SPE-196419-MS

Reservoir Productivity Assessment Using Advanced Formation Evaluation,

Image Logs and Formation Testing and Sampling Methods: A Case Study

Iman Firdaus, Luhut Gultom, Anwar Sadat, I Made A. Sutha Negara, and Hotma Yusuf, Saka Indonesia Pangkah
Limited; Jack Harfoushian, Dedi Juandi, Merza Adeyosfi, Rinaldi Sudarwoto, Febrian Wibowo, Bambang Herianto,
and Rudi Hartanto, Schlumberger

Copyright 2019, Society of Petroleum Engineers

This paper was prepared for presentation at the SPE/IATMI Asia Pacific Oil & Gas Conference and Exhibition held in Bali, Indonesia, 29-31 October 2019.

This paper was selected for presentation by an SPE program committee following review of information contained in an abstract submitted by the author(s). Contents
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Abstract
Saka Indonesia's primary objective of drilling an appraisal well offshore North-East Java was to accurately
assess productivity of the three main reservoirs discovered by the exploration well drilled in the Pangkah
Block. This paper details the integration of advanced formation evaluation procedures and interpretation
of image logs with novel formation testing methods, which were used to plan and optimise drill stem tests
(DST) conducted across the three reservoirs.
Deployed on wireline, formation evaluation and electrical borehole image logs were acquired in open hole
of the exploration well. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and image logs were processed simultaneously
in near real time to facilitate the planning of the subsequent formation pressure testing and fluid sampling
program. Using the recently introduced advanced formation testing technology, reservoir deliverability was
accurately established, in addition to characterising fluids insitu and obtaining reservoir fluid samples.
Interpreted results of data acquired on wireline from different logging runs were integrated and
consequently used to optimise the well testing program across the intercepted heterogeneous and low
permeability limestone reservoirs. In addition to determining porosities, free fluid volumes and the range of
permeabilities, Drill Stem Test (DST) zones were confidently defined using the free water levels ascertained
by constructed vertical pressure profiles. As a result, DST measurements matched the permeability and
productivity estimations across the three pay zones.
The integrated approach of formation evaluation, textural analysis and permeability and productivity
measurements enabled the evaluation of three complex limestone reservoirs discovered in this field, which
included secondary porosities and interconnected vugs. These results were ultimately verified and confirmed
by the well tests conducted across the three reservoirs.

Introduction
This paper examines the integration workflow of various advanced wireline log measurements acquired
across carbonate reservoirs in a single well, in order to optimise subsequent drill stem tests required for
confirming and recognising reserves.
2 SPE-196419-MS

The studied well is located offshore in the Pangkah PSC East Java region of Indonesia. The field is
named Tambakboyo (Figure 1) and it is the third field in Pangkah block besides the nearby Ujung Pangkah
and Sidayu fields. Discovered in 2018 by Saka Energi Indonesia, the Tambakboyo field contains two oil
columns with thicknesses of approximately 180 ft (gross) in Kujung-I reservoir and 200 ft (gross) in CD
Ngimbang reservoir.

Figure 1—Location of the studied well, indicated by the red arrow

The area of study is part of the region located in the North East Java Basin. This is a Tertiary basin
where its history cannot be separated from the history of the structure of the island of Java, and the tectonic
surroundings of the region.

Regional Geology
The Pangkah Block lies within the south-eastern corner of the East Java Basin, a large Tertiary sedimentary
basin which covers ~50,000 km2 in the Java Sea to the north of the east Java coastline. The basin has an
active geodynamic history, initially developing as an oceanic basin along the southern margin of the Sunda
Craton in the pre-Tertiary before the southern volcanic arc, which currently forms the central backbone of
Java, created the current back-arc basin setting. To the west the basin is terminated by the Karimunjawa Arch
and the eastern margins grading into the deep-water environments of the oceanic Lombok, Flores, Salayar
and South Makassar Basins. The shelf area in the southern Makassar straits and northeastern Paternoster
Platform marks the ultimate northern borders of the basin.
Fundamental structures of the basin have been largely controlled by the interactions of the Indo-
Australian, and Sundaland plates, with several intense periods of tectonism creating a structurally complex
area where older tectonic features have been largely overprinted. Initial extension and subsequent
differential basin subsidence in the late Cretaceous and Paleogene formed a series of northeast-southwest
trending grabens and half grabens along the south-eastern edge of the Sunda shield. Later structural
development from the Miocene onwards reflects the complex interaction of the three major Australian,
SPE-196419-MS 3

Pacific and Sunda-Eurasion plates characterized by low angle compressional thrusting and inversion of
older extensional features.
The Paleogene Ngimbang Formation marks the onset of Tertiary sedimentation in the newly formed
East Java Basin, with the distribution of Lower Ngimbang sediments controlled by an existing Pre-Tertiary
configuration of roughly northeast / southwest oriented half grabens. The fluvio-deltaic and lacustrinal
clastic sediments filled these fault-controlled basement lows during the Middle to Late Eocene. This unit
is an important potential hydrocarbon source interval with geochemical source typing indicating that it is
the principle source of oil for many of the fields in the basin including Ujung Pangkah, Poleng, KE-2 and
Camar Fields. Ngimbang Formation sedimentation continued into the Early Oligocene with the deposition
of Upper Ngimbang transgressive shales, claystone, minor platform carbonates and rare low relief carbonate
build-ups.
Increasing sea level during the Late Oligocene / Early Miocene deposited the Kujung Formation
carbonates over the Ngimbang sediments and caused the carbonate system to prograde southward and
eastwards, where it was depositing directly on the pre-existing pre-Tertiary basement highs. Differential
subsidence was characterized by an east / west trending Kujung paleo-shelf edge, located in roughly the same
location as the present-day North Java coastline. Patch reefs widely developed to the north and rim shelf-
edge build-ups developed along the shelf edge margin, whereas pinnacle-type reefs occurred on structural
highs to the south in the deeper water basinal areas where sedimentation was predominantly argillaceous
chalky limestones, claystones and marls of the Prupuh Formation (Kujung I time equivalent). Most
localized reefal/mound carbonate development ceased abruptly towards the end of the Early Miocene as
environmental conditions changed with renewed clastic progradation. However, some carbonate structures
continued to grow into the Middle Miocene (Tuban/Rancak Formation) in some outlying areas.
Significant eustatic changes during this time significantly impacted the paleo-environment. A well-
documented regional sea-level drop exposed the sediments in many places, particularly along the built-up
carbonate highs and the subsequent terrestrial erosion lead to widespread karsting. Sea levels remained low
for up to 6 My in some areas, with the varying paleo-topogrophy of the underlying JS-1 ridge controlling
the distribution of the karsting, which is discordant throughout the basin and confined to localized highs.
The Early to Middle Miocene-aged Tuban/Rancak Formation marks the change from the predominantly
carbonate deposition of the Kujung Cycle to mostly fine grained siliciclastics deposited during a major
regressive phase. As with the Kujung Formation, the Tuban shelf edge was also located close to the present-
day North Java coastline albeit slightly to the south. To the north of the shelf edge, an interbedded sequence
of shales, sandstones and limestones were deposited in relatively shallow water whilst to the south deposition
comprised mainly basinal clays and silts with the provenance being the Bawaen High and Sundaland to the
north. During the Middle Miocene the Ngrayong Formation, comprising mainly of shelfal shales, sandstones
and claystones, was deposited over the remaining few isolated Tuban Formation carbonate buildups marking
the end of reef growth. Deep water turbiditic sandstones were also locally deposited, particularly in the
southern part of the region.
Sedimentation continued throughout the Late Miocene with the deposition of shelfal carbonates and
deep water claystones of the Wonocolo Formation, prior to a major tectonic compressional event that
caused widespread uplift and basin inversion at end Miocene times. This tectonic event initiated a series of
regressive and transgressive sedimentary cycles throughout the Plio-Pleistocene (i.e. Kawengan and Lidah
Formations), largely controlled by the emergence of the southern volcanic arc.

Methods
Conventional open-hole formation evaluation logs were acquired first followed by electrical image logs,
as well as sonic and magnetic resonance. The final wireline run was configured for formation testing
and sampling to obtain vertical pressure profiles, identify reservoir fluid types and capture fluid samples
4 SPE-196419-MS

for further detailed analysis. Both the electrical image and magnetic resonance logs were processed
simultaneously to be used for further fine tuning of the formation pressure testing program. Those results
were also used to confirm the selection of the appropriate formation tester probe type. The ultimate goal
was to minimize gaps in the data sets and then integrate the interpreted results from all sources to select
well test intervals and optimize the DST program.

Image Log Processing & Interpretation

The complexity in a carbonate reservoir characterization is mainly related to anisotropy and heterogeneity
of reservoir parameters. Porosity in a carbonate reservoir is varied around the borehole and permeability is
not only related to the value of porosity but also to porosity type (Lucia, 1995).
The advanced secondary porosity analysis method with borehole image logs provides an answer
product with nearly full borehole coverage. This method tackles anisotropy and identifies pore type in
correlation with permeability. The method consists of several steps, including preprocessing and dip
delineation, full image processing, matrix conductivity extraction, heterogeneity delineation and image
porosity classification. This method uses the modified Archie equation in the invaded zone; hence, the
method can be used only in water-based mud systems, as was the case in this well. The result of this method
is a detailed porosity image and classified porosity portion for each pore type (Figure 1).

Figure 2—Left: Workflow for secondary porosity characterization at the single-wellbore scale; Right:
Example of advanced texture and secondary porosity analysis result at the single-wellbore scale.

Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Processing

Raw NMR data was decomposed into separate T2 distribution through inversion, which is the basis of all
NMR petrophysical properties. The area under the NMR T2-distributions is equal to the measured porosity
while the T2 decay time related to some properties of the reservoir such as fluid type and pore sizes. A
T2 cutoff may be applied to the T2-distributions to divide NMR porosity into free-fluid and bound fluid
porosity as well as the volume. NMR permeability can be derived by using the extracted petrophysical
properties into permeability equation such as Timur-Coates (Timur 1968, 1969a, 1969b; Coates and Denoo,
1981) and Schlumberger-Doll-Research (SDR) permeability. In this well, SDR permeability was found to be
the most reliable. The Density-Magnetic Resonance Porosity (DMRP) algorithm also computed to identify
intervals with possible gas/light hydrocarbon indication based on deficit porosity of NMR to DMRP. NMR
T2-distribution may also be used to differentiate pore size distribution by creating binned porosity based
on multiple T2-cut off, since T2-distribution is also a function of fluid response that resides in pores with a
broad range of sizes, with small pores having fast T2 and large pores in late T2 range.
SPE-196419-MS 5

Wireline Formation Testing and Sampling

Wireline Formation Testing (WFT) using conventional probes in low permeability and tight formations is
challenging for both pressure data acquisition and reservoir fluid characterization. Although the commonly
used conventional single probe tools have a faster set and retract time, they are constrained by low
permeability formations because of their relatively small surface area open to flow. As a result, many
tight or lost seal tests are obtained when pressure tests (pretests) are attempted using these probes in low
permeability and tight formations. A better choice in such environments is the recently introduced 3D
radial probe technology which offers a much larger surface area open to flow through its four elongated
ports, circumferentially positioned around a single packer (Harfoushian, 2016). Since its introduction
approximately 7 years ago, this probe has established a strong track record for achieving positive formation
testing and sampling results in low and ultra-low permeability formations. The large surface area together
with its circumferential coverage allows much better control over pressure drawdown while pumping out
from the formation, either for fluid scanning or for capturing representative samples. Modularity of modern
formation testers allows combinability of a single probe together with the 3D radial probe in one tool string,
allowing the flexibility in obtaining reservoir parameters and faster cleanup times in a variety of formation
types and permeability ranges.
Together with a cutting-edge probe system, a modern WFT also requires an advanced Downhole Fluid
Analyzer (DFA) to characterize reservoir fluids insitu, while pumping out or while sampling. The fluid
analyzer used in this well was the latest generation DFA tool which provides formation fluid analysis at
downhole condition with quantitative measurements of hydrocarbon composition (C1, C2, C3-C5, C6+, and
CO2), gas-oil ratio, fluorescence, density, and viscosity. The foundation of this advanced DFA is optical
absorption spectroscopy which consists of a conventional filter array spectrometer as well as a laboratory-
grade grating spectrometer. The filter array spectrometer measures wavelengths in the visible to near-
infrared (Vis-NIR) range from 400 to 2,100nm across 20 channels that indicate the color and molecular
absorptions of the reservoir fluids, and show the main absorption peaks of water and carbon dioxide (CO2).
Meanwhile, the grating spectrometer has 16 channels focused on 1,600 to 1,800nm range, where reservoir
hydrocarbons have characteristic absorptions that reflect molecular structure. This technology expands the
detail of the compositional information, resulting in quantifiable fluid data in real-time (Schlumberger,
2008).

Results and Discussion

Integrating results from the open hole logs including NMR, together with secondary porosity derived from
image logs, and also permeability and productivity estimations from wireline formation tests, a number of
intervals were identified as DST candidates. Following are the results from the main zones where three
separate DSTs were conducted.

DST across interval ‘A’: 5910 – 5930 ft

The processed image results in this interval show very low or negligible secondary porosity. Most of the
porosity in this zone is supported by the matrix where the inter granular porosity is more dominant. The
matrix porosity is relatively high with values around 20p.u. NMR derived porosity ranges between 16 to
31p.u. and permeability is in the range of 5 – 91mD, which corelates well with drawdown mobility results
derived from the formation tester.
6 SPE-196419-MS

Figure 3—Secondary porosity and pore space types from image logs (top) & NMR results across interval
‘A’ (bottom). The NMR derived permeability is relatively low, supported mostly by matrix porosity (Borehole Image)

With the absence of secondary porosity and given that the expected matrix permeability was relatively
low, an advanced 3D radial probe was identified as the optimum probe type to be used with the wireline
formation tester. With its significantly larger surface area open to flow compared to other probe types, as well
as its ability to provide circumferential coverage, the 3D radial probe was able to establish communication
with the reservoir and accurately measure the formation pressure. In addition, a quick analysis of the pressure
drawdown revealed the mobility of the tested zone to be 4.35 mD/cP. This measurement was sufficient to
indicate that flow could be established from this zone and consequently the downhole pump was started.
In total, 147.5 liters of formation fluid was pumped out within 165 minutes throughout the entire fluid
scanning and sampling sequence. Results of the downhole fluid analyzer provided the reservoir fluid type
in real time, which was identified as black oil. In addition to color, fluorescence, density and gas-oil-ratio
(GOR), the advanced fluid analyzer provided a comprehensive compositional analysis of the flowing fluid.
Three samples of formation oil were collected at this interval using the low shock technique and by keeping
the flowing pressure close to formation pressure, to ensure that the sampled oil was not compromised and
was kept in single phase.
SPE-196419-MS 7

In addition to formation pressure and mobility, productivity of the tested interval was also estimated. This
was achieved by constructing the Productivity Index (PI) curve using flow rate and corresponding downhole
flowing pressure. The productivity index results were then upscaled to represent the entire net pay of the
interval, as identified by the open hole and image logs, using the continuous permeability measurements
made by the NMR tool. With pressure and productivity measurements and also by taking into account the
density of the formation oil measured with the fluid analyzer, the potential flow rate of this interval was
estimated at 300 stb/d. During the DST, however, no flow was established to surface. Close analysis of the
cement bond log indicated that water was very likely channeling up from the oil-water contact behind the
casing, due to poor cement.
Even though the DST across this interval was not successful in bringing oil to surface, the integration
of results from formation evaluation and productivity assessment with the wireline formation tester proved
that this was indeed an oil zone with the potential to naturally flow to surface.

Figure 4—Fluid analysis results from wireline formation testing and sampling at interval ‘A’

DST across interval ‘B’: 5770 – 5880 ft

This interval exhibits higher variation in porosity types. Secondary porosity is very well developed at
some intervals, such as across 5880-5865mMD, 5849.7-5810mMD and 5780.8-5766.5mMD. The dominant
secondary porosity in these intervals is interconnected and isolated vugs. NMR porosity values ranged from
10 – 17p.u. with permeability 0.1 – 4.0mD. Formation testing and sampling were conducted at 5775ft where
the NMR results showed an indication of free fluid.
8 SPE-196419-MS

Figure 5—Image log indicating secondary porosity and pore space types (top) and NMR
results over DST interval ‘B’ (bottom). The overall permeability is higher compared
to interval ‘A’ as this interval is supported by interconnected vugs (Borehole Image).

A conventional probe was deployed with the wireline formation testing tool and a valid pressure
measurement was obtained at 5775ft, with a drawdown mobility of 25.5 mD/cP which indicated that flow
could be established from the formation. The downhole pump was consequently started and formation oil
broke through almost immediately. A mixture of water-based mud filtrate and formation oil were pumped
out over the next 23 minutes, totaling 12 liters. Again, as was the case across interval ‘A’, the advanced
downhole fluid analyzer not only identified the formation fluid to be oil but also provided compositional
analysis, as well as fluorescence, GOR and density.
Integrating the formation testing results with formation evaluation and image log analysis indicated that
this zone should naturally flow to surface. Those results were confirmed with the DST across this interval,
which flowed naturally at 694 stb/d. Pressure transient analysis from this DST resulted in an average interval
permeability of 9mD.
SPE-196419-MS 9

Figure 6—Fluid analysis results from wireline formation testing and sampling at interval ‘B’

DST across interval ‘C’: 5525 – 5562 ft

This interval is comprised of low intensity vugs at the upper part, clastic carbonates at the lower part and
shale intervals in between. Both clastic and vuggy carbonates are of relatively low porosity as indicated by
formation evaluation and image logs. In addition, image logs indicated very low to negligible secondary
porosity across the entire interval. NMR results showed permeability values of less than 0.1mD, however
NMR bin porosity indicated approximately 10% free fluid volume. The deficit between Density-Magnetic
Resonance total Porosity (DMRP) and NMR derived porosity indicated the possible presence of light
hydrocarbons.

Figure 7—Image logs indicating pore space type and the lack of secondary porosity (left) and NMR results
over DST interval ‘C’ (right). This interval is relatively tight based on NMR and borehole image analysis results

Wireline formation testing attempts across this interval did not yield valid pressure results, given the lack
of secondary porosity and the low matrix permeability. Nevertheless, a DST was attempted which resulted
with no flow to surface, confirming the above results. Consequently, this interval was acidized and another
10 SPE-196419-MS

DST conducted. The acid stimulation proved to improve the interval permeability and the zone flowed oil
at 698 stb/d.

Conclusions
Drill stem tests conducted across the three complex limestone reservoirs discovered in this field
confirmed the integrated results of formation evaluation, textural analysis and permeability and productivity
measurements acquired by advanced wireline formation evaluation and testing systems. In addition to
proving the presence of hydrocarbons in 2 of the 3 intervals by analysing reservoir fluids in real time, as
well as by capturing and recovering oil samples to surface, the integrated results were successfully used
to optimise the well testing program across the intercepted heterogeneous and low permeability limestone
reservoirs. Even across the third interval where positive confirmation of hydrocarbon presence was not
possible, results were encouraging enough to justify and conduct a well test, which after acidizing flowed
oil to surface, further increasing bookable reserves in this discovery.

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