Photorealistic reservoir geology service helps model reservoir distribution

Schlumberger launched the Quanta Geo photorealistic reservoir geology service, which includes the industry’s first microresistivity imager that produces oriented photorealistic core-like images of the formation in wells drilled with oil-base mud (OBM). Interpretation of the images identifies geological features and predicts reservoir trends in 3-D with a high degree of certainty, a company product announcement said. Geological imaging in wells drilled with OBM has been recognized as a major technical challenge, particularly in deepwater, according to Hinda Gharbi, president of wireline at Schlumberger. The physics of the Quanta Geo service’s high-resolution array of 192 microelectrodes overcomes the electrically resistive barrier imposed by OBM. The articulated caliper and independently applied pads enable downlogging at up to 1,098 m/hr (3,600 ft/hr), which significantly reduces rig time while mitigating operational risk and delivering data assurance. The service is combinable with most other Schlumberger wireline openhole tools. Using the Schlumberger Techlog wellbore software platform, data acquired by the Quanta Geo service are easily rendered, creating an image of 0.24 in. resolution that resembles a whole core. This enables extraction of key reservoir parameters such as the structural dip or the identification of sand body type, extent and orientation. slb.com/qgeo

Modified bit provides better curve drilling performance, rig economics

Kymera FSR directional hybrid drillbit from Baker Hughes delivers fast, smooth and reliable performance while drilling curve sections in challenging carbonate formations, according to a company press release. The bit was designed to capture more pay zone at high penetration rates and with improved directional precision. Kymera FSR’s modified design allows it to go up to twice as fast in conglomerates as the Kymera drillbit, and it typically completes a curve with one bit. The hybrid design of the Kymera FSR bit combines the attributes of both polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) and tricone bit technologies and, as a result, outperforms those bit types in carbonates. The sharper, more aggressive teeth on the bit’s roller cones crush these formations with ease, while the PDC cutters of the bit sweep away debris and efficiently clean the borehole. While tricone bits tend to run at a slower pace with less torque and PDC bits drill fast with higher reactive torque, the Kymera FSR bit design allows it to drill much faster while reducing reactive torque fluctuations. This performance decreases damage to the bit and drillstring and provides added toolface control. The result is faster, more precise and smoother drilling for longer distances, often to total depth at a higher buildup rate, the release said. bakerhughes.com

Service integrates data to optimize stage-by-stage completions

FracRx from MicroSeismic Inc. is a proprietary service that allows operators to increase asset values by optimizing the treatment of each well, a product announcement said. The service integrates microseismic data with an operator’s pump and geological data to track the growth of the fracture network in all directions and determine how the cumulative fracture area grows with injected fluid volume. This near real-time analysis allows improved stage coverage, treatment efficiency and ultimate recovery to increase production, the company said. In addition, information gleaned from FracRx during a treatment helps operators optimize stage length and treatment design on subsequent wells. Operators can easily identify and react to fault reactivation, determine optimal stage length based on drainage area near the wellbore, effectively evaluate whether the treatment is creating new fractures or opening existing fractures, and ensure the treatment is staying in zone. This information can be used to make cost-saving decisions and maximize production. microseismic.com

V3-rated plugs create reliable, high-performance downhole seal

Peak Well Systems has introduced the new SIM PLUS range of V3-grade plugs certified to ISO-14310, including the SIM PLUS Retrievable Bridge Plug. The retrievable bridge plug is for well barrier applications in monobore wells and creates a reliable, high-performance downhole seal, according to a product announcement. This bridge plug can be deployed by all conventional means—drillpipe, coiled tubing, wireline or slickline—and is mechanically set, providing a simple setting solution. The SIM PLUS range of products is modular and employs interchangeable components that facilitate a variety of downhole applications such as zonal isolation, wellhead isolation, contingent plugging, straddles and chokes. The large internal diameter of the retrievable bridge plug makes it useful for modular straddle systems that can improve well performance. The bridge plugs are available in sizes from 27/8 in. up to 7 in. peakwellsystems.com

New christmas tree addresses deepwater challenges

GE Oil & Gas has announced its Deepwater Vertical Xmas Tree (DVXT) rated for depths of up to 3,000 m (9,843 ft). It is pre-engineered, prequalified and modular to enable it to be brought to market faster. The DVXT is deployed with the company’s next-generation remote electronics canister, the SemStar5-R, and incorporates the latest in communication technology. It is designed with the objectives of higher subsea reliability, extended service life and improved environmental monitoring. With communications out to 220 km (137 miles) at depths up to 3,000 m, the ModPod subsea control module is designed to complement the DVXT’s modular layout and enables a more flexible communications network, which is important for field expansion and access to remote wells. ge-energy.com

Interactive Arctic risk map communicates region’s complex risk picture

DNV GL has developed an interactive Arctic Risk Map to present the risks associated with offshore and maritime activities in the Arctic. The map aims to provide stakeholders with a comprehensive tool for decision-making and transparent communications. The map presents multiple dimensions such as the seasonal distribution of ice, metocean conditions, sea-ice concentrations, biological assets, shipping traffic, and oil and gas resources in a single layout. It also includes a safety and operability index showing the variation in different factors that impact the risk level depending on the season and location in the Arctic. A location- and season-specific index has been developed showing the environmental vulnerability of marine resources with respect to oil spill as an external stressor. The map is a useful tool to identify regions that require special attention when it comes to planning activities and for imposing mitigation measures throughout the year. The map also can provide input to decisions-makers about restricting certain types of activities in specific areas at different times of the year. dnvgl.com

System provides accurate volume measurements in unconventional resource plays

Halliburton’s CoreVault system provides a more accurate volumetric picture of the amount of oil and gas trapped in unconventional reservoir rocks. The system makes it possible for operators to contain and bring the reservoir fluids within rock samples to the surface, allowing measurement of the volume of hydrocarbons in place, a product announcement said. Traditional coring tools allow 50% to 70% of the hydrocarbons to escape from the rock as the samples depressurize when brought to surface, said David Topping, vice president of Wireline and Perforating at Halliburton. Building a model of the volume of oil and gas in a reservoir required operators to estimate this fluid loss rather than measure the fluids in place, which often made estimates inaccurate. By preserving 100% of the fluids within the core sample, the CoreVault system allows an improved understanding of potential production within the reservoir. halliburton.com

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