High Performance Computing on the Cloud Successfully Deployed for 3D Geosteering and Reservoir Mapping While Drilling

Abstract

The successful drilling of horizontal wells targeting reservoir zones of interest can be challenged by uncertainties in geological interpretation, identification of structure, and properties of reservoirs and fluid distribution. Optimizing the well placement of high-angle wells in order to intercept the sweet spots is crucial for the total hydrocarbon recovery in any development field. Thus, the geosteering domain was implemented to provide in real time a reservoir mapping characterization together with directional control to achieve the key performance objectives. In the past, many innovative technologies have been introduced in geosteering discipline, among them lately the deep EM directional resistivity tool that provides 1D formation resistivity mapping while drilling. However, despite the fact of delivering a multilayer mapping of the reservoir structure up to tens of meters away from wellbore, the real-time interpretation can be limited by this type of inversion. Since it is a 1D approach, these inversions map resistive boundaries on the vertical axis and assume infinite extend in all other directions. Consequently, in a complex geological setting, 1D approximation may fall short of properly describing the reservoir structure. This communication describes how the introduction of the 2D azimuthal resistivity inversions while drilling was conducted and details the various innovations required in the domains of downhole logging while drilling (LWD) measurements transmission in addition to adaptation of inversion methodology for real-time deployment, mainly through the use of high-performance cloud computing. The final enablement was the execution of automated workflows to process and deliver these advanced inversions into an integrated 3D geomodelling software within the turnaround time of drilling operations. This novel technology provides, while drilling, a better understanding of the 3D geological environment and fluid distribution with a deep depth of investigation, as well as the required information to make support for geosteering decisions for optimal well positioning. Initial field deployments were successfully conducted in horizontal wells, and three examples are presented here. Those real cases, executed with wire-drilled-pipe or mud-pulse telemetries, demonstrated the benefits of integrating 2D azimuthal inversions into the current geosteering workflow to provide a complete 3D structural understanding of the reservoir while drilling. This communication documents in detail how such an approach led to operational efficiency improvements in the form of 3D reservoir mapping in real-time, supporting a strategic change in the original well to turn toward the sweet spot, which was located sideways from the planned trajectory.