Notable Projects

Successfully executed drilling operations of a challenging Slim High-Temperature exploratory well in North Sea.

Large water influx while drilling the 6.5in section of an abnormal, high temperature exploration well in a tight deep carbonate reservoir was causing the operator to consider abandoning the well as it did not want to risk drilling a complex well that it considered as water filled. The team led by Darshil at SLB was challenged with completing the drilling operations and acquiring high quality pressure measurements and sample collection for downhole fluid analysis (DFA). This information was of critical importance for understanding the reservoir fluid composition and identifying potential compartments. 

The section was completed in a controlled manner through managed pressure drilling. SLB's rugged high temperature formation tester tool was deployed on drill pipes (TLC - Tough Logging Conditions) and objectives of acquiring pressure measurements and fluid samples were achieved despite the challenges of high temperature, high probability of getting stuck downhole and co-occurrence of low permeability matrix and open fractures. Near-critical gas, liquid hydrocarbons, and compartments were successfully identified to validate reservoir potential while enabling diagnosis of the water influx during drilling as crossflow for guiding adjustment of the completion plan. 

Special recognition was received from the client for achieving the objectives successfully and providing a new perspective on the reservoir potential.