Novel Multi-Dimension Inversion of Ultra-Deep Azimuthal Resistivity Service Allows Strategic Decision in Real-Time Enhancing Reservoir Management

Abstract Enhancing hydrocarbon recovery and reducing operational risks is challenging, especially in a complex carbonate geological setting associated with waterfront movement and structural uncertainties. The waterfront could be of two uneven types—a water slump or water moving from the sides. This study showcases a successful application of real-time multidimensional inversion that can map the complex water slumping geometry thereby helping to effectively manage any water breakthrough while and improving the hydrocarbon production potential. Prior to deployment, it is crucial to model how the multidimensional inversion would depict the slumping of water, or its lateral movement given the low resistivity contrasts. Common 1D inversions are useful, however, they may not be accurate in areas with steeply dipping contrast created by water-slumping or discontinuous formations. A unique multidimensional inversion that is able to accurately capture complex geometries was utilized. The planar geometries & resistivities are fully flexible and can be reliably determined by the inversions themselves, compared to approaches that fix the planes before executing the inversions. Carbonate reservoirs often have heterogeneous and complex geological structures, including sub-seismic faults and varying porosity and permeability. This complexity makes it difficult to accurately map and predict water movement. Conducting real-time geosteering also faces other common challenges like integrating various data sources, such as regular FE data, seismic data, and inversion models. Subsequently then, processing of all this data and updating the geological models in real-time, and overcoming operational constraints, such as drilling speed, dogleg limitations, and communication delays. In this field study, a novel multidimensional inversion workflow is successfully applied. Integrating advanced inversion algorithms with real-time data acquisition allowed for precise mapping of subsurface features, enhancing the well placement accuracy. Continuous updating of the geological model with real-time measurements enables the detection of water-slumping mitigation events and therefore ensures optimal reservoir management by enabling appropriate completion design as well as insights to any sweep irregularities. The inversion results demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach in improving hydrocarbon recovery and reducing operational risks in complex carbonate formations.