Petrobras Improves Well Placement Using RSS Technology and Gyrosteering Capability | SLB

Petrobras Improves Well Placement Using PowerDrive Xcel RSS and Gyrosteering

Published: 09/07/2017

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The gyrosteering capability of the PowerDrive Xcel RSS enabled Petrobras to sidetrack just 1 m below the casing shoe, achieve the full deviation from the pilot well after 16 m, and build inclination from 82° to 85° with a dogleg severity of 5?°/30 m (even greater than the planned 3½°/ 30 m) despite magnetic interference caused by the 9?-in casing. GeoSphere reservoir mapping- while-drilling service enabled accurate drilling of an additional 866 m to achieve a total net pay of 643 m and exceed expectations for reservoir exposure.
The gyrosteering capability of the PowerDrive Xcel RSS enabled Petrobras to sidetrack just 1 m below the casing shoe, achieve the full deviation from the pilot well after 16 m, and build inclination from 82° to 85° with a dogleg severity of 5?°/30 m (even greater than the planned 3½°/ 30 m) despite magnetic interference caused by the 9?-in casing. GeoSphere reservoir mapping- while-drilling service enabled accurate drilling of an additional 866 m to achieve a total net pay of 643 m and exceed expectations for reservoir exposure.
Location
Brazil, South America, Offshore
Details

Marlim Sul Field
Offshore Brazil

Application
Openhole sidetrack

Environment
Deep water

Hole size
8 1/2 in

Formation
Unconsolidated Sandstone

Planned dogleg severity
3½°/30 m [3½°/100 ft]

Actual dogleg severity
5 1/3°/30 m [5 1/3°/100 ft]

Background

The usual strategy adopted by Petrobras in the complex turbidite reservoir in the Marlim Sul field is to drill a pilot well to investigate the base and top of the reservoir followed by a sidetrack to gyrosteer inside the sandstone bodies. Because of the magnetic interference generated by the 9 5/8-in casing, a regular magnetometer-based RSS required spacing of approximately 15 m from the shoe to correctly orient the bit in the desired direction and start a sidetrack. This necessary spacing had the potential to lead to a complete exit of the sandstone body, jeopardizing the well placement.

Products Used