Managing uncertainty to deliver complex development wells

Abstract

Summary Managing seismic depth uncertainty is a key consideration in placing horizontal development wells into thin reservoir targets. Seismic depth uncertainty has the potential to erode project value through missed reservoir (late landing or reservoir exits) and/or the cost of corrective actions (e.g. sidetracks). The placement of Laverda Canyon development wells in 2018 utilised a 30 Hz full waveform inversion velocity model and deep directional resistivity data in combination with a near real-time depth update process to optimise well placement. Utilising these methods resulted in a significant reduction in seismic depth uncertainty which culminated in the final Laverda Canyon development well (LAV04WI) being successfully geosteered for ~ 2,200 m within a 10-15 m thick reservoir with only one reservoir exit.