The presentation ”Delineating The Geothermal Structure and Flow Properties in a Sub-Horizontal Well With the use of NMR with Sonic and Image Logs in a Multiphysics Approach” will be given by Erik Wielemaker and Chiara Cavalleri, from Schlumberger, SPWLA 2020/21 distinguished speakers.
Abstract
Geothermal projects are rapidly developing in Continental Europe to provide an alternative energy source. These projects typically involve a doublet of a producer and injector well, which are typically vertical wells drilled with minimal measurement technology. We discuss how NMR logging measurements together with sonic and density images guided the decision making for completion strategy in a sub-horizontal geothermal well in the suburbs of Paris, France, which at the time was a world premiere in geothermal well design.
The project targets thin porous oolitic layers within a dolomite formation as an excellent geothermal target to produce from. The well was geosteered with Logging While Drilling (LWD) density images after which wireline Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) and dipole sonic measurement tools were operationally efficiently conveyed on tractor throughout the long horizontal drain section.
A multi-physics approach combining the density images, high resolution magnetic resonance poro-permeability data and oriented sonic measurements was applied to study the homogeneity of the layers along the well and determine the flow properties and possible compaction effects.
NMR logs were primarily used to assess the porosity and permeability variations of the oolitic reservoirs with high resolution, highlighting the intervals with the highest fluid movability through the thin layers.
NMR measurements were also applied to describe the pore system and assess the fluid movability through the thin layers. NMR carbonate porosity partitioning analysis was used to classify rock type with similar reservoir quality and assist with the definition of rock properties cutoffs for development strategy. In addition to typical applications for rock mechanics and petrophysics, the sonic data in combination with the azimuthal density helped explore any possible effect of the proximity of the adjacent layers within the thin oolitic section (in the order of 1 meter). By combining measurements from different spacings and taking the opportunity to analyze the non-standard individual azimuths from the sonic technology, a more detailed structural model was obtained after integration with the density image. This enabled understanding whether permeability variations are truly related to layer variations or a result of the measurements sensing properties of an adjacent layer and defining the heterogeneity of the oolites; and ultimately making informed decisions.
Moreover, the lateral continuity of the layers and structures were captured by exploring the far field sonic reflectors imaged with a dipole sonic source. This enabled obtaining a detailed understanding of the structures along the horizontal well. Reflectors could be observed up to 40 m away from the wellbore.
Biography
Erik Wielemaker is a Principal Acoustic Geomechanics Domain Champion, based in The Hague covering Europe & Africa. Erik has a Msc in Geophysics with the University of Utrecht. Erik is the SPWLA 2020/21 distinguished speaker.
Chiara Cavalleri is an EH Petrophysics Domain Champion with Schlumberger, having spent 15 years working for the company and its subsidiaries at various locations in Europe and Africa. Prior to that she worked as a project coordinator and environmental engineer for Foster Wheeler. She holds a PhD in environmental engineering from the University of Pavia. Chiara is the SPWLA 2020/21 distinguished speaker.