This case study presents a novel geosteering approach using cloud computing to optimize trajectory planning in front of the bit during geosteering operation. The process was done in stand-alone 3D geosteering software linked with the cloud processing enabling real-time automated drilling and completion optimization. The method presented in this paper uses semi-automatic forward planning that gives a multiple-option trajectory ahead of the bit.

The trajectory was streamed in real-time using WITSML data transfer, enabling fast geosteering interpretation and decision process. The planning ahead of the bit was automatically projected using a cut-off parameter and workflow, giving the engineer multiple option trajectory ahead of the bit. The forward planning is automatically exported to cloud computing, allowing accurate real-time torque and drags tortuosity computation simulation indicator. The indicator is divided into three options, which are red, yellow, and green, which indicate no go, warning, and good to proceed. The field test trial was done in three laterals well, that were planned along complex 3D trajectory complexity.

Geosteering is planned into several laminations parallel to the formation strike. As its multiple laterals in one well, both drilling and completion complexity plays an important role in a successful project, thus requiring careful computational process in real time that allow a smooth and fast geosteering process. The success of linking the stand-alone application to the cloud computing process not just only enables well success, but also boosts digital well planning coherency along multiple well within the region.