SPE

International

Society of Petroleum Engineers

SPE 88889

Thin Sand Development Made Possible through Enhanced Geosteering and Reservoir Planning
with While-drilling Resistivity and NMR Logs: Example from Niger Delta
Oguntona, J.A., Kelsch, K., Osman, K., ChevronTexaco
Ingebrigtsen, E., Butt, P., Saha, S., Schlumberger

Copyright 2004, Society of Petroleum Engineers Inc. Obtaining this information while drilling has a
significant impact on drilling and completion decisions
This paper was prepared for presentation at the 28th Annual SPE International
Technical Conference and Exhibition in Abuja, Nigeria, August 2-4, 2004. in Niger Delta.

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, as presented, have not been reviewed by the Society of Petroleum
Engineers and are subject to correction by the author(s). The material, as presented,
does not necessarily reflect any position of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, its
officers, or members. Papers presented at SPE meetings are subject to publication
review by Editorial Committees of the Society of Petroleum Engineers. Electronic
reproduction, distribution, or storage of any part of this paper for commercial
purposes 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 acknowledgement of where and by whom the paper was presented.
Write Librarian, SPE, P.O. Box 833836, Richardson, TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-
972-952-9435.
Abstract
The horizontal well placement within a thin sand with
structural dip and economically produce these reserves
are a challenge for the oil industry. New Reservoir
Management and Formation Evaluation techniques are
making these very thin hydrocarbon sands accessible and
economic for development. Upfront planning by multi
functional team to define well placement, uncertainty
management and tool selection are key. Next execution
of landing and lateral require maximum flexibility and
accuracy from tools and team.
In this paper, two case studies are presented where
Logging-While-Drilling (LWD) resistivity and Nuclear
Magnetic Resonance (NMR) were utilized to geosteer a
horizontal section through a thin sand and to geo-stop
the horizontal well after drilling an optimal drain hole
length.
Resistivity and NMR-LWD provides critical formation
evaluation information such as resistivity at bit, up and
down resistivities, structural dip, formation porosity,
bound-fluid volume, free-fluid volume and permeability.
In the first case study, based on the information of NMR
LWD from a pilot hole, a horizontal sidetrack was
optimised in the high permeable section of the thin
reservoir. In addition, NMR logs demonstrate the
horizontal section was placed generally within the sweet
spot of high free fluid section.
Drawing experience from the first case study, a more
difficult situation of drilling a horizontal well with a six
feet window was addressed. The objective was to place
the well within the sand and drill an optimal length that
will meet hydrocarbon deliverability. First, resistivity at
bit was used to restrict the well within the target sand.
Within this heterogeneous sand, the while-drilling
resistivity image and up and down deep Resistivity
measurements allowed the geosteering team to stay in
the “sweet spot” of the reservoir. Concurrently,
permeability was estimated from the NMR log. Based on
this permeability, hydrocarbon producibility was
computed and decision was reached to drill the optimal
length. This novel approach combining geosteering
techniques using flexibly LWD tools are key to future
development of thin hydrocarbon reservoirs.
Introduction
Many oil exploration and production companies have
been awaiting for new LWD drilling technology which
can aid them in horizontal well placement in dipping
thin sand reservoirs. Integration of near bit resistivity
imaging, LWD NMR and new rotary steerable systems
provide key information like relative well position
within the reservoir, lithology independent porosity and
2 Oguntona, Kelsch, Osman,Ingebrigtsen, Butt, Saha
permeability. With the inclusion of this technology in
the bottom hole assembly (BHA) transmitting in real
time, well placement decisions that impact the overall
economics and productivity of a well can be readily
addressed.
A clear, continuous and consistent communication
between rig and multidisciplinary team is key to a
successful horizontal well placement. A working
relationship among rig, operations and geosteering
teams are critical and should be built and maintained.
The process of drilling horizontal wells in CNL is
generally executed in three main sections: planning,
execution and post-job phase. The planning phase
includes creating a well plan and reviewing it in a cross
functional team consisting of geologists, reservoir
engineers, drilling engineers, petrophycisists,
geosteering coordinators, the rig site and others
involved. It also consists of making contingency plans
and scenarios, based on risks in structure, stratigraphy
and/or fluid contacts. The execution phase is typically
to execute the desired well plan. This includes landing
the well in a strategic place in the reservoir, and then
horizontal placement and adjustments while drilling the
lateral section. The objective with the horizontal
placement is to adjust the well trajectory and stay within
the defined reservoir zone. The post-job phase normally
consists of reports and an after action review. It is
critical to learn from both mistakes and successes in
each well, and bring the experience to subsequent wells.
Resistivity imaging technology
The new azimuthal resistivity tool provides a laterolog
type resistivity-at-the-bit (GVR), a high-resolution ring
resistivity and three azimuthally focused buttons with a
successive depth of investigation of about 1, 3 and 5
inches (Figure 1). These measurements are essential
for steering horizontal wells in complex reservoir where
either the structural or stratigtraphic risk is significant.
The three button electrodes are approximately one inch
in diameter and are longitudinally spaced along the axis
of the tool. The spacing provides shallow, medium and
deep depths of investigation for quantifying invasion
profiles. These azimuthally acquired button
measurements are also displayed as 56 sectors resistivity
images, which is essential for structural interpretation
while drilling.
The deep button image and azimuthal deep button
resistivity was transmitted in real time for steering the
Ewan-YH well within a thin sand. The resistivity
images were used continuously for dip interpretation,
based on this adjusts the well trajectory to place the well
within the most productive part of the sand.
SPE 88889
An integral, cylindrical electrode is used to provide a
high-resolution lateral resistivity referred to as ring
resistivity. The ring resistivity has a 7 inches depth of
investigation. The tool also provides bit resistivity in
conductive mud environments.
In addition to these five resistivity measurements the
tool also acquires azimuthal gamma ray data, radial and
lateral shock records, and temperature measurements.
While drilling the Ewan-YH well, the deep button up
and down resistivity, gamma ray up and down, ring
rersistivity, bit resistivity and the deep button images
were transmitted while drilling with 6 bps mudpulse
telemetry. The resolution of the LWD logs were good
to excellent even though the ROP exceeded 100 ft/hr on
the average ROP was 90 ft/hr. High ROP coupled with
Rotary Steerable System kept the average bore hole size
to 8.6”, which helps in preparation for completion phase
of the well. An example of Ewan-YH real time log of
the azimuthal resistivity and the images are displayed in
Figure 2.
NMR while drilling technology
The magnetic resonance provides critical reservoir
parameters, such as permeability and bound fluid
volume, that traditional LWD tools cannot measure
(Figure 3).
The LWD NMR tool can be placed anywhere in BHA
with no detrimental effects on drilling operations. A
rotationally symmetric magnetic design results in
minimized interference that is independent of tool face.
The tool is available as a 6 ¾ in.API drill collar for 8
3/8 to 10 5/8 in. hole sizes and with 14-in diameter of
investigation.
The magnetic resonance tool was set up with an
expected ROP of 100 ft/hr. six bits per second data
transmission was programmed into the mudpulse
telemetry tool to enable high quality real-time data to be
provided despite the five tools included in the drilling
string and the large amount of data that was required to
be sent up in real time. Update rate for all variables was
41 seconds enabling good real-time data at the expected
ROP’s.
The tools acquisition modes are highly programmable
and extremely flexible, allowing a wide range of future
acquisition sequence development. Typically, a multiple
wait-time acquisition sequence is used, providing a fully
polarizing, long wait time (3 to 12 seconds); a partially
polarizing, medium wait time (normally 0.6 to 1
second); and a very fast wait time, (typically 0.08
seconds), usually repeated at least 20 times (Figure 4).
However as we were expecting much higher rate of
penetration (ROP), in order to completely polarize the
3 Thin Sand Development Made Possible through Enhanced Geosteering and Reservoir Planning with While-drilling Resistivity and NMR Logs
oil productive intervals for wells under study a pulse
sequence is designed with a single longer initial wait-
time of 12.5 sec. Porosity and BFV were calculated and
transmitted to surface in real time.
Rotary Steerable System Technology
The new rotary steerable system used for Ewan-YH has
a steering assembly that continuously orients the tilted
bit shaft to control the drilling direction and the dogleg
severity of the borehole. The tool does not push against
the borehole to build angle, and is therefore more
effective for steering in unconsolidated formations like
the Ewan target sand. Hole angle was built with
minimal dependence on the borehole for deflection. It
is a fully rotating tool with no stationary external parts,
which reduces the risk of sticking pipe assembly. It
looks and acts very much like a conventional drilling
motor although it has the ability to adjust azimuth and
inclination of the bit.
The tool is comprised of a slick collar with 2 spiral
stabilizers are positioned just behind the bit and 12 ft
back. The bit shaft is deflected internally allowing only
the bit box to show the offset. (Figure 10)
Penetration rates are improved because there are no
stationary components to create friction that reduces
efficiency and anchor the BHA in the hole. In soft
formations the ability of this rotary steerable system to
develop dogleg severity as high as 8ft‹/100 ft. Ewan-
YH is an example where this technology combined with
near bit azimuthal measurements while drilling enabled
the well to land successfully and to be steer in 5 ft target
window “sweet spot”.
Case Study 1, Meji-4XH
Meji field is located offshore Nigeria and is a large
northwest-southeast anticline closure on the down
thrown side of the main Meji structure building fault
(Figure 5). A pilot hole was programmed to provide
structural control on the target sand in the area, as well
as appraise a 45 foot column updip of the reservoir. The
top structure map is displayed in Figure 8. The
objective of Meji-4XH was 1,500 feet lateral section
within the most productive part of the sand 30 ft TVD
above the OWC.
Real Time Geosteering Meji-4XH
The pilot hole was drilled into a separate fault block,
and penetrated the target sand in a wet zone. The NMR
log indicated permeability between 2 to 3 Darcy, and
porosity between 25 to 30 pu. The T2 distribution did
not contain much early time arrivals, indicating very
clean sand with larger pore size (Figure 7).
SPE 88889
The well crossed a major fault just before penetrating
the target sand, making the landing challenging. After
crossing the fault the well drilled into the target sand at
X,431 ft TVD, accordingly the GOC at X,455 ft TVD
and it was decided to land the well 7 ft higher than
planned with a tolerance window of +/- 2 ft TVD. When
the well entered the oil zone the NMR data showed
permeability of 2-3 Darcy and porosity between 25 to
30 pu (Figure 8).
The structural map indicated the structure was generally
flat in the direction of the lateral drainhole, before a
rollover could cause down dip in the end of the 1500 ft
lateral section. The landing was approximately 11 ft
TVD below the GOC, so the plan was to drill out with
90 degrees hole inclination and stay within the tolerance
window (Figure 6).
The NMR while drilling logs indicated the well stayed
within the productive sand with high permeabilities (2
to 3 Darcy), and high porosities (25 to 30 pu). However,
the well encountered a siltier interval where both free
fluid volume and permeability decreased, as seen on the
log in Figure 9. By dropping within the tolerance
window, the well was steered back to the productive
sand again.
Results Meji-4XH
The results shown here illustrate the data acquisition of
the while-drilling nuclear magnetic resonance tool
delivers near wireline quality data at rate of penetrations
in excess of 200 ft/hr. The complete data processing
was performed down hole in real-time so that decision-
quality measurements and answers were available for
transmission by mud-pulse telemetry and could be used
to provide a magnetic resonance interpretation while the
borehole was being drilled.
The main objectives of Meji-4XH were achieved. The
lateral section of 1,500 ft was placed within the most
productive part of the target sand, and the production
rate exceeded 2,200 BOPD (Figure 5).
Case Study 2, Ewan-YH
Ewan-YH targeting the thin BXX sand was planned
with a horizontal length of 1,200 ft. The objective of
this well was first to land within the 7.2ft thin reservoir.
Then after casing set drill a lateral section of 1,200 ft
with 90° ± 2° inclination within the sand.
The target or "sweet spot" was very thin (aprox. 5 ft),
real-time near bit azimuthal resistivity imaging, LWD-
NMR, and new rotary steerable system were used to
successfully stay within the target zone of the thin sand.
The TD was declared with 1,400 ft of lateral section
from landing point. The lateral section was extended
4 Oguntona, Kelsch, Osman,Ingebrigtsen, Butt, Saha
from the planned due in part real time productivity
analysis derived from LWD-NMR images indicated low
permeability in the first two hundred feet of the well.
The additional 200 ft of drainhole section was
geosteered within medium to high permeability sand.
Risk Assessment Case 2
The target sand structure had good well control as about
13 wells penetrated the reservoir in the oil zone (Figure
11). Some structural uncertainties in target depth results
from seismic mapping due to local variations in the
velocity model. Offset wells provided structural
controls in the updip and down dip directions from the
target. However the key factor to reduce structural risk
is the use of near-bit azimuthal resistivity. The drain
was planned along strike of the sand to help in reducing
the possibility of exiting the sand
The offset wells provided stratigraphic control all
around the field. A better reservoir quality was
expected towards the fault. Lack of well control near
the fault coupled with high structural dip limits the
ability to target the drain hole along strike of the NW
trending fault. The team optimally placed Ewan-1XH
between two wells where one supported placement of
the toe while the other defined a zone of likely poor
productivity. One of the risks associated with this well,
was productivity of the reservoir due to shaliness. The
target sand decreases in both thickness and sand quality
towards the west and SSW direction within the
reservoir. The increase in shaliness and decrease in
reservoir thickness are due to lack of accommodation
space derived from listric normal fault to the north. The
nuclear magnetic resonance measurement while drilling
was added to evaluate the permeability both in the pilot
and also while drilling the drainhole section. To verify
if productivity is possible in the 5ft window,
engineering ran sensitivity on reservoir thickness,
permeability and drain hole length. It was determined
that 5ft target with 1200ft lateral drain hole section was
needed for initial production estimate of 1200 BOPD.
The bottom hole assembly for the 6-inch drainhole
section was optimised to reduce the geological risks. It
was recommended to use at-the-bit resistivity, near-bit
azimuthal button resistivity and azimuthal resistivity
images to be geosteer the well within the thin sand
(Figure 1). Nuclear magnetic resonance measurement
was also included to calculate effective porosity and
permeability, and analyse the productivity of the
drainhole while drilling (Figure 3). This allowed
determining the length of drainhole required to achieve
the target productivity.
To enhance communication between geo-steering, rig
and asset team personnel the team opted to place an
SPE 88889
additional geo-steering member on the rig. In cases
where loss of information technology (IT)
communications is lost, decisions then can be made at
the rig.
The GVR tool operates in water based mud system.
Concern was suggested by the team that care should be
made to verify proper salinity was achieved in the water
based mud system. This would then improve the
resistivity measurements made by the GVR tool.
Traditionally the directional drilling team on the rig are
not included in the pre-drill planning. Due to the
complexity of this well, the team opted to bring in the
directional drilling staff to review the objectives and
issues associated with the future well prospects. For the
Ewan-YH well case this helped to locate the optimal
directional driller familiar with equipment and this
experience was passed onto other staff members in
Nigeria.
Case 2 Pilot Well
The pilot hole was planned to evaluate the reservoir
thickness, permeability and placement of the heel
position of the well. It was found that the strike of the
formation was in northeast direction at about 62°
degrees. The current well plan for the drainhole section
was therefore adjusted, to place the drainhole along
strike. The objective was to plan the well along strike
to reduce the structural uncertainty and achieve
generally flat dip.
The objective sand was 5 ft TVD thick in the pilot hole,
which was believed to be thick enough to place a lateral
producer within the sand. The gamma ray decreased to
75 GAPI, resistivity increased to about 8 to 10 ohmm,
and the neutron porosity and density overlapped.
The NMR data in the pilot hole indicated permeabilities
up to 800 mD in the middle part of the sand (Figure
12). The total porosity was approximately 25 pu, but the
free fluid porosity was only about 15 to 20 pu. The early
T2 arrivals indicated some shaliness, and that the most
clean sand were found in the middle of the sand.
This also confirmed that the sand thickness and
permeability is good enough for drain hole placement
and targeted production.
Real Time Geosteering Case 2 Landing
The landing can be the most difficult aspect in drilling
horizontal wells. The Ewan-YH heel position was
targeted about 30 m away from the pilot well. The
section above the target sand consisted mainly of shale,
with no specific sand markers. Shale markers were used
when applicable for other than small shale markers.
The target sand for the landing came 3.2ft TVD deeper
5 Thin Sand Development Made Possible through Enhanced Geosteering and Reservoir Planning with While-drilling Resistivity and NMR Logs
than the pilot hole and as such it was decided to land 3
ft TVD deeper, to position of the heel in the middle part
of the sand.
In past CNL examples, the team would go further to
attempt landing the well at 89° or 90° degrees. During
the landing, it was clear the formation was soft and that
any attempt to increase the dogleg severity would result
in drilling out the bottom of the thin sand. The landing
BHA assembly drilled 12 ¼" hole and is heavier and
pushes against the formation for directional drilling
changes. It was clear once entering the sand we were
losing the ability to increase inclination to get to 90°
inclination. The team decided to stop at 88° inclination,
case and change-out the drilling assembly to drill 8 ½"
lateral using an enhanced rotary steerable assembly
using "point-the-bit" technology with GVR and LWD-
NMR tools.
Real Time Geosteering Case 2 Drainhole Section
After drilling out of casing the hole inclination dropped
to 87.5° due to casing and back reaming. It was decided
to increase the dogleg severity to 4 to 4.5. Drilling the
first 100ft of the lateral the incination of the bit was 90°
and geosteering using the GVR was initiated.
During the first 100 ft of lateral section, the resistivity
image indicated the stratigraphically down in the sand.
The apparent dip calculated from the button resistivity
images indicated 0.5° up dip along the wellbore. The
NMR log showed early T2 arrivals, indicating silty sand
with less free fluid volume (Figure 13). It was decided
to build to 91° to climb back up to the middle part of the
sand. While drilling ahead the well climb up to the
cleaner sand in the middle of the target sand. The
sample description from the rig increased from 40%
sand to about 90-100% and sand grain size from fine to
medium and resisivity measurements between 9-12
ohms.
However, the up resistivity decreased after 25 ft MD
within the clean sand, indicating the well was drilling
towards the top of the sand. Dip interpretation from the
resistivity image showed that the apparent dip was
flattening out, and it was decided to level off at 90°
inclination (Figure 15).
Permeability estimates showed that the silty sand in the
lower part of the well had permeabilities less than 100
mD. The middle lobe though had increased permeability
between 300 mD to 1 Darcy and the free fluid volumes
increased when the well drilled up to the middle part
again.
Drilling ahead, the resistivity images showed that the
well was coming along the top of the sand. The apparent
dip had dropped to 1° down dip, so it was decided to
SPE 88889
decrease the inclination even more to 88.5°, to drop
down to the cleaner sand in the middle of the target
sand.
The apparent dip sustained at about 1.5° for the rest of
the well and the inclination was kept between 87° and
88° to follow the sand down dip. The permeabilities
ranged from medium (200 to 300 mD) to high (300 mD
up to 1 Darcy). The heel of the well contained low
permeabilities (<100 mD) and reservoir simulation
estimates showed that this was not sufficient productive
sand. It was then decided to extend the well by 200 ft
MD and TD the well with 1,400 ft MD drain hole
within the sand. Figure 12 displays the post geosteering
interpretation of the lateral section.
A total of 15 adjustments called by geosteering staff
were made during drilling of the 1400ft lateral section
(Figure 14). After twenty minutes the change would
be realized by geosteering staff via changes in tool read-
out at the RIG and geosteering work area. The average
ROP was about 90ft/hr. This ROP in comparison to
past CNL laterals was the high; however, confidence
was quickly realized through GVR measurements,
which allowed the team to move quickly and
successfully to navigate through the thin sand and finish
the lateral section. The high ROP also prevented the
ability of the BHA to produce washouts that can affect
completion of the well. In the Ewan-YH case the
average diameter was 8.6".
Productivity Case 2 Ewan-YH well
The decision to employ the use of the GVR tool to drill
the lateral section, limited in the type of completion
equipment to use. In the case of the Ewan-YH well the
deployment of Concentric Annual Production System
(CAPS) was used. Ewan field is known for sand
production once water is realized at the well bore and
the decision to the deploy sand control was deemed
critical for production success in Ewan-YH well.
Initial production estimate was 1200 BOPD but after
bringing on the well the actual IP was 1600 BOPD
(Figure 16 & 17). Future tests on the well will be
conducted to verify productivity along the well bore.
Conclusion
These two case studies have showed that it is possible to
develop thinner sand targets through enhanced
geosteering and reservoir planning. The first example
showed reservoir evaluation both while drilling the pilot
hole, and also while drilling the horizontal section. The
NMR data was used for steering the drainhole section in
the more productive sand. In the case of Ewan-YH
well, the subsequent production test exceeded the
expectation by 33%. More important the impact to
6 Oguntona, Kelsch, Osman,Ingebrigtsen, Butt, Saha SPE 88889

CNL, millions of reserves is tied up on thin sand Efnick, M., Shamri, A., Madjidi, A. and Shade, C.:
development. Employing the Ewan-YH case study “Using New Advances in LWD Technology for
provides a map how to move P2 and P3 reserves to P1 Geosteering and Geologic Modelling”. Paper 57537
and increases production. presented at the 1999 SPE/IADC Middle East Drilling
Technology Conference held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, 8-10
To develop thin sand both azimuthal resisitivity near the
November 1999.
bit was used together with the NMR while drilling tool.
The azimuthal resistivity data is essential for steering Tribe, I.R, Burns, L., Howell, P.D., Dickson, R.:
the well within tight target as in 2nd case study, to “Precise Well Placement using Rotary Steerable
calculate dips and adjust the well trajectory Systems and LWD Measurements” SPE Paper 71396
continuously. The well was extended after reservoir presented at the 2001 SPE Annual Technical
evaluation of the first hundreds feet indicated poor Conference and Exhibition held in New Orleans,
reservoir. The well achieved its objective with 1,200 Louisiana, Sept/Oct 2001.
feet of productive sand.
Carpenter, W., Best, D., Evans, M.: “Application &
It is strongly recommended to use while drilling nuclear Interpretation of Azimuthally Sensitive Density
magnetic resonance technology to evaluate reservoir Measurements Acquired While Drilling” Transactions
quality in shaly sand reservoirs. The azimuthal of the SPWLA 38th Annual Logging Symposium, paper
measurements while drilling are essential for EE
geosteering either within thin sand lobes or within thin
Labat, C.P., Doghmi, M., Tomlinson, J.C.: “Image-Dip
reservoir. The teamwork and geosteering was key to
Calculation Using New-Deneration LWD Density-
success for Ewan-YH.
Porosity Tools” SPE Paper 74370 presented at the SPE
Acknowledgments International Petroleum Conference and Exhibition in
Mexico, held in Villahermosa, Mexico, Feb-2002.
The authors would like to thank the Chevron Nigeria SPE/IADC 79917
Limited and Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation for
granting permission to publish this paper. Special Abbreviations
thanks are also extended to Jerry Flaherty, Brad CNL Chevron Nigeria Limited
Middelton, Jim Logan, John Bartges, Florent Pin and
array of staff from Schlumberger for their support TVD True Vertical depth
during the writing of this paper. All the people MD Measured depth
involved in this paper are thanked for their support in
bringing the paper to a successful conclusion. LWD Logging while drilling
MRWD Magnetic Resonance While Drilling
References
NMR Nuclear Magnetic Resonance
Jan Morley, Ralf Heidler, Jack Horkowitz, Bruno
Luong, Charles Woodburn, Martin Poitzsch, Tim BFV Bound Fluid Volume
Borbas and Brett Wendt “Field Testing of a New FFV Free Fluid Volume
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Logging-While-Drilling
MWD Measurement while drilling
Tool” SPE Paper 77477 presented at SPE Annual
Technical conference and exhibition at San Antonio, AIM At the Bit Inclination Measurement
Texas October-2002. ARC Array Resisitivity Compensated
Garrity, J., Onyirioha, R., Logan, J., Ingebrigtsen, E., ADN Azimuthal Density Neutron
Butt, P.: “Real-Time Dip Applications For Geosteering BHA Bottom Hole Assembly
In Swamp Fields Of Nigeria” SPE Paper 85660
presented at the SPE International Petroleum AAR After Action Review
Conference and Exhibition in Abuja, Nigeria, July-2002 GOC Gas Oil Contact
Akinsanmi, O., Anwasi, L., Ogundana, M., Aibangbe, OWC Oil Water Contact
O, and Kienitz, C.: “Application of Azimuthal Density
ROP Rate of penetration (ft/hr or m/hr)
While Drilling Images for Dips, Facies and Reservoir
Characterization – Niger/Delta Experience”. Paper TD Total Depth.
65460 presented at the 2000 SPE/PS-CIM International NNPC Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation
Conference on Horizontal Well Technology held in
Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 6-8 November 2000 GVR Geovision Resistivity
 Oguntona, Kelsch, Osman,Ingebrigtsen, Butt, Saha SPE 88889

Figure 1 – Azimuthal near bit laterolog-resistivity tool (GVR) configuration. The GVR was run behind the new
rotaray steerable system in the Ewan-YH well drainhole section. The up and down resistivity and the resistivity
image from the deep button was essential for geosteering within the thin target sand.

Figure 2 – Real time LWD log Ewan-YH, azimuthal gamma ray, up and down resistivity, bit and ring resistivity
and the deep button resistivity image (static and dynamic). The real time logs were transmitted to surface by
mudpulse telemetry (6 bits per second).
Thin Sand Development Made Possible through Enhanced Geosteering and Reservoir Planning with While-drilling Resistivity and NMR Logs SPE 88889

Turbine Assy.
S p e c ific a tio n s

H o le S iz e : 8 3 / 8 ” t o 1 0 5 / 8 ”
D ia m e t e r o f in v e s t ig a t io n : 1 4 ”
F le x ib le R e a l t im e c o n n e c t io n
7 ¾” OD O v e r a ll L e n g t h : 3 7 f t
W EARBAN DS
AN TEN N AS
N o r a d io a c t iv e s o u r c e s
6 ¾ ” A P I D r ill C o lla r
F lo w R a n g e : 3 0 0 t o 8 0 0 g p m

Electronics Assy.
M a x . T e m p : 1 5 0 ° C (3 0 0 ° F )
Magnets and

M a x . o p e r a t in g p r e s s u r e : 2 0 ,0 0 0 p s i
D o g L e g S e v e r it y
R o t a t in g 8 d e g / 1 0 0 f t
O P T IO N A L S lid in g 1 6 d e g /1 0 0 ft
S T A B IL IZ E R

Figure 3 – Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) while drilling tool specifications. The NMR while drilling tool
was used in both case study wells for reservoir evaluation in the pilot holes and while drilling the drainhole
sections.

Figure4 – Magnetic Field Configuration for the new NMR while drilling tool.
 Oguntona, Kelsch, Osman,Ingebrigtsen, Butt, Saha SPE 88889

Figure 5 – Top structure map for the Meji-4X wel. The pilot hole was targeting another fault block than the
horizontal well, which was targeting the central block.

G R O ffset #1 G R O ffset #2 G R O ffse t #1

GOC

R ea l T im e
G a m m a R ay
Figure 6 –Geosteering Interpretation of the 1,500 ft drainhole section of Meji-4X within the clean sand lobe (red curve is
actual trajectory, blue is planned).
Thin Sand Development Made Possible through Enhanced Geosteering and Reservoir Planning with While-drilling Resistivity and NMR Logs SPE 88889

Figure 7 – Pilot Hole, NMR and neutron porosities are in good agreement across the wet zones. No bound fluid / early
T2 distribution from NMR confirmed the sands are clean and permeability in the range of 2-3 Darcy.
 Oguntona, Kelsch, Osman,Ingebrigtsen, Butt, Saha SPE 88889

Figure 8 – Horizontal well landing section, nuclear magnetic resonance and azimuthal resistivity confirmed that the
well landed in clean
Thin Sand Development Made Possible through Enhanced Geosteering and Reservoir Planning with While-drilling Resistivity and NMR Logs SPE 88889

Figure 9 – Horizontal well drainhole section. NMR confirmed that first 500 feet of drain hole is clean high
permeability reservoir and then we hit the silty part of reservoir with relatively lower permeability. Well path was
adjusted to get out of silty sand and back into cleaner more permeable sand.
 Oguntona, Kelsch, Osman,Ingebrigtsen, Butt, Saha SPE 88889

Figure 10 – New advanced rotaray steerable system - point the bit – used for the drainhole section of Ewan-YH.

278,000 279,000 280,000 281,000 282,000 283,000 284,000 285,000

208,000 208,000
OKG-XX

207,000 207,000
EWA-XXST1
EWA-XXH
EWA-XX EWA-XXHST1
EWA-01

EWA-XXH EWA-XXS
EWA-XXS

EWA-XXH
EWA-XX Ewan-YH
EWA-XXHST1 EWA-XXHST2
EWA-XX EWA-XX
EWA-XXH
EWA-XXS
206,000 EWA-XX 206,000

EWA-XX
EWA-XXi
EWA-XXH OKG-XX

EWA-XXB EWA-XX

EWA-XXiI

EWA-XX

205,000 205,000
EWA-XX

EWA-XX EWA-XXI EWA-XXI

EWA-XXH
1:12500
KILOMETERS 0.0 0.5 KILOMETERS
STATUTE MILES 0.0 .1 .2 .3 .4 0.5 STATUTE MILES

204,000 204,000
CHEVRON NIGERIA LIMITED
ASSET MANAGMENT DEPARTMENT, LEKKI LAGOS
EWA-XXI

Top Structure Map

Ewan B-XX
C.I. 50 (ft)
SCALE: 1:125000 DRAWN: KDK DATE: 06-OCT-2003
203,000 INTERPRETATION: KDK 203,000

278,000 279,000 280,000 281,000 282,000 283,000 284,000 285,000

Figure 11 – Top structure map of theh BXX sand, Ewan field. Planned well, Ewan-YH, with surrounding offset
wells. The Ewan-YH drainhole section was planned along strike to reduce the risk of drilling out of the sand.
Thin Sand Development Made Possible through Enhanced Geosteering and Reservoir Planning with While-drilling Resistivity and NMR Logs SPE 88889

Ewan-Y Pilot
LW D Log NMR T2
Distribution

Density

Neutron
Porosity

Late arrivals:
Effective porosity
BXX TOP

Free Fluid Volume

GR

Bound Fluid Volume

Resistivity

BXX BASE

Caliper

Perm

Early arrivals:
Bound Fluid Porosity

Figure 12 – Ewan Pilot hole NMR log. The permeability was up to 1 darcy and the free fluid volume was up to
15% in the target sand, and from this result it was decided to drill a horizontal well within the sand. The resistivity
was aqcuired by an induction tool, and as such a polarization effect was observed when the well crossed the bed
boundaries.
 Oguntona, Kelsch, Osman,Ingebrigtsen, Butt, Saha SPE 88889

Ewan-YH
Drainhole Section
LW D NM R Log

Perm eability Image Orientation

UP Down UP
.
Bound Fluid

Bottom of the hole

Volume

Silty Sand
Perm

Density

Neutron
Porosity

Late arrivals:
Free Fluid

Free Fluid Volume

Clean Sand
GR

Silty Sand in the top of the hole

Silty Sand in the top of the hole
Early arrivals:
Bound Fluid

Caliper

AVG ROP
90 ft/hr

Figure 13 – Ewan-YH drainhole section NMR log and azimuthal resistivity image. Free fluid volume and
permeability estimates from the NMR while drilling tool correspond very well to the interpretation of the resistivity
image. The first 200 ft in the lower part of the BXX sand, consisted of more silty sand. The permeability log and the
free fluid volume indicates the last 1,200 ft MD of the well mainly was drilled within more productive sand. All
decisions was taken while drilling, and together with the new rotary steerable system this made the hole smooth with
nearly no wash outs, as seen from the caliper log.
 Thin Sand Development Made Possible through Enhanced Geosteering and Reservoir Planning with While-drilling Resistivity and NMR Logs SPE 88889

Figure 14 – The geossteering interpretation of Ewan-YH. Up and down resistivity was used for steering within the sand,
together with dip interpretation from the resistivity image displayed at the top. All the 15 X points along the wellbore are
decisions point for steering the well in the thin sand.

Figurer 15 – Zoom View of the Geosteering Interpretataion. Resistivity up and down were continously interpreted while
drilling to analyze if the well was drilling closer to the top or base. In this figure the well was drilling closer to the base in
the first 200 ft, and as such it was decided to steer up with 91.0º inclination. When it was interpreted that the well was
drilling in the middle part of the sand, it was decided to level off at 90.0º inclination.
 Oguntona, Kelsch, Osman,Ingebrigtsen, Butt, Saha SPE 88889

EWAN-YH

6000 24
5000 20
Oil Rate [BBL/D]; GOR

4000 16

WATER-CUT
[SCF/STB]

3000 12
2000 8
1000 4
0 0
31-Dec 30-Jan 29-Feb 31-Mar 30-Apr 31-May 30-Jun

OIL BBLS/D FORMATION GOR SCF/BBL BS&W %

Figure 16 – Production data for the Ewan-YH well March to June 2004. Initial production estimate was 1200 BOPD
but after bringing on the well the actual IP was 1600 BOPD.

EWAN-YH

350 70
Tubing Pressure [psig]

Sand [lb/MBBL]; Choke

300 60
250 50

[64ths]
200 40
150 30
100 20
50 10
0 0
31-Dec 30-Jan 29-Feb 31-Mar 30-Apr 31-May 30-Jun

TBG. PRESSURE PSIG CHOKE SAND CONT. IB

Figure 17 – Ewan-YH production data March to June 2004.