Study on array laterolog response simulation and mud-filtrate invasion correction

Abstract

It is a complicated task to evaluate the reservoirs influenced by mud-filtrate invasion. This paper presents the numerical simulation results of array laterolog response and the approach for mud-filtrate invasion correction. Based on the differential equations and boundary conditions of the steady current field in the rock medium, the finite element method (FEM) is applied to solve the Laplace equation, then computing the potential value at each node and calculating the apparent resistivity of six measuring modes of array laterolog. Based on the numerical results, the array laterolog response is affected by many parameters including borehole radius, mud-filtrate resistivity, mud-filtrate invasion radius and invaded area resistivity. Correction charts for borehole and mud-filtrate invasion were made to quickly and accurately obtain the mud-filtrate invasion depth and the true resistivity of the uninvaded formation, which can be used to qualitatively estimate the oiliness and permeability characteristics of the formation.

Cited as: Zhao, P., Qin, R., Pan, H., Ostadhassan, M., Wu, Y. Study on array laterolog response simulation and mud-filtrate invasion correction. Advances in Geo-Energy Research, 2019, 3(2): 175-186, doi: 10.26804/ager.2019.02.07

References

Abdel-Shafy, T., Fattah, A.A., Corley, B., et al. Comparison of a new multi laterolog tool and a formation resistivity imager in the Phiops Field of Egypt. Paper SPE140692 Presented at SPE Middle East Oil and Gas Show and Conference, Manama, Bahrain, 25-28 September, 2011.

Chen, Y., Chew, W.C., Zhang, G. A novel array laterolog method. The Log Analyst 1998, 39 (5): 23-32.

Deng, S., Fan, Y., Li, Z., et al. Response characteristics of array lateral logs and their primary inversion in reservoirs with fracture-induced anisotropy. Pet. Sci. 2011, 8(1): 11-16.

Deng, S., Li, Z., Fan, Y., et al. Numerical simulation of mud-filtrate invasion and its array laterolog response in deviated wells. Chinese Journal of Geophysics 2010, 53(4): 994-1000. (in Chinese)

Dun, Y., Tang, Z., Zhang, F., et al. Fast calculation and characteristic analysis of array lateral-logging responses. Int. J. Appl. Electrom. Mech. 2010, 33(1-2): 145-151.

Frenkel, M.A., Walker, M.J. Impact of array lateral logs on saturation estimations in two exploration wells from Australia. Paper SPWLA-2001-FFF Presented at SPWLA 42nd Annual Logging Symposium, Houston, Texas, 17-20 June, 2001.

Galli, M.T., Gonfalini, M., Mele, M., et al. Resistivity modeling of array laterolog tools: An application in an offshore Norway clastic reservoir. Paper SPE77714 Presented at SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, San Antonio, Texas, 29 September-2 October, 2002.

Griffiths, R., Barber, T., Faivre, O. Optimal evaluation of formation resistivities using array induction and array laterolog tools. Paper SPWLA-2000-BBB Presented at SPWLA 41st Annual Logging Symposium, Dallas, Texas, 4-7 June, 2000.

Griffiths, R., Smits, J.W., Faivre, O., et al. Better saturation from new array laterolog. Paper SPWLA-1999-DDD Presented at SPWLA 40th Annual Logging Symposium, Oslo, Norway, 30 May-3 June, 1999.

He, F., Ma, X., Feng, L. HAL6505 array laterolog logging tool. Oil Forum 2013, 32(2): 59-61. (in Chinese)

Itskvich, G.B., Mezzatesta, A.G., Strack, K.M., et al. High-definition lateral log-resistivity device: Basic physics and resolution. Paper SPWLA-1998-V Presented at SPWLA 39th Annual Logging Symposium, Keystone, Colorado, 26-28 May, 1998.

Jarzyna, J.A., Cichy, A., Drahos, D., et al. New methods for modeling laterolog resistivity corrections. Acta Geophys. 2016, 64(2): 417-442.

Jiang, J. Forward modeling of array laterolog response. Qingdao, China University of Petroleum (East China), 2009. (in Chinese)

Li, D., Zheng, S., Tan, Y., et al. Application of Finite Element Method in Electric Well Logging. Beijing, Petroleum Industry Press, 1980. (in Chinese)

Li, S., Bittar, M.S. Focused array laterolog tool. U.S. Patent No. 9,239,402. 2016-1-19.

Liu, Z., Hu, Q. Computation and characteristics of array laterolog responses. J. Xi’an Shiyou University (Natural Science Edition) 2002, 17(1): 53-57. (in Chinese)

Liu, Z., Zhang, X. Multi parameter inversion of array laterolog response. J. Xi’an Shiyou University (Natural Science Edition) 2005, 20(1): 30-33. (in Chinese)

Maurer, H., Antonov, Y., Corley, B., et al. Advanced processing for a new array laterolog tool. Paper SPWLA-2009-56708 Presented at SPWLA 50th Annual Logging Symposium, Woodlands, Texas, 21-24 June, 2009.

Nie, X., Li, S., Donderici, B., et al. Multi-array laterolog tools and methods with split monitor electrodes. U.S. Patent No. 9,081,114. 2015-7-14.

Pan, K., Tang, J., Du, H., et al. Trust region inversion algorithm of high-resolution array lateral logging in axisymmetric formation. Chinese Journal of Geophysics 2016, 59(8): 3110-3120. (in Chinese)

Pan, K., Wang, W., Tang, J., et al. Mathematical model and fast finite element modeling of high resolution array laterolog. Chinese Journal of Geophysics 2013, 56(9): 3197-3211. (in Chinese)

Phelps, G.D. Computation of mud filtrate invasion profiles. J. Can. Pet. Technol. 1995, 34(1): 18-27.

Salazar, J.M., Martin, A.J. Rock quality assessment using the effect of mud-filtrate invasion on conflicting borehole resistivity measurements. Geophysics 2012, 77(3): WA65-WA78.

Smits, J.W., Dubourg, I., Luling, M.G., et al. Improved resistivity interpretation utilizing a new array laterolog tool and associated inversion processing. Paper SPE49328 Presented at SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, New Orleans, Louisiana, 27-30 September, 1998.

Wang, H., Tao, G., Zhang, K. Wavefield simulation and analysis with the finite-element method for acoustic logging while drilling in horizontal and deviated wells. Geophysics 2013, 78(6): D525-D543.

Windarto Gunawan, A.Y., Sukarno, P., Soewono, E. Modelling of formation damage due to mud filtrate invasion in a radial flow system. J. Pet. Sci. Eng. 2012, 100: 99-105.

Wu, J., Xie, W., Xie, Q. Forward response analysis of array laterolog tool. J. Xi’an Shiyou University (Natural Science Edition) 2008, 23(1): 73-76. (in Chinese)

Yang, W. Forward and inversion of array laterolog logging data. Progress in Exploration Geophysics 2003, 26(4): 305-308. (in Chinese)

Yang, X., Meng, Y., Shi, X., et al. Influence of porosity and permeability heterogeneity on liquid invasion in tight gas reservoirs. J. Nat. Gas Sci. Eng. 2017, 37: 169-177.

Zhang, G. Electrical Logging Algorithm. Beijing, Petroleum Industry Press, 2009. (in Chinese)