An Eagle Ford operator used MPD techniques to manage critical downhole pressures while drilling a high-temperature horizontal shale well. However, the well’s complex conditions, combined with an active MPD drilling system, presented challenges for obtaining accurate well characterization data. Conventional logging deployment methods posed a high operational risk. To reduce uncertainty, improve well completion designs, and enhance asset deliverability, the operator sought an innovative solution for acquiring accurate, advanced lateral measurements.
To deliver data assurance in these extreme conditions, SLB deployed the OnWave autonomous logging platform, which is untethered to wireline. Released at surface, it seamlessly integrated with the drillstring, conveying the slim logging toolstring to connect to a newly designed BHA at 17,000-ft TD. With fully autonomous deployment and logging capabilities and a state‑of‑the‑art acquisition system, the logging platform enabled the operator to log the challenging well in just one run. Using the new technology, SLB reduced the landing time from hours to just 27 minutes—a 70% reduction compared with conventional deployment techniques.
Throughout deployment and logging operations, the OnWave platform's communication system delivered tool status and downhole position information. In addition, rotation and circulation were fully enabled while tripping out of hole and during data acquisition, significantly reducing pipe sticking risk.
Quad‑combo processing of the measurements at surface provided high‑quality integrated petrophysics and acoustic insights, enabling the operator to improve the stimulation and completion designs and derisk asset field development.
