Mobile analysis solutions confirm critical H2S levels in deepwater exploration
In a deepwater exploration well with uncertain H2S concentrations, rapid onsite confirmation was essential to maintain secure operations. SLB deployed Lab Express™ mobile analysis solutions to deliver laboratory‑grade compositional analysis at the rig. Accurate H2S characterization was confirmed within hours, restoring operational confidence and enabling reliable continuation of drilling activities.
Exploration wells with limited offset data require reliable H2S measurements to support well planning and personnel safety. In this offshore deepwater well, the operator anticipated the presence of H2S but had no reliable indication of concentration.
Traditional workflows—shipping samples to onshore laboratories or using stain-tube screening methods—can delay confirmation for days. To reduce operational uncertainty, the operator requested onsite laboratory-grade data to validate H2S levels and support reliable, continuous operations.
SLB deployed Lab Express solutions to the offshore rig, enabling reservoir laboratories to perform laboratory‑accuracy compositional analysis and GOR measurements onsite. Within hours, the team completed H2S characterization and identified a significant discrepancy compared with previously reported values.
The results were validated using proxy well data, backup samples, and downhole H2S indicator measurements. The confirmed concentration aligned with geological expectations and provided the operator with a reliable basis for continuing the exploration program.
From initial notification to validated result, the response was completed within 48 hours.
Following the successful initial test batch, the operator retained Lab Express solutions for the second MDT™ modular formation dynamics tester downhole testing operation. This outcome reinforced confidence in the capabilities of reservoir laboratories and demonstrated the value of delivering laboratory-grade analysis directly at the wellsite.
