What are the steps to ensure quality formation evaluation in drilling engineering?

1 Plan ahead

The first step is to plan ahead and define the objectives, scope, and methods of formation evaluation before drilling. This involves reviewing the available data, such as seismic, well logs, cores, and analogs, to identify the target zones, expected lithologies, fluid types, and reservoir characteristics. It also involves selecting the appropriate tools, sensors, and techniques to measure the formation parameters, such as porosity, permeability, saturation, pressure, and temperature. Planning ahead can help to optimize the data acquisition, reduce the risks and uncertainties, and align the expectations with the reality.

2 Monitor and control

The second step is to monitor and control the drilling process and the formation evaluation operations. This involves ensuring that the drilling parameters, such as rate of penetration, weight on bit, and mud properties, are optimal for the formation evaluation objectives. It also involves checking the performance and quality of the formation evaluation tools, such as logging while drilling (LWD), measurement while drilling (MWD), wireline logging, and coring. Monitoring and controlling can help to detect and correct any issues, such as tool malfunctions, data gaps, or formation damage, that may compromise the formation evaluation results.

3 Validate and calibrate

The third step is to validate and calibrate the formation evaluation data. This involves comparing and cross-checking the data from different sources, such as LWD, MWD, wireline logging, coring, and testing, to verify the accuracy and consistency of the measurements. It also involves applying the necessary corrections and adjustments to the data, such as depth matching, environmental corrections, and fluid substitution, to account for the effects of the borehole, drilling, and invasion. Validating and calibrating can help to improve the reliability and quality of the formation evaluation data.

4 Analyze and integrate

The fourth step is to analyze and integrate the formation evaluation data. This involves applying the appropriate models, methods, and software to interpret the data and derive the formation properties, such as lithology, mineralogy, fluid type, and saturation. It also involves integrating the data with other information, such as seismic, petrophysical, geomechanical, and reservoir engineering data, to create a comprehensive and coherent picture of the subsurface. Analyzing and integrating can help to enhance the understanding and characterization of the reservoir.

5 Communicate and document

The fifth step is to communicate and document the formation evaluation results. This involves presenting and discussing the results with the relevant stakeholders, such as geologists, geophysicists, reservoir engineers, and managers, to share the insights and implications of the formation evaluation. It also involves documenting and reporting the results in a clear and concise manner, using the appropriate formats, charts, and graphs, to capture the key findings and recommendations of the formation evaluation. Communicating and documenting can help to facilitate the decision-making and planning for the next steps of the drilling project.

6 Review and improve

The sixth and final step is to review and improve the formation evaluation process. This involves evaluating and assessing the performance, quality, and outcomes of the formation evaluation, using the appropriate metrics, criteria, and feedback. It also involves identifying and addressing the gaps, errors, and challenges that may have occurred during the formation evaluation, and learning from the best practices and lessons learned. Reviewing and improving can help to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the formation evaluation process and to prepare for the future drilling projects.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?