Abstract
This paper presents the successful use of LWD NMR and LWD resistivity image log technology to meet the challenge of placing wells in a thin reservoir with lateral facies variation without the use of radioactive sources and with simultaneous data acquisition to evaluate the wells and design their downhole inflow control devices (ICDs).
A series of horizontal producer wells were planned in a thin reservoir with lateral facies variation. After drilling the wells they were completed with downhole ICDs. Optimum placement of the wells within the reservoir and data acquisition to evaluate the wells and design their completions was achieved without the use of radioactive sources, as these created an unacceptable drilling risk. Rapid and accurate processing of the data in real time and subsequent design of the ICDs was required to enable the completions to run in a timely fashion. The NMR permeability was normalized using the new calibration parameters that were developed by integrating NMR results with core data, and the same relationship has been tested in other lateral wells.
Real-time NMR total porosity played a significant part in facilitating effective geosteering and well placement without the drilling risks associated with radioactive sources. In addition, the NMR provided a porosity distribution that was used to estimate a permeability index. This index was normalized using core permeability available from offset appraisal wells. The core and NMR log data in the offset wells were combined to derive the parameters for an NMR permeability relationship. The standard volumetric analysis results and the permeability index were used for identifying reservoir flow units using crossplots of normalized flow capacity versus normalized storage capacity (modified Lorenz Plots). These results were then used to develop the parameters for the ICD completions. High resolution LWD image log data was incorporated to select the best possible sections in the wells for isolation of the ICD segments. Following completion and stimulation, multiphase PLTs were run across the ICD
compartments to evaluate the wells. These results were then compared against expectations and used in subsequent well completion designs.
The results of the wells presented show that the chosen methodology enables the successful placement and completion of horizontal wells in this reservoir. Decisions about ICD completion design can be made in a timely fashion just after the drilling phase is complete, avoiding rig downtime. This approach has become the default procedure for the field and will be used for the bulk of the remaining producer wells in the reservoir.
