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SPE-196714-MS

Overcoming Formation Evaluation Challenges in Highly Deviated Jurassic


Wells with LWD and Advanced Mud Logging Services

Mejbel Saad Al-Azmi, Fahad Al-Otaibi, Joshi Girija Kumar, Devendra Tiwary, and Samar Al-Ashwak, Kuwait Oil
Company; Bekdaulet Dzhaykiev, Neha Shinde, Douglas Hardman, Rabih Noueihed, and Shreerang Gadkari, Baker
Hughes, a GE Company

Copyright 2019, Society of Petroleum Engineers

This paper was prepared for presentation at the SPE Reservoir Characterisation and Simulation Conference and Exhibition held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, 17 - 19 September
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
of the paper have not been reviewed by the Society of Petroleum Engineers and are subject to correction by the author(s). The material does not necessarily reflect
any position of 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 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 SPE copyright.

Abstract
The complex nature of the reservoir dictated comprehensive formation evaluation logging that was typically
done on wireline. The high angle designed for maximum reservoir exposure, high temperature, high pressure
(HTHP), differential reservoir pressure and wellbore stability challenges necessitated a new approach to
overall formation evaluation. The paper outlines Formation Evaluation strategy that reduced risk, increased
efficiency and saved money, while ensuring high quality data collection, integration and interpretation.
After review of all risks, a decision to utilize Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) for wellbore stability,
Logging While Drilling (LWD) to replace wireline and Advanced Mudlogging Services was implemented.
The Formation Evaluation team utilized LWD resistivity, neutron, density and nuclear magnetic resonance
logs supplemented with x-ray diffraction (XRD), x-ray fluorescence (XRF) and advanced mud gas analysis
to ensure comprehensive analysis. The paper outlines workflows and procedures necessary to ensure all
data from LWD, XRF, XRD and mud gas are integrated properly for the analysis.
Effects of Managed Pressure Drilling on mud gas interpretation as well as cuttings and mud gas depth
matching are addressed. Depth matching of all data, mud gasses, cuttings and logs are critical for detailed
and accurate analysis and techniques are discussed that ensure consistent results. Complex mineralogy due
to digenesis and effect of LWD logs are evident and only reconciled by detailed XRF and XRD data. The
effects of some conductive mineralogy are so dramatic as to infer tool function compromise. The ability
to determine acceptable tool response from tool failures eliminates unnecessary trips and leads to efficient
operations. The final result of the above data collection, QC and processing resulted in a comprehensive
formation evaluation interpretation of high confidence.
Finally, conclusions and recommendations are summarized to provide guidelines in Formation
Evaluation in similar challenging highly deviated, HTHP, complex reservoir environments on land and
offshore.
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Introduction
Historical Background
The discovery of gas and super light crude oil with API of 52 in the deep Jurassic reservoirs of North Kuwait
in 2006 marked the beginning of a new era of exploration and development of ultra-deep, high temperature
and high pressure Jurassic fields in the history of Kuwait. Since then, six fields with deep Jurassic reservoirs
have been discovered – Raudhatain, North Western Raudhatain, Sabriyah, Umm Niqa, Dhabi and Bahra
- and put on development map with an approximate area of 1800 sq km (A.J. Al-Eidan, S.R. Narahari et
al., 2010) (Figure 1).

Figure 1—North Kuwait Deep Jurassic Fields

The vision 2040 strategy sets target production rates of 2 bcf of gas per day. To achieve this ambitious
goal, large number of wells needs to be drilled and completed, but most importantly, it requires a smarter
approach to drilling and development – to maximize production by drilling highly deviated and horizontal
wells penetrating most productive reservoir layers over a longer distance.
In the first several years since the discovery of deeper Jurassic reservoirs, the development plan was
to drill vertical wells and complete them through single cased hole completion strings and adapt bottoms-
up perforation strategy. A large number of vertical wells have been drilled throughout that period. The
experience and insights gained through this endeavor led to the beginning of a new development strategy
- through drilling of high angle or horizontal drain holes utilizing multi stage completion and other smart
completion technologies with the aim of maximizing reservoir production.
This paper outlines the challenges and complexities of the drilling and logging environment in these deep
Jurassic formations, gives overview of the geological setting, discusses technologies available in the market
to address those challenges and finally concludes with the important results and comparison to previously
used standard workflows.
SPE-196714-MS 3

Geological setting and complexity of the area


For major part of the last century Kuwait Oil Company has been extensively exploring and developing
shallower horizons down to Cretaceous. From the time of first discovery of super light crude oil in Sabriyah
field in 2005 the focus has shifted on to Jurassic formations. Located deeper at the depths where higher
temperatures and pressures have developed, Jurassic reservoirs are represented by the following formations:
Hith, Gotnia, Najmah, Sargelu, Dharuma and Marrat (Figure 2). Marrat formation is the most prolific in oil
and further sub-divided into Upper Marrat, Middle Marrat and Lower Marrat (P. Richard et al., 2014). Most
of the wells are producing from Middle Marrat and it is therefore the main focus of this paper.

Figure 2—Stratigraphic column of the Jurassic formations in North Kuwait

The Middle Marrat depositional setting has been extensively studied through a host of whole cores
and has been classified and simplified as Basin slope facies progressively grading to Sabkha and Tidal
flats. Three main lithotypes - limestone, dolomite and anhydrite - dominate the lithology framework. The
limestone is mostly tight with typical porosity range varying from 0 to 5% and permeability from 0.1 to
0.01 mD. Most of the fractures have developed in this lithology type. Dolomites are the main target for well
completion and perforation, having porosity varying from 5 to 25% with permeability range from 0.1 mD
to 100 mD. Anhydrites are mainly barriers separating the different pressure regimes. The dolomitic streaks
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within anhydrite layers have been found to be good producers. The main characteristic of the reservoirs
are virgin pressure gradients between 0.7 – 0.8 psi/ft. Drilling through these high pressure regimes requires
high mud weight, achieved by using barite as mud additive.
The current structure and characteristics of deep Jurassic reservoirs in Kuwait are a result of various
tectonic events, which influenced the region starting from Precambrian growth to late Neogene separation
of Saudi tectonic plate from African continent, along with important Intermediate/Late Permian to Late
Jurassic opening of the Neo-Tethys Sea. The combined effect of these tectonic events resulted in six
petroliferous structures Raudhatain, North West Raudhatain, Dhabi, Umm Niqa, Sabriyah and Bahrah.
These structures have been shaped in NE-SW and NW-SE trends by transgressional faults, "flower" type
structures and detachment folding (Figure 1). The structures have been dissected by various fault groups,
which have played major role for conduit migration as well as in establishment of permeability barriers
for entrapment. This has resulted into presence of different compartments with different pressure regimes
and fluid gravity. Fractures are playing an important role in enhancing reservoir quality and represent
secondary porosity in relatively tight Jurassic formations. In close proximity to faults, fracture density
increases causing sudden and complete mud losses, creating additional complications during drilling.

Drilling and logging challenges


All wells targeting North Kuwait deep Jurassic formations are being drilled in 3 sections: 12 ¼″ covering
Hith and Gotnia Salt-Anhydrite cycles with Oil Based Mud of high weight up to 20 ppg. Thin porous
limestone streaks within anhydrite layers often create difficulties in the form of well kicks or complete mud
losses due to fractures. For many years acquiring Wireline log data in this section has been extremely risky
and not attempted. In the last several years with Kuwait Oil Company moving towards LWD acquisition (a
safer option of logging in risky 12 ¼″ sections), more logs have been acquired allowing better formation
evaluation of these potential unconventional reservoir targets for Kuwait (A. Moustafa et al., 2015). Najmah
– Sargelu – Dharuma and Upper Marrat formations are typically drilled using 9 ¼″ bit size and still require
high mud weights of 16 to 18 ppg. Najmah formation is widely known as unconventional reservoir. It is
easily detected on the well logs with very charactericstic high Gamma Ray (up to 450 gAPI) and typical
porosity deficit seen when comparing Total NMR Porosity to Neutron – Density Crossplot Porosity referred
to as Najmah Kerogen. Apart from typical drilling issues associated with the presence of faults and fractures
(complete mud losses or well kicks), conditions as tight hole due to presence of Dharuma shale further
complicate drilling process. One unusual feature of this particular section is the size of the bit used. While
intermediate sections elsewhere use more standard bit size of 8.5″, it is rather unique for this particular
region to adapt to 9.25″ bit size. It often presents challenge for logging sub-contractors, as most logging
tools are characterized with 8.5″ borehole in mind. Target Middle Marrat formation is drilled with 6″ bit size
and use relatively lower, but still high mud weight of 13 to 15 ppg. The top part of the section often starts
with higher mud weight of 16-17 ppg and gradually decreases towards 13 ppg. Depending on the location
of the well and its proximity to major fault, complete mud losses might happen that could be followed
by well kick. This can lead to unproductive time and cause further delays and may take several days or
even weeks to regain well control after setting multiple cement plugs and plugging formations with LCM
(Lost Circulation Material). Some of the fields like Raudhatain have been producing for quite some time
and Middle Marrat productive zones have become increasingly depleted with differential pressures of up
to 5000 psi or more. Predicting correct mud weight to use in such abruptly varying mud weight window
becomes a challenging task. In wells with such high drilling risks, Wireline or even LWD logging might get
eventually cancelled leading to absence of important log data to carry out proper formation evaluation. If
logging is attempted the chance of Wireline tools to get stuck or to get held up is increased due to unstable
boreholes, thus leading to absence of some of the critically required advanced logs.
Well temperature can reach 300 – 315 degF during drilling and with formation pressures often reaching
10000 psi puts 6″ section in the category of HPHT – High Temperature, High Pressure well. This can
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adversely affect log measurements and requires proper environmental corrections. On the other hand,
chances of tool failures is high due to increased temperature.
Barite is used as High Gravity Solids additive to the Oil Based Mud. The high content (up to 33% HGS)
of the barite in the mud makes the Pef value of formation non usable. Barite accumulated on the walls of
the borehole further complicates bulk density measurement and if borehole breakouts are created due to
insufficient mud weight it can further affect density and neutron porosity measurement, maing formation
evaluation difficult.
Standard workflow of log data acquisition established from the early days of logging these wells has
been adapted to vertical wells and depends heavily on Wireline logging. Following logging data is of utmost
importance and needed for proper formation evaluation. Basic triple combo data consisting of Gamma Ray,
set of Resistivity measurements with multiple depths of investigation, Bulk Density and Neutron Porosity
are a must. Additional 4 measurements are often required such as Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) to
identify zones with movable fluid and to estimate Permability Index, Acoustic logs for DT compressional
and DT shear, Elemental Spectroscopy for identifying dolomitized intervals and High Resolution Borehole
Images for fracture and fault detection.
As more highly deviated wells are being drilled and with further increase in drilling risks, LWD logging is
gaining importance as a preferred way of logging. Improvements in LWD technology that has happened in
the last decade demonstrated good data quality at par or sometimes better than Wireline logging tools. Taking
measurements as soon as formation is being drilled makes data least affected by drilling fluid invasion and
near wellbore deterioration.
For comprehensive formation evaluation, improved workflow to address above stated challenges has
been developed and implemented in most of the 6″ sections targeting Middle Marrat formation. The
workflow includes integration of Advanced Mud Logging services with LWD. Advanced Mud Logging
services, such as XRD (X-Ray Diffraction), XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) and C5+ Gas Analysis performed
on cuttings and LWD data acquisition happens simultaneously during drilling allowing to save rig time and
money. With logging companies, investing more in their R&D efforts on LWD technology the gap between
Wireline and LWD is becoming narrower. While most measurements are available in LWD, there is still
further development needed in Elemental Spectroscopy and High Resolution OBM Borehole Imaging in
6" boreholes.

Integrated LWD & Advanced Mud Logging Workflow for complete formation
evaluation
This section of the paper briefly describes all available technology in both drilling and formation evalution
to address existing challenges in Jurassic formations.

Addressing Drilling Challenges


Geomechanics can play a key role in ensuring safe drilling practices and in eliminating Non-Productive
Time spent on controlling various drilling issues and completing the well on time. Right from the planning
stage, well trajectories have to be designed with keeping geomechanical concepts in mind. For example,
drilling vertical wells might not be always the safest choice and certain directions such as along the minimum
horizontal stress might cause borehole collapse and lead to all sorts of geomechanical issues. It will prove
valuable in the long run if proper time is spent on 3D geomechanical modeling of the field using surface
seismic data and predicting the potential location of faults and fracture corridors. This can help avoid
designing wells heading for direct fault encounter and avoid complete mud losses which can put well at risk.
If hitting fracture corridors is unavoidable, certain mud additives with certain particle size can be used to
prevent mud losses. Proper design of the drilling fluid in that case has to take place based on the information
about fracture aperture.
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LWD density and caliper images can be used in real-time while drilling to check that the correct mud
weight is being used at any given depth. Observing break-outs while drilling can suggest that mud weight
has to be further adjusted. Advanced mud logging data such as gas data coupled with LWD data can give
more insights and help adjust drilling parameters. It is important to put in place real-time monitoring of the
well by geomechanics experts.
In the cases of high differential pressure due to formation depletion, Managed Pressure Drilling
technology has been attempted in few wells, but have not yet gained popularity. Managed Pressure Drilling
(MPD) system is a closed circulation system that ensures control of Bottom Hole Pressure (BHP). The
purpose of MPD is to keep BHP close to the formation pressure to prevent drill pipe and tools to stick
differentially to the formation by elimating high overbalance. The required BHP is maintained by using
surface backpressure and regulated by using fluid of controlled lower density in the drilling fluid. Control
of BHP allows to prevent both mud losses due to high overbalance and formation influx, thus helping to
avoid well kicks, lost circulation and high differential pressure that could lead to differential sticking.

Advanced Mud Logging Services


As Elemental Spectroscopy LWD measurements are not available in 6″ section, XRD (X-Ray Diffraction)
and XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence) services are being routinely run in all wells. In some instances, it has
provided a great deal of help when eventually both Wireline and LWD logging were cancelled in some
of the risky wells and XRD/XRF and Advanced Gas Data have become the only data available to make
further decisions.
X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) measurement is based on the fact, that crystalline structure of each mineral
has a unique characteristic X-Ray diffraction pattern and the level of intensity is proportional to the relative
quantity of that mineral. Each diffractogram is compared to the reference diffractograms of 12 minerals
stored in the database. Once match is made and intensity of that diffractoram is measured, a quantative
estimation of relative quantity of that mineral is made. XRD mineralogy is plotted as a separate lithological
column and is independent from XRF measurement.
X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) measurement consists of measuring of fluorescent radiation at various energy
levels and matching them to the known discrete energy values of 12 major elements (Na, Mg, Al, Si, P,
S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, Mn, and Fe) and 20 trace elements (V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Br, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr,
Nb, Mo, Ba, Hf, Pb, Th, and U). Concentrations of these elements and relative abundance of one over
another helps to conclude about the presence of certain minerals in the formation. This measurement is
independent from XRD measurement and often adds a very valuable insight into the chemical composition
of the formation and chemical and geological processes that happened or happening. Additionally, high
precision trace element monitoring allows to calculate elemental Gamma Ray curve from concentrations
of 3 elements: K, Th and U.
While traditional mud gas logging assumes analysis of C1-C5 components, the range can be further
increased to C5+ up to C8 and help get additional important observations. This is part of the advanced gas
analysis that is being done in most wells. The key part of the interpretation of gas data is to come up with
certain ratios of various molecular components and use them as indicators and to define proper cut-off or
value ranges. These indicators can give insights into the type of the fluid – heavy, light oil, condensate, wet
or dry gas, can suggest about the level of maturity, degree of biodegradation that took place and can help
draw other conclusions, which can be further integrated with XRD, XRF results and LWD data. Typically
used ratios are Wh (Wetness), Bh (Balance), C1/C2, C1/THC, C6C7/C4C5, C1/C4C8 commonly used as
fluid density indicators. Ratios C6C7/C4C5 and C6C7/C3 are used as water bearing zone indicators. C1/
C4C5 is used to identify hydrocarbon bearing and permeable zones. Some generally used ratios are shown
in Figure 3.
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Figure 3—Gas Ratios for fluid identification

Another service that has gained popularity is Early Kick Detection (EKD). The concept is based on using
advanced flowmeter to monitor subtle changes in In-going and Out-going Mud Flow. Plots of flow change
versus time are analyzed for critical depths and conclusions can be made whether the fluid loss is related to
natural porosity-permeability properties of the reservoir, sudden mud losses, induced fractures or presence
of natural fractures.

Advanced LWD Logging Technology


One of the most important requirements for LWD logging compared to Wireline is to be able to record high
quality Real-Time data, so that decisions can be made in real-time without waiting for memory data. It is
also important to be able to accommodate all LWD tools during drilling run and save rig time by eliminating
any subsequent Wash-Down logging.
Advancements in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance logging made it possible to acquire high quality Real-
Time data during drilling with tool operating perfectly fine even in the presence of high drilling vibrations.
The sensitive volume of investigation into formation is wide enough for the LWD NMR tool to be free from
any vibration effects. Another important development is that the LWD NMR tool is not affected by borehole
rugosity and near-wellbore changes in borehole shape and probes relatively deep into the formation.
Acoustic Caliper and Bulk Density Image sampled in 16 sectors azimuthally around borehole allows
to visualize borehole shape during drilling, identify any undesireable changes like borehole breakouts
and make important mud weight adjustments. As more and more highly deviated wells are being drilled
and multi-stage completion strings planned, caliper image information becomes critical in the completion
design. Caliper information is critical in the design of the optimum location of completion packers and ports
and in the choice of packer types.
Unlike Wireline measurements, LWD measurements are mostly acquired in highly deviated wells and
availability of azimuthal data is important to derive true formation properties. It is often the case that basic
measurements such as bulk density may get adversely affected and average density might not be the correct
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formation density estimate. One has to carefully analyze quadrant or even sector density to derive correct
bulk density of the formation.
Finally, as more and more highly deviated wells are planned and more sophisticated completion and
reservoir stimulation methods are being planned such as acidization and fracturing, Reservoir Navigation
Services using deep azimuthal resistivity tools will become more important in the future of North Kuwait.

Results and Conclusions


Over the last few years a vast experience has been acquired in integrating LWD data with Advanced Mud
Logging data in North Kuwait deep Jurassic formations and some important examples will be shown below.
These examples from actuall wells drilled and from log data acquired. Each individual case and main
conclusions are stated below and accompanied by a respective graphical plot.

Integration of Advanced Mud logging Services with log data for lithological and fluid type
identification
A new approach of integrating XRD, XRF, Advanced Gas and all available log data (whether it is Wireline
or LWD) has been introduced and successfully utilized for better formation evaluation. Before generating
an integrated plot, all data are put on the same reference depth (LWD or Wireline). Depth shift is applied
to mud logging data. Figure 4 shows one of the examples of such integration. As it can be seen from the
plot, XRD mineralogy from cuttings is showing a very good match with log data. Intervals with high bulk
density of around 2.95 g/cc correlate well with XRD data indicating presence of anhydrite layers. Gas ratios
provide better understanding of downhole fluid type. There is a strong indication of light oil in the multiple
layers in the top half of Middle Marrat (MMR) formation. Presence of water is detected towards the top of
Middle Marrat and towards Lower Marrat (LMR). Data correlate well with open hole logs.

Figure 4—Integration of Advanced Mud Logging data (XRD, XRF, Advanced Gas Analysis) with Log Data
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Bitumen mapping using Advanced Mud Logging Services and LWD data
Presence of bitumen has been reported across Kuwait in various fields at Middle Marrat level. Mapping
bitumen distribution is an important task that helps in future production and field development decisions.
Presence of bitumen can be easily detected using NMR data. Porosity deficit caused by fast relaxation of
hydrogen atoms in the presence of bitumen will be reflected in the difference between NMR total porosity
and crossplot porosity measured using bulk density – neutron porosity combination. Figure 5 shows example
of such well in the north-eastern part of one of the Jurassic fields in North Kuwait. The interval was also
cored and core description displayed on the right side of the figure shows confirmation of physical bitumen
presence.

Figure 5—Detection of bitumen using NMR and basic log data

In one of the offset wells, where NMR logging was eventually cancelled (Figure 6), XRF data from
mud logging shows exact interval of bitumen presence detected by increased concentrations of V and Ni,
normally attributed to bitumen or asphaltene-like structures in the formation. This interval correlates well
to the same interval at the base of Middle Marrat shown in Figure 5.
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Figure 6—Detection of bitumen using XRF mud logging data

Other important observations can be drawn from Figure 6 and derived from XRD, XRF and gas ratios
from mud gas data. Multiple zones have hydrocarbon potential indications within the Middle Marrat and
isolated with the rectangular area on the figure. C1/C2 and C1/THC ratios indicate medium gravity oil
with API range of 15-35. Bh (Balance) ratio is less then Wh (Wetness) ratio and Character is around 0.5
indicating presence of liquid phase in Middle Marrat above the zone where bitumen has been detected.

LWD NMR data for movable fluid identification and permeability index in Real-Time
LWD NMR tool is regualarly run in Jurassic fields and has proven to provide important information about
exact location of zones with movable fluid. It also provides lithology independent total porosity and using
locally defined adjustment factor it provides core-matched permeability index. Availability of high quality
Real-Time LWD NMR and basic LWD data allows making fast decisions before BHA is pulled out back
to surface. This helps saving time and allows contractors to be ready to run completion as early as drilling
is completed (Figure 7).

Borehole Density Images to identify Borehole Breakouts and Faults


Borehole Azimuthal Density Image acquired with LWD can be used for deriving correct bulk density. As
BHA is constantly rotating 16 sector azimuthal density information is acquired constantly while drilling. In
such difficult drilling and logging environment as in North Kuwait deep Jurassic, average density might not
be the best choice and measurement can be affected depending on the borehole shape and amount of barite
in the mud. Often quadrant density has to be taken in certain intervals and not always the down quadrant
as often assumed.
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Figure 7—High quality real-time LWD NMR and basic data allows faster decisions well before drilling is completed

Azimuthal Density Image can be used for real-time geomechanical monitoring and if breakouts are seen
while drilling it is the basis for further mud weight adjustment by drilling team (Figure 8).

Figure 8—Borehole breakouts seen on Azimuthal Density Image


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Azimuthal Density Image can be invaluable in confirming of presence of major geological faults (Figure
9).

Figure 9—Detection of major geological faults using Azimuthal Density Images in Kuwait

LWD Azimuthal Caliper Image comparison to Wireline Caliper


Due to constant rotation of the BHA, LWD Acoustic Caliper is sampled into 16 sectors and presented as
an Acoustic Caliper Image. It is based on the ultrasonic pulse being reflected against the borehole wall.
Event though it is not a mechanical caliper measurement traditionally used in Wireline, it has proven to
be useful and comparable to Wireline data in North Kuwait Jurassic fields. As more and more horizontal
and highly deviated wells planned with potential multi-stage completion, this information will be useful in
proper design of the location of packers and ports.
As can be seen from Figure 10 below, first run was attempted with Wireline and as Wireline tools got stuck
in this particular well and eventually fished, LWD data were further acquired. Subsequent LWD Acoustic
Caliper data (right side of the plot) shows the same Left – Right orientation of borehole breakouts and
borehole enlargements. Wireline and LWD calipers show a good match.
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Figure 10—Comparison of LWD Acoustic Caliper data to Wireline Caliper

Petrophysical evaluation comparison between LWD and nearby well with Wireline data
Newly adapted workflow of utilizing LWD log data with Advanced Mud Logging data in highly deviated
wells or in wells where drilling risks are very high has proven to provide important information for proper
formation evaluation in deep Jurassic formations. Example below in Figure 11 shows how well the final
petrophysical evaluation based on LWD data matches the one from older well where Wireline data has been
acquired.

Figure 11—Comparison of final petrophysical evaluation based on


input LWD data to the one from nearby well based on Wireline data
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Conclusions
For highly deviated well where Wireline logging is not possible, LWD data can be used without compromise
to provide accurate and complete solution and comprehensive formation evaluation.
LWD technology is constantly evolving, as new advanced tools are being tested and successfully used
in deep Jurassic fields of North Kuwait.
High quality of Real-Time data (LWD NMR and basic LWD Triple Combo data) allows faster decisions
wihout waiting for memory data and thus saving rig time for potential immediate completion run.
Advanced Mud Logging data presented by XRD, XRF and Advanced Gas data analysis provide very
valuable information during drilling and when integrated with log data provide important insights into types
of rocks, any in-situ changes happening within the reservoir and into fluid types within the reservoir.

Acknowledgements
Authors would like to thank Kuwait Oil Company management and staff for granting permission to present
this paper.

References
Jurassic Tight Carbonate Gas Fields of North Kuwait: Exploration to Early Development. A.J. Al-Eidan, S.R. Narahari et
al. SPE 130914. SPE Deep Gas Conference and Exhibition. Manama, Bahrain, 24-26 January 2010.
Structural Evolution Model for the North Kuwait Carbonate Fields and its Implication for Fracture Characterization
and Modelling. P. Richard, L. Bazalgette, V.K. Kidambi et al. IPTC 17620. International Petroleum Technology
Conference. Doha, Qatar, 20-22 January 2014.
New Hydrocarbon Potential in Jurassic (Hith – Gotnia) Over Burgan & Magwa Structures SE – Kuwait. A. Moustafa, M.
Al-Wadi et al. SPE-175229-MS. SPE Kuwait Oil & Gas Show and Conference. Mishref, Kuwait, 11-14 October 2015.

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