Published: 06/01/2010
Published: 06/01/2010
An independent operator drilling a new well in Webb County, Texas, planned to extend the horizontal section to an area beyond 3D seismic coverage and to log the entire lateral while drilling. LWD measurements were transmitted in real time to help ensure optimal placement of the lateral within the geologic structure and to evaluate the reservoir. Schlumberger provided the resources to acquire, interpret, and integrate logging-while-drilling measurements to influence the stimulation program in real time.
To perform shale gas reservoir characterization along the lateral, the operator used combinations of the EcoScope multifunction logging-while-drilling service (including density images and spectroscopy), the TeleScope high-speed telemetry-while-drilling service, and the sonicVISION sonic-while-drilling tool.
With the InterACT connectivity, collaboration, and information system, real-time data was transmitted from the rig site to Schlumberger OSC interactive drilling operations and Data & Consulting Services (DCS) scientists and engineers. This remote transmission allowed the operating company personnel to interpret LWD data and monitor drilling mechanics data in real time.
The final interpretation enhanced mineralogy description, structural mapping, and understanding of reservoir and geomechanical properties for integrated shale gas characterization.
Based on this robust evaluation suite, Schlumberger was able to recommend an optimized completion design by placing the perforation clusters guided by reservoir and geomechanical properties. Furthermore, the stress profile and mineralogy from the evaluation were used to optimize the fracturing strategy.
Close coordination of this integrated workflow of data gathering, processing, and analysis helped in providing final recommendations in time for implementation and execution.
Challenge: Well placement, reservoir characterization, completion design, and stimulation optimization of a horizontal well in the Eagle Ford Shale.
Solution: EcoScope and sonicVISION measurements to steer the lateral in real time, perform structural interpretation using azimuthal borehole images, and derive reservoir and geomechanical properties to optimize completion design and enhance stimulation treatment.
Results: Real-time acquisition, interpretation, and integration of well measurements, which helped the operator to prevent unexpected drilling events, evaluate the reservoir, and optimize the stimulation operation.
