Significance of real-time petro-physical data for an optimal remote geosteering operation in complex geological reservoirs

Abstract

In the last decade, the oil industry has transitioned from primarily drilling vertical wells to a majority of extended reach complex horizontal wells with help of geosteering techniques for better reservoir and production efficiencies. The overall objective of geosteering and well placement has helped to maximize reservoir contact by the keeping well trajectory in the pay zone with the help of quality real-time data, especially in these uncertain times of pandemic due to COVID-19. This paper illustrates the immense impact of real-time data feeds (special logging tools/images) at operation centers with the full remote expert support of multidisciplinary teams. The proper data communication mechanism is also helpful to share the information across asset teams in a timely manner to drill complex wells remotely. To achieve the desired geosteering objectives, experts monitor and evaluate the real-time data in a landing well accurately in the pay horizon by designing the well path which considers geological variables like (reservoir architecture, permeability and porosity distribution, and fluid contacts) which further helps update the reservoir models in real-time based on the latest subsurface information for better reservoir management and timely decision making.