In a recent well, drilled in the Po Plain basin of northern Italy, a high resolution logging-while-drilling (LWD) electrical image was acquired to undertake real-time structural analysis over a thinly bedded mixed sandstone sequence within a highly deviated gas storage well. An objective was to validate the accuracy of the real-time high resolution images for future geosteering applications in a complex area with many petrophysical uncertainties and operational limitations.

The operators identify that the right measurements to support high resolution structural dip evaluation in real-time will allow geosteering uncertainties to be reduced further, and that this can result in better decision-making and ultimately optimal payzone penetration.

Real-time dip analysis from the electrical image has been favourably compared with results from the memory data and other imaging devices in the same BHA (gamma ray and density) and also with wireline electrical images from the same well. This case study also presents advanced sedimentological and structural applications of LWD electrical images and highlights imaging resolution capabilities now possible while drilling.

Keywords:
well logging, sedimentological interpretation, application, log analysis, spe 108775, lwd electrical image, Upstream Oil & Gas, image facies, northern italy, case study
Subjects:
Drilling Measurement, Data Acquisition and Automation, Well & Reservoir Surveillance and Monitoring, Reservoir Characterization, Formation Evaluation & Management, Information Management and Systems, Logging while drilling, Borehole imaging and wellbore seismic, Exploration, development, structural geology, Open hole/cased hole log analysis
Copyright 2007, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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