Operational efficiency improvement by using logging while drilling (LWD) fluid sampling and pressure-testing device
Steve J Martin A , Pei-Chea Tran A and Steven Marshall ABaker Hughes Australia.
The APPEA Journal 54(2) 543-543 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ13116
Published: 2014
Abstract
Abstract: An operator in Asia Pacific required a large sample volume from a gas reservoir for accurate non-hydrocarbon gas (NHCG) content analysis from two extended reach wells. This extended abstract highlights the use of an LWD fluid sampling and formation pressure-testing device to overcome numerous challenges, including a highly deviated wellbore, stuck pipe, oil-based mud (OBM) gas-sampling issues and prevention of geo-chemical absorption.
Application: The choice to use an LWD fluid sampler was based on several factors that reduced significant risks. Due to the well’s deviated nature, the only traditional wireline fluid sampling solution would have required a pipe-conveyed logging mechanism. This would have added rig days to the project and increased the risk of stuck pipe. To prevent geo-chemical absorption, the storage tanks were manufactured with a specialised metallurgic design. This would be tested by applying a customer-requested coating to half the tanks and monitor differences in geo-chemical content. To prevent differential sticking, testing sequences would be limited to 90-minute intervals.
Results, observations and conclusions: After two runs in separate wells, a total of 25 samples were acquired containing more than 19 litres of fluid. Due to the reduced invasion profile as a result of LWD technology, fluid stability was reached within the 90-minute threshold. Furthermore, results showed only 8% OBM contamination—half the amount seen in offsets from wireline produced fluid samples. Finally, due to the improved operation efficiency and the quality of the samples, the customer estimates that it saved nearly $10 million in rig costs and millions more in reduced retrofitting costs of the production facility.
Significance of subject matter: This extended abstract highlights a major step-change in fluid sampling technology. Operators no longer need to consider a well’s deviation in the ability to collect fluid samples. The recap of the two wells will offer additional best practices and risk mitigation techniques for future LWD sampling projects. It also adds yet another LWD technology that provides consistent wireline equivalent data.
Stephen J Martin graduated from The University of Michigan with a BSE in Aerospace Engineering. He has worked with Baker Hughes for eight years holding various positions including Logging Engineer, Drilling Advisor, Field Test Engineer, and Business Development Manager. He has experience working in several US Land Basins, throughout Europe, Deepwater Gulf of Mexico and Australasia. He is now the business development and technical manager for Baker Hughes Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea. |
Pei-Chea Tran graduated from The University of Western Australia with a BSc in Mathematics and a BE in Mechanical Engineering. She has held numerous positions with Schlumberger including Wireline Field Engineer, Reservoir Engineer and Domain Champion in an 11-year tenure working in various parts of the world including Mexico, Angola, Norway and Australia. She has spent the past two years as the formation evaluation advisor for Baker Hughes Australia, New Zealand and Papua New Guinea while also providing regional support to Asia Pacific. |
Steven Marshall graduated from Fife College with a HND in Petroleum and Mechanical Engineering. He has worked with Baker Hughes for the past 14 years holding various positions including, drilling engineer, directional driller, quality and reliability manager, operations manager and project manager. He has experience in UK, North Africa, Deepwater Angola, Gabon and Australia. He is now the Baker Hughes executive account manager for ExxonMobil Australia and PNG. He was in the position of project manager for the first FASTrak deployment in the Asia-Pacific region. |
