A Comparative Review of Production Logging Techniques in Open Hole Extended Reach Wells

Abstract

Successful reservoir surveillance is a key component to effectively manage any field production strategy. For open hole extended reach horizontal wells, including some wells over 30,000 ft in length, the challenges to successfully deploy real-time logging tools are greatly magnified. This is further complicated by constraints in the completion where Electrical Submersible Pumps (ESP's) are installed. A comparative review of the latest technologies and methods available to overcome these challenges will be explored. The challenges are formidable and extensive; logging these extreme lengths in cased hole would be difficult enough, but are considerably exaggerated in the open-hole condition. The logging run in open hole must also contend with increased frictional forces, high dogleg severity, washouts and an increased well bore rugosity. The main challenges to achieve the logging objectives in open hole extended reach wells, are 2-fold, namely; To log the entire open hole section and reach the Total Depth (TD) of the well. To obtain high quality data from the logging tools, despite the adverse downhole environment. To achieve these 2 main objectives, a comprehensive approach is taken while designing the logging operation. The choices available to deploy the logging tools are mainly on electric-line cable with an electric powered tractor or on coil tubing with a hydraulically powered tractor. The most common type of log performed in these extended reach wells is a production log to measure multi-phase inflow contributions. To improve the success rate of the logs, a number of initiatives have been implemented, including deployment of custom designed coil tubing tractors and state of the art wireline tractors. The logging tools and job programs are adapted based on the results of simulations, accounting for many variables, including the completion, well type, deviation and target depth. The ability to successfully log these extended reach wells cannot be understated, reservoir simulations and management decisions can only as good as the quality of data available. Some of the advantages of drilling mega reach wells such as increased reservoir contact, reduced footprint and less wells drilled will be lost if adequate reservoir surveillance cannot be achieved. To meet the key objectives, creative solutions including designing and upgrading the best fit for purpose technologies are applied for the extended reach wells. These steps taken not only improve the overall logging performance, they can also result in cost savings by avoiding multiple unsuccessful logging runs.