A Single-Trip Compact Memory Logging System Utilization in a Complex Environment, a Case study Onshore Kuwait

Abstract

Well control situation in high angle wells put challenging environment for the acquisition and interpretation of formation evaluation data on wireline. This case study puts a highlight on a new technology, which allows mitigating the well deviation and trajectory-related complications in addition to wellbore stability to acquire accurate wireline quality data, resulting in an improved completion design and an increase in production. The discussed well was drilled and completed as a horizontal open hole producer in 1994. It showed unstable production and was put on schedule for re-completion to increase production. The planned fishbone well completion design implied high-resolution caliper data acquisition to ascertain the borehole geometry in detail. Moreover, a time-lapse water saturation analysis was mandatory. On the other hand, a considerable operational risk was associated with conventional wireline tools deployment, pushing the toolstring downhole. However, this risk was minimized using the new compact well shuttle system (CWS) which has all the logging sensors housed inside the drill pipe before they can exit it to the open hole at the start of the operations. This conveyance method gave the drillers full well control, having the ability to rotate the pipe and even circulate mud in this 95-degree inclined, unstable well. Using open-end bit allowed reaming during RIH and POOH. Also, memory data acquisition allowed getting the required well log data in one run. Consequently, the well objectives were achieved, and operational risks were minimized. Also, the total well cost was optimized without sacrificing data quality, which supported formation evaluation of Mauddud reservoir drain. Finally, this led to an efficient completion and production decision-making. The advanced conveyance method discussed in this case study has been deployed in a Horizontal well within Mauddud reservoir (onshore Kuwait) for the first time, reduces the risk and cost of accessing high angle wells and wells with well control situation.