D&I SURVEY – SURVEY QUALITY

The two meanings of survey quality are:

- Make sure that quality is monitored by applying QUALITY CHECKS AND PROCEDURES throughout
(Before, during and after) the survey job.
- Make sure that tool is performing within specifications and that quality of survey data is
maintained.

The two primary objectives of drilling a well are:

- Drill towards a geological target or reservoir (set by the geologist)

- Drill without collision (set by safety and cost concerns)

Quality of survey data depend both on the accuracy of the tool used and the quality checks and
procedures put in place in the process.

BEFORE DRILLING

Quality is maintained before the job by calibrating the tools properly and doing shop checks on the
tools. We can find tool specifications in the ORM (Operations Reference Material) located in intouch.

- Calibration of D&I sensors: once per year or earlier if required. Performance verification with
OST
- D&M SQ S004 – Calibration Standard

DURING DRILLING

We maintain quality during drilling process by

- following running procedures

o We follow tool specifications which include monitoring thermal conditions and shocks
affecting the tool. Avoid downgrading sensors’ accuracy.
o We also follow survey procedures, which include keeping the tool still when taking a
survey. Avoid harm to survey data.
- Quality checks during survey
o Issues with demodulation?
o Apply FAC on survey data – values within tolerance?

A mathematical description of the data accuracy is provided by the DD. We must use
this error model to verify the quality of the data. Any low quality data must be
communicated to the DD ASAP.
 AFTER THE JOB

We keep monitoring quality by

- Performing an IST (incoming System Test)

o Verify that sensors still operating within standard tolerances
- Performing quality review
o Done by a DE or a Survey specialist from the OSC

QUALITY OF SURVEY DATA

The tolerances accepted for field measurements within SLB are known as FAC or field Acceptance
Criteria. FACS are developed based on sensor measurements, reference models and our understanding
of model accuracy.

FACs may vary from company to company, but they share the same underlying principles: The
properties of gravity and magnetic fields.

 Tolerances for magnetic instruments are reviewed periodically

The models we use are the gravitational model and the magnetic model. The more reliable being the
gravitational model while the magnetic model may have high levels of uncertainty due to the fact that it
has a changing nature and is less well understood.
Both models are very close to the real effects of the fields they represent and that is why we use them.
But when FACS are not met, it is more likely that the cause will be a magnetic one.

To learn about FACS, check D&M SQ-S002 – D&M Well surveying and anti-collision standard.

The established FACS for MWD are:

Delta G, as gravity is characterized by the vector G: +/- 2.5mG

The magnetic field is characterized by B, MDip and MDec, and the FAC are: +/-300nT, +/- 0.45deg; there
is no FAC for MDec, as it is not measured by any MWD.

- Accuracy
- Precision
- Bias
- Resolution (High – sensor can resolve small differences, better accuracy)

High accuracy and high precision together are quite expensive. There are situations when standard
accuracy and precision are quite acceptable: explorations wells in places with low collision risk.
 WHAT AFFECT SURVEY QUALITY

Good calibrated instruments perform with high accuracy and precision. For these instruments, we can
expect to see constant values of G, B and DIP. Failure to see this steady behavior may be an indicator of
low quality data.

POTENTIAL SOURCES OF ERRORS

- D&I Package components: Magnetometers, accelerometers, electronic circuitry, temperature

sensors
- Incorrect survey procedure (taking survey with movements, rotations or up-down); Movements
also deviate the magnetometers from magnetic north, introducing noise in the readings
- Interference factors