS) for maximum stand-off from both the
oil water contact (OWC) and gas oil contact (GOC). The well
was to be positioned using a combination of geosteering and
biosteering techniques on an initial bearing of 318°.
As the Kyle reservoir is located on the flanks of a steeply
dipping salt diapir, a change in azimuth was more effective
than a change in the vertical plane to change stratigraphic
position. A left turn toward the north would result in an
increase in stratigraphic depth, whereas a right turn to the west
would have the consequence of decreasing stratigraphic depth.
The chalk reservoir interval is expected to have a porosity
in the region of 15-20 % and a matrix permeability of
approximately 0.5 milli darcies (mD). Success of the well was
dependent on intersecting and identifting high permeability,
open fracture zones.
Pre-well Modelling
The pre-well planning phase falls into two categories. Using 3-
D visualization as a check of the proposed horizontal wellplan
versus reservoir structure is conducted to ensure the wellplan
fullfills geological, drilling and completion criteria. Once a
wellplan is approved then construction of forward resistivity
models for use in analyzing the actual horizontal resistivity
response can begin.
3-D Visualization
A 3-D geological model of the entire Kyle Field was built
using the Sele, Ekofisk and Zechstein seismic reflectors. In
addition to the construction of the rock model existing offset
wellpaths were imported. From this point any proposed
horizontal wellplan could be imported. By taking a wellpath
3
slice of such a plan the suitability, in terms of stratigraphic
positioning and drain length, could be assessed.
The proposed wellplan (Figs. 9 and 10) has a constant
azimuth in the horizontal section, this particular plan gave the
best chance of remaining within the Chalk Group over the 8
½" horizontal hole section. Once within the reservoir pro-
active geosteering using LWD and biostratigraphic correlation
would be used to keep the well within the desired stratigraphic
zones.
Resistivity Response Modelling
Conventional forward resistivity response modelling
techniques showed that the resistivity contrast between the
overlying Maureen Formation and the Chalk reservoir is poor.
In terms of resistivity response, there is no advanced warning
of the well approaching the Maureen Formation from within
the chalk. However as the Zechstein salts exhibit extremely
high resistivity, advanced warning of 150 feet measured depth
may be used to avoid entering the salt.
Geosteering
At rigsite geosteering falls naturally into two distinct phases:
The ‘landing phase’ which is largely one of correlation, and
where required adjustment of the well trajectory to enter the
reservoir at the correct inclination and azimuth. Once within
the reservoir the second phase of geosteering follows the
principals of keeping the well within the desired reservoir
stratigraphy. At all times proposed changes to well trajectory
must consider both drilling and completion criteria.
Throughout both phases the analysis of available datasets,
including 3-D models, LWD, biostratigraphy, drill cuttings
and gas are all used to help determine the forward plan. The
wellsite Reservoir Navigation Supervisor is the natural
interface between geological and drilling disciplines both on
and offshore and hence provides a regularly updated report,
including customized visualizations of the well position within
the reservoir.
Using resistivity geosteering to determine proximity to the
salt in addition to Biostratigraphic steering to identify position
within the chalk the well was steered for 2738 ft with in the
chalk group with a 6° azimuthal trajectory change required to
minimize exposure to overlying zones.
Fracture Identification from LWD Resistivity
In addition to the geosteering evaluation and advice, further
work was undertaken to assist with fracture detection. Fixed
depth resistivity processing8 was applied to the resistivity
measurements. This proved to be a useful tool with which to
analysize the fractured zones encountered within the reservoir.
At rigsite the integration of the fixed depth resistivity data
with the mud loss monitoring data, meant a model could be
constructed that allowed fractures to be pinpointed realtime.
This helped with the placement of lost circulation material
(LCM) plugs used to limit losses and formation damage.
Following tough logging conditions (TLC) logging the LWD
based fracture analysis was integrated with the borehole
4 J. Coghill, M. Benefield, A. Poppitt and J. Skillings
image, sonic velocity and waveform information. This
comprehensive dataset was then used to select perforation
intervals.
Results
The identified fracture zones were perforated but due to
problems with equipment only 4 zones were sucessfully
stimulated at the time of the well test. This resulted in a test
rate of 9750 bopd with no water. The production rate was
constrained by surface equipment and the calculated well PI is
approximately 20 times greater than previous wells on the
field.
Porosity Geosteering in a thin carbonate zone.
Geological Objectives
The depleted Alkmaar Field, North of Amsterdam,
Netherlands is used as a gas storage facility for a Dutch gas
company and is operated by B.P. A four well drilling
campaign was required to increase gas storage volume to
supply the grid at times of peak demand. The Platten
Dolomite reservoir generally has poor reservoir characteristics,
however zones of high porosity and permeability exist within
the reservoir. These zones are extremely thin but have good
lateral continuity and excellent reservoir properties. One such
zone had been selected as the primary target for this drilling
campaign. This zone was termed zone 2 and was between 3
and 10 ft thick as illustrated in Fig. 11.
Geosteering
As the Platten Dolomite has a very high resistivity, around
1000 Ohmm, and poor resistivity contrast between high and
low porosity zones it was necessary to use porosity
measurements to geosteer the well.
Pre-well modelling focused on identifying stratigraphic
porosity character and subdividing the sequence into typical
units. At the wellsite the LWD data was used real-time to
perform basic petrophysical analysis such as effective
porosity, water saturation and net pay. These calculations in
addition to drilling parameters, gas and cuttings data were all
used to identify current stratigraphic position and decide upon
necessary well trajectory adjustments. Refinements to the
seismic and stratigraphic model were required whilst the wells
were being drilled to ensure optimal well placement.
The first well, BKM7, was drilled to geometric targets and
proved to have an insufficient net to gross ratio. This well was
sidetracked, BKM7St, and geosteered which led to a much
improved net to gross ratio. For the third well a pilot hole was
drilled at the heel of the well and the lateral section geosteered
leading to a further improvement in net to gross. Geosteering
techniques were further refined for the final well, where a
tangent section was drilled to land the well in zone 2 prior to
geosteering, again leading to a further improved net to gross
ratio as illustrated in Fig. 12.
Advantages of a Project Based Approach
The wells were batch drilled, with the 4 reservoir sections
IADC/SPE 67756
drilled within a period of less than three months. A focused
wellsite team is required to continuously monitor and interpret
all available data sets, update the reservoir model and make
pro-active geosteering decisions. Continuity of personnel for
both the pre-well planning phase and whilst drilling the four
wells ensured that all lessons learned were remembered and
built upon for the next well as can be illustrated in Fig 13.
Conclusions
The four examples above illustrate the key factors required for
succesfull Reservoir Navigation as outlined below.
1 Wellplanning must integrate both Geological objectives
and practical Drilling and Completion constraints and
should include contingency planning for uncertainty.
Planning should take place in the 3-D earth model.
2 Selection of optimal LWD sensors for application
dependent on reservoir characteristics.
3 Selection of a drilling system which will provide precise
well placement and equired steerability.
4 The Reservoir Navigation Supervisor, acting as wellsite
focal point must be fully aware of well objectives and
provide pro-active advice based on interpretation of data
to Geoscience team.
5 Ideally the Reservoir Navigation Supervisor will be
involved in both the planning and drilling phases
providing vital continuity to the wellsite team.
These examples highlight how each field development has
different well placement concerns requiring specific solutions
that can be best delivered by a dedicated team focused on
wellbore position within the reservoir.
Acknowledgements
The authors wish to thank all operators who have allowed
general reference to be made to their wells. We wish to thank
Chris Bell of Chevron Europe Ltd, Duncan Wade of Ranger
Oil (U.K.) Ltd. and Joris De Moor of BP for allowing
reference to specific wells. We also wish to thank Derek Allan
of Baker Hughes INTEQ for reviewing the paper, assisting
with formatting and acting as correspondent with the SPE.
IADC/SPE 67756 Innovations in Reservoir Navigation 5

References

1. Schroder, T “Geosteering Methods” SPWLA Meeting on

Reservoir Characterization Using Image Logs and MWD,
Houston, Texas, 5th June 1996.

2. Meyer, W.H “New Two Frequency Propagation Resistivity

Tools” presented at the SPWLA 36th Annual Logging
Symposium, June 26th to 29th, 1995.

3. Allen, D., Dennis, B., Edwards, J., et al “Modeling Logs

for Horizontal Well Planning & Evaluation” Schlumberger
Oilfield Review, winter 1995.

4. Meyer, W.H., Wu, J.Q., Macune, D.T. and Harvey, P.R,

“Near-Bit Propagation Resistivity for Reservoir
Navigation” presented at the SPE 69th Annual Technical
Conference, September 25th-28th 1994, paper SPE 28318.

5. Johnstone, J., Allan, D., “Realizing True Value from

Rotary Steerable Systems” presented at SPE Offshore
Europe, September 5th – 10th 1999, paper SPE 56958

6. Benefield, M., Dempsey, P., Glass, C., Reiter, S.,

Skillings, J., Williams, C. and Wade, D. “A Fractured Life
– A Case Study From The Chalk Of Kyle Field, Central
North Sea.” Presented at The Petroleum Group of The
Geological Society Meeting, Hydrocarbons in Low
Permeability Reservoirs: Exploration, Evaluation and
Production, 16th-17th February 1999, London.

7. Phillips, C.C., Clarke, D.C., An, L.Y.”Reservoir

Exploitation Technology – 3-D Modelling & Horizontal
Wells” American Oil & Gas Reporter, September 1996.

8. Allan, D., Cooper, G., “Advanced MWD Resistivity

Provides Quantitative Invasion Profile – A North Sea
Case History” presented at SPWLA European Formation
Evaluation Symposium, 8th – 11th September 1998,
Moscow
6 J. Coghill, M. Benefield, A. Poppitt and J. Skillings IADC/SPE 67756

Fault Block 3
remain in Ranoch

Fig. 1 Wellplanning in the 3-D model

Target Sand Lobe

Proposed Well

Fig.2. Proposed wellpath & target sand lobe.

IADC/SPE 67756 Innovations in Reservoir Navigation 7

Caliper Corrected Neutron Porosity

Optimized Rotational Density Sensor

& Acoustic Caliper

Directional Survey Sensor

Fig. 4 Resistivity V Geological Cross-Section

Multiple Propagation Resistivity

(MPR TM) & Azimuthal Gamma
Ray

Fig. 5 Apparent dip from distance to bed calculations

Steering Unit & Near Bit Inclination

Fig. 3. AutoTrakTM Rotary Closed Loop Steerable System. Fig. 6 Apparent dip from azimuthal gamma test
8 J. Coghill, M. Benefield, A. Poppitt and J. Skillings IADC/SPE 67756

Fig. 7 Illustration of early warning from deep resistivity of approaching reservoir roof.

A23z Re-drill Scenario

A23z failed = re-drill required Without turn = short completion

Re-drill without
Autotrak
Top Sand

Base Sand A23z

a b
Turn & build accesses high sand Plan view

A23z re-drill A23z

120’

With Autotrak OBC

A23z re-drill high
d c
• Use of Autotrak on A23z = Increased recoverable reserves by 1 mmbbls

Fig. 8 Alba A23z re-drill options.

IADC/SPE 67756 Innovations in Reservoir Navigation 9

Fig. 11 Zone 2 of Platten Dolomite Reservoir

Fig. 9 Kyle Reservoir

Fig. 10 Kyle Reservoir with cross section cut at proposed Fig. 12 Comparison of Net to Gross ratios on the Alkmaar
TVDSS of horizontal well project.
10 J. Coghill, M. Benefield, A. Poppitt and J. Skillings IADC/SPE 67756

Fig. 13 Comparison of Pay on the Alkmaar project