Multidisciplinary Approach to Geosteering

Abstract

Geosteering while drilling horizontal wells allows to keep a horizontal wellbore within a hydrocarbon pay zone, maximize economic production from the well, reduce the time and cost of well construction and improve the quality of geological and geophysical data recording. By applying modern technologies and methods of geosteering we can reduce the risk of emergency and ensure safety for employees and the environment. As we gradually deplete easily recoverable hydrocarbon reserves and face the need to develop fields with reserves of inferior quality, horizontal drilling requires better efficiency. This task can be solved by applying a multidisciplinary approach to geosteering. The multidisciplinary approach to the horizontal well geosteering allows integrating the competencies of experts in geosteering, petrophysics, geological modeling, seismology, geomechanics, directional survey, mud logging in one team and engages them in well planning, construction and completion. Geological and seismic modeling experts supervise well planning to minimize geological structural risk and reservoir availability. Geosteering, petrophysics and geomechanics experts monitor main geological and technological parameters while drilling for quickly and efficiently adjust the well trajectory to maximize oil-and-gas reservoir penetration efficiency, taking into account geological tasks and risks. Directional survey and mud logging data analysis allow independent monitoring of the well trajectory and mud logging parameters. We can significantly improve drilling efficiency and risk mitigation by applying the multidisciplinary approach in horizontal well geosteering. This is especially important when high subsurface uncertainty exists and any mistake can result in severe consequences.