Apache Maximizes Reservoir Contact by Landing Four Wells on Target in Australia | Schlumberger
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Case Study
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Location
Australia, Oceania, Onshore
Details

Challenge:

  • Position well in complex reservoir 10-ft [3-m] TVD above reservoir top without drilling pilot holes
  • Determine reservoir thickness, fluid contacts, and formation properties for best development strategy

Solution: Reduce geological uncertainty in real time while landing using the deep resistivity measurements provided by the GeoSphere reservoir mapping-while-drilling service

Results:

  • Mapped top of reservoir 33 ft [10 m] deeper than expected, leading to an optimized drilling trajectory to the landing point
  • Drilled well without pilot holes, eliminating associated risks and costs
  • Determined structure of reservoir top, dip, and base at distances reaching 82 ft [25 m] beyond wellbore
Products Used
Multiscale Structural Interpretation Services

Apache Maximizes Reservoir Contact by Landing Four Wells on Target in Australia

Real-time mapping service eliminates need for pilot holes and associated costs, risks

Map reservoir thickness, determine structural dips while landing well

Apache set a goal of placing a well 10-ft [3-m] TVD above a reservoir sand body in Australia without intersecting it due to geomechanical issues associated with overexposure of the overburden. A secondary objective was to map the reservoir thickness and determine structural dips to to make further decisions about planning the horizontal development section.

The challenges associated with drilling within these reservoir sands included a seismic uncertainty of ±66-ft [±20-m] TVD, a lack of geological markers in the overburden, an unconformity running through the area, and limited nearby offset wells from which to obtain comparison data.

Identify subsurface boundaries to maximize reservoir contact

Apache opted to avoid the risk and cost associated with drilling pilot holes and instead use the GeoSphere mapping-while-drilling service to aid in decision making during landing. Using deep, directional electromagnetic measurements, the GeoSphere service significantly reduces geological uncertainties and mitigates risks associated with entering the reservoir. With a depth of investigation exceeding 100 ft [30m], the service maps a reservoir's position, geometry, and fluid contacts. This information enables operators to make prompt trajectory adjustments to optimize the landing and steering of the wellbore within the reservoir.

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This real-time map from the GeoSphere service shows the detection of the top of the reservoir at 52-ft [16-m] TVD and the base of the reseroir at 82-ft [25-m] TVD below the well path.

Landed well in sweet spot, eliminated pilot holes

The GeoSphere service mapped the reservoir, including its top, base, and dip at distances up to 82-ft [25-m] TVD below the well path in real time. It also detected the top of the reservoir 33-ft [10-m] TVD deeper than expected. As a result, Apache maintained the trajectory before geostopping the section 10-ft [3-m] TVD above the reservoir top.

Eliminating pilot holes reduced drilling costs and managed risks while also achieving Apache's goals and objectives in this complex geological environment. The subsurface information recorded by the service during the four landing operations will be used by Apache for further field development.

Graphic: The GeoSphere service mapped the top and bottom reservoirs, resulting in the operator deciding to geostop the section 10- ft [3-m] TVD above the reservoir top.
The GeoSphere service mapped the top and bottom reservoirs, resulting in the operator deciding to geostop the section 10-ft [3-m] TVD above the reservoir top.
Products Used
Multiscale Structural Interpretation Services
Measurement integration for comprehensive 3D reservoir mapping

Better illuminate the subsurface in the most complex environments with high-quality 3D near-well structural models.

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