Land multiple-target wells with limited reservoir depth data

Petrobras wanted to land three wells offshore Brazil in multiple sand bodies of unknown depths without the use of pilot holes. To meet its objectives, the selected technology would need to be capable of remotely detecting reservoir markers, mapping contrasting layers to identify the "sweet zone," and optimizing the trajectory of the horizontal section using real-time information. The three planned wells would drill through one or two thin reservoir sand bodies before landing in one of the main reservoirs below. The TVD of each of the sand bodies was not clearly defined, as reservoir data was limited to seismic data gathered at the surface.

Map reservoirs, land wells in real time with reservoir mapping-while-drilling service

The operator selected the GeoSphere reservoir mapping-while-drilling service, which extends the radial depth of investigation to more than 100 ft [30 m]. Using deep directional resistivity measurements, the service accurately maps reservoirs, strategically navigates through them, and lands wells optimally.

Landed three wells, altered trajectories of two wells with increased reservoir data

Petrobras successfully landed all three multiple-target wells using the increased depth of investigation offered by the GeoSphere service. In Well 1, the section was landed within the second sand body while mapping the top of the third reservoir sand 13-ft [4-m] TVD below the sensor measure point. The real-time results also provided a mapping of all three sand channels and the intermediate shale thicknesses.

In addition to determining the structural dip and the depth distribution of these layers, the base of the reservoir was also detected 10-ft [3-m] TVD higher than expected, prompting a crucial model and trajectory update for the planning of the horizontal injector.