TX 75083-3836, U.S.A., fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractReservoir navigation with LWD resistivity has traditionally relied on matching real time measurements with ideal logs. Reservoir navigation engineers initially build one or more resistivity models including all expected resistivity boundaries such as oil-water contact, reservoir to cap rock interface, faults and unconformities. Then, during drilling, they direct the well and update the earth model by matching actual measurements with forward response model data.Because common LWD resistivity sensors cannot differentiate between an oil-water contact approaching from below and a shale lens approaching from above or from the side, the reservoir navigation engineer fills in the missing information through expertise and local knowledge. In case of complex geology however, such as reservoirs with tilted or rotated fault blocks, multiple fluid contact levels, cross-stratification and shale intrusions, navigation becomes much more challenging and the risk of getting geologically lost is high. In recent years imaging LWD tools were introduced to help reduce the azimuthal uncertainty but they were limited to a few inches in lateral investigation.A new azimuthally sensitive propagation resistivity tool was recently tested for reservoir navigation and formation imaging in some of the more complex reservoirs of the North Sea. In cases where standard omni directional tool responses would lead to ambiguous interpretations, the azimuthally sensitive tool provided the basis for clear geosteering advice. A new imaging algorithm helped visualize approaching beds much like modern imaging devices, but with a depth of investigation reaching several feet into the formation. At fault crossings, the azimuthally sensitive signal helped recognize the relative movement of the formations on either side of the fault. In other instances where the well was run immediately below the cap rock, deep looking azimuthal propagation anticipated the intersection by several hundred feet. Also, analysis of the detailed deep electrical images brought a more complete understanding of the subsurface.

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fax 01-972-952-9435. AbstractWe illustrate the use of a new technology for navigating and characterizing various types of oil reservoirs. Real-time images from Azimuthal Propagation Resistivity measurements provide a "map" of the resistivity patterns up to several meters around the wellbore. In addition, recently developed processing and quantitative interpretation techniques help guide the placement of the well and provide a new perspective of the formation.When navigating in gas drive reservoirs, the azimuthal resistivity measurement is used to maintain the wellbore at a prescribed distance above the oil-water contact. With its exponential sensitivity to distance, the measurement is able to detect even small changes in the distance to the oil-water interface. In a few instances, the azimuthal information provided by the real-time deep resistivity images indicates probable coning due to offset well production.Similar principles are applied in high angle drilling of water drive reservoirs. The deep azimuthal information allows the drilling engineer to maintain the wellbore at a prescribed distance immediately below a shale roof. The deep resistivity image from the azimuthal resistivity measurement also makes it easy to distinguish the roof from the occasional approaching shale lens.Whereas shallower reading LWD image logs (e.g. Gamma Ray and Density) only indicate a geological feature proximal to wellbore, the deep reading azimuthal resistivity measurement can provide geologic structure information at the reservoir scale. Visual displays show the subsurface surrounding the wellbore; quantitative algorithms accurately compute the distance, direction, and apparent dip for reservoir related geological events. A new conductivity unit named "Transverse Siemens" is proposed to help quantify the new azimuthal propagation measurement.

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