IPTC-19520-MS

Additional-Perforations and Infill Wells Based on Multiple Contacts &

Saturation Logging Results: A Case Study

Muhammad Abdulhadi, Pei Tze Kueh, Shahrizal Abdul Aziz, Najmi Mansor, Toan Van Tran, and Hon Voon Chin,
Dialog Group Berhad; Steve Jacobs, Halliburton Energy Services; Imran Muhd. Fadhil, Alister Albert Suggust,
Mohammad Zulfiqar Usop, Benard Ralphie, Khairul Arifin Dolah, Khomeini Abdussalam, Hasim Munandai, and
Zainuddin Yusop, PETRONAS Carigali Sdn. Bhd.

Copyright 2019, International Petroleum Technology Conference

This paper was prepared for presentation at the International Petroleum Technology Conference held in Beijing, China, 26 – 28 March 2019.

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Abstract
It is a common practice to run a contact-saturation log to confirm the oil column prior to oil gain activities
such as adding perforations or infill drilling. From 2012 to 2017, a total of eight logging jobs were executed
in Field B which were subsequently followed by oil gain activities.
The eight contact-saturation logging jobs were comprised of pulse-neutron logs in both carbon-oxygen
(C/O) and sigma mode. The logs were run in varied well completions targeting thirteen different zones. Four
logs were run in single tubing strings while the remaining four were in dual string completions. Certain target
zones were already perforated while others had completion accessories such as a blast joint or integrated
tubing-conveyed perforating (iTCP) guns across them. Eight of the target zones were later add-perforated
while two were used to mature infill well targets.
Four of the seven add-perforations results were consistent with the logging results. One of the successful
logs clearly indicated that the oil column had migrated into the original gas cap. Of the two infill
wells drilled, only one was successful. These case studies in Field B indicate that in conditions of open
perforations, trapped fluid across the annulus, and in low resistivity sand, distinguishing between original
and residual saturation is difficult with pulse-neutron log. The log measurement was significantly affected.
The most obvious lesson learned was that perforating and producing the reservoir would be the best method
to confirm the potential oil gain. From a value point of view, it would have been more economical to
perforate the zone straightaway if the oil gain activity had similar cost to the logging activity. The lessons
learned also helped to establish clear guidelines in Field B on utilizing contact-saturation logs in the future.
The paper seeks to present the logging results, subsequent oil gain activities, and lessons learned from
the contact-saturation logging in Field B. These lessons learned will be applicable in other oilfields with
similar conditions to improve decision making in the industry.
2 IPTC-19520-MS

Field Background
Field B, located in the Balingian geological province approximately 80 km offshore northwest of Bintulu,
East Malaysia is highly compartmentalized and faulted with the presence of more than 100 major faults and
more than 600 minor faults. The field has three subfields further divided into nine major fault compartments
(Fig. 1). There are eight primary reservoirs with more than 20 sub-reservoirs stacked atop one another with
multiple drive mechanisms, including water drive, gas-cap drive, and solution-gas drive. Several of these
sub-reservoirs are thick sands where communication exists between them through juxtapositions across
faults, sharing a gas cap or an aquifer. Other sub-reservoirs are isolated by thin layers of shale apparent in
certain wells but absent in others. The high complexity of Field B requires any opportunity identified to
be thoroughly evaluated and examined before execution from not only a petroleum engineering point of
view but also geologically.

Figure 1—Overview of Field B.

The reservoir in Field B is a sandstone reservoir with permeability ranging from 10 mD(milli Darcies)
to 5,000 mD and porosity ranging from 16% to 30%. The porosity and permeability in the good quality
reservoirs is supported by routine core analysis and open-hole log data. The water salinity ranges from 8,000
ppm to 33,000 ppm with average salinity of 15,000 ppm supported by numerous formation water samples.
This relative "freshness" has a tremendous impact on the log analysis as discussed later.
The facilities in Field B consist of four drilling platforms, a processing platform, and a compression
platform. A total of 48 wells have been drilled in the field, with most wells completed as dual string
completions. The processing platform separates the liquid from gas, which is then transferred to the onshore
crude oil terminal. The gas is compressed, and most is exported to the nearest liquefied natural gas plant
while a small amount is used for gas lift purposes. The facilities are designed to be unmanned — there
are no living quarters available. This reduces the effective working hours to only during the day, hence
limiting the window of executing well intervention activities, requiring a dedicated work barge to serve as
accommodations and allow for 24-hr operation at the wellhead platform.
IPTC-19520-MS 3

Field B is a moderately sized field discovered in 1976 that began production in 1984. During the 30
years of oil production, the field peaked at 30,000 BOPD in 1990 and dipped to 3,000 BOPD in late 1999
when the field was handed to a new operator. The average recovery factor (RF) of the reservoirs in Field
B is 23%, with the best reservoir having an RF of more than 50%. Although consisting of reservoirs with
multiple drive mechanisms, the major contributors in Field B are the water-drive reservoirs with the best
quality sands in the field. After 30 years of production, the total field watercut is currently at 80% while oil
production has been maintained by an aggressive production enhancement program since 2012 and currently
is approximately 5,000 bopd, signifying the slow but sure diminishing economic life of the field.
In 2012, an agreement was made between the operating company and a service company to jointly pursue
opportunities pertaining to the redevelopment and life extension of Field B and increased field production
by production enhancement and infill drilling activities. Cased-hole contact-saturation logging has been
instrumental in this effort.

Cased-Hole Contact and Saturation Logging Technology

Cased-hole contact-saturation logging is a through-tubing log that is used to detect fluid contacts (gas-oil
contact and oil-water contact) and determine the fluid saturation (gas, oil, and water saturation) of a zone
in a cased-hole well. The tool was introduced back in 1970s (Fox et. al, 1999). The technology utilizes a
pulsed source to generate and periodically emit bursts of neutrons (Smolen et al, 1996). These neutrons then
react with the formation materials causing atoms of the formation materials to emit gamma rays at distinct
energies and characteristics which would then be detected by the near (N) and far (F) detectors. Among the
outputs are the low energy sigma measurement and high energy inelastic carbon/oxygen measurement.
The low energy neutrons or "thermal" neutrons which react with the formation materials and emit gamma
rays are termed as "captured". The measure of the probability of the capture of a thermal neutron by
formation materials is measured in capture units (c.u.) or sigma. Each formation material has a distinct
sigma value which becomes the basis for fluid typing. Furthermore, overlaying the near and far count would
provide an additional gas detection method.
Sigma measurement is affected by borehole or annulus fluid. The annulus fluid reacts with the neutrons
and provides sigma measurement to the detectors. Therefore, instead of only receiving indication of the
formation fluid, the log also acquires indication of the annulus fluid and provides a possibly false reservoir
reading. The ideal annulus fluid for the sigma measurement would be high salinity formation water while the
worst annulus fluid is gas. The presence of annulus fluid could be due to trapped fluid below the completion
packer, noise due to presence of completion accessories, or swept or remaining fluid from open perforations.
The sigma measurement is also affected by low formation water salinity and low formation porosity. In these
two environments, the tool would not provide reliable quantitative measurement but can still provide useful
qualitative estimates. The standard minimum porosity is 15% (Simpson et al, 2001) while the minimum
formation water salinity is 50,000 ppm. Another factor that could affect the sigma measurement is the
logging speeds. Since the log provides discrete measurement, a maximum logging speed of 20-30 ft/min
is recommended. Running the log with multiple passes or at a lower logging speed helps to acquire more
reliable data and is recommended especially for complex completions or a low permeability target zone.
The high energy inelastic collisions occur within the first tens of microseconds after the neutrons are
emitted. The energy spectrum of these inelastic gamma rays is measured within a certain period during the
neutron bursts episode. A carbon/oxygen (C/O) ratio is derived from the count associated with carbon and
oxygen energy levels which comes from the formation material.
The C/O ratio is affected by the formation matrix, borehole size, borehole fluid, near far detectors, and
temperature (Badruzaman et al, 1997), which are all considered by the models. For example, in a carbonate
(CO3) formation, the C/O ratio would be different than a sandstone (SiO2) formation at similar porosity. For
a clean sandstone formation with water as the borehole fluid, the C/O ratio is almost consistent at all porosity
4 IPTC-19520-MS

values. Models, in the form of a fan chart (Jacboson et al, 2005) or parallelogram, have been developed to
account for various logging conditions (type of formation, borehole fluid, completion). The oil and water
saturation from the C/O measurement is determined using these models.
C/O measurement is essentially required in low salinity formation water because the contrast in sigma
values between oil and fresh water is very small. The C/O ratio would provide some quantitative assessment
in a fresh water environment whereas sigma can only provide a qualitative assessment in similar conditions.
This is particularly important in determining residual oil or oil migration into the gas column which is the
case in Field B. The C/O measurement, however, has lower depth of investigation (5-in. - 7-in.) compared
to the sigma measurement (8-in. - 18-in.). The shorter depth of investigation means that C/O measurement
is significantly affected by borehole fluid.C/O measurement also requires a slower logging speed (< 3ft/
min) hence multiple passes are recommended to ensure good data is acquired.
In a fresh water environment similar to Field B (~15,000 ppm), C/O is required to quantify the oil
saturation. This presents a significant challenge to reservoir management due to the reason described.

Completion Types in Field B

There are two common types of completions in Field B: single string and dual string completions (Fig.2). All
the tubing in Field B is made up of 3-1/2-in. tubing while the production casing is usually a 9-5/8-in. casing.

Figure 2—Typical Well Completions in Field B.

The single string completion is performed where one zone with the end of tubing (EOT) set higher than
the producing interval. The dual string completion is usually completed with three or more zones. The
middle completion has various accessories such as sliding sleeve device (SSD), blast joint, and in some
cases, gravel pack and iTCP gun. Logging in dual string completions is performed on the long string which
allows the entire sand interval to be logged.
IPTC-19520-MS 5

Logging Case Studies

Case Study 1: B-7 Pulsed Neutron Log for X-7 Reservoir
B-7 is a single string well located at the crest of Field BWest, hence multiple gas-bearing formations are
observed above the originally completed zone.
The well produced for 10 years and watered-out in 2003. Prior to running the contact-saturation log in
B-7, there were several additional perforation attempts made in down-dip wells. The wells were perforated
a few feet below the original gas-oil-contact (GOC). However, they produced high water cut indicating that
the oil-water-contact (OWC) had risen to or near the depth of the original GOC. It was then decided to run
a Contact and Saturation log in the crestal well, B-7,to locate the GOC and OWC.
The main target reservoir is located below the end-of-tubing (EOT), hence the log should measure the
formation with minimal issues. The main target consisted of several groups of sands separated by thin shale
layers. It is believed that the sands communicate with each other and are in the same hydraulic system. The
watered-out reservoir served as the calibration section for the C/O measurement.
The log results (Fig. 3) show a low sigma value and a cross-over between the near and far detector count
rate in X-7.2 and X-7.3 reservoir which indicated the presence of gas in the reservoir. However, the absence
of cross-over and higher sigma value in the upper X-7.4 indicated that the original gas cap had already been
"swept" i.e. replaced with liquid. The zone shows a higher C/O ratio compared to the swept lower X-7.4
which indicated the presence of oil in the upper X-7.4.

Figure 3—B-07 Logging Results.

The conclusion was the presence of oil in the former gas zone of the upper X-7.4 formation and water in
the former oil zone of lower X-7.4. The swept zone is consistent with the production history. An additional
perforation job was subsequently performed in the upper X-7.4 based on the logging results.
The additional perforation in X-7.4 was successful and produced 480 bopd compared with the pre-
additional perforation production of less than 50 bopd (Fig.4).
6 IPTC-19520-MS

Figure 4— B-07 Post Additional Perforation Production.

The additional perforation results established two lessons learned. The first was that the contact-saturation
logging result below the EOT was reliable even with an open perforation near the target zone. The second
lesson learned was that the log detected oil migration into the original gas column. This was further
supported by several other successful additional perforations at the original gas cap in the same X-7 sand.

Case Study 2: B-15 Pulsed Neutron Log for X-3.8 andX-4.5 Reservoir
B-15 is a dual string well. The well produced for 12 years and both completions watered-out in 2002.The
primary objective of running a contact-saturation log was to determine the formation fluid in X-4.5 reservoir
and confirm an infill drilling opportunity. An additional secondary objective was to confirm the formation
fluid in a minor sand higher up in the wellbore, X-3.8_1, which was interpreted as oil bearing from the
open-hole log. Since there was an uncertainty whether X-3.8_1 is in communication with X-3.8_2, which
has already watered-out, it was decided to confirm the additional perforation opportunity with a contact-
saturation log. Similar to Case Study 1, the target reservoir was located below the EOT,hence minimal issues
were expected.
The log result (Fig 5) showed that X-4.5 was depleted with possible OWC indicated at 4259ft TVDSS
which was also consistent with the field-wide correlation. The log also indicated that the secondary target,
X-3.8_1was an oil-bearing formation. However, since there was an open perforation directly below the
X-3.8_1,it was believed that the result could also be affected by the oil reinvasion from borehole fluid.

Figure 5—B-15 Logging Results.

IPTC-19520-MS 7

Based on the logging results, it was decided to proceed with the additional perforation opportunity in
X-3.8_1.The additional perforation was successful and produced 500 bopd compared to pre-additional
perforation production of less than 50 bopd (Fig. 6).

Figure 6—B-15 Additional Perforation Results.

An infill well was also drilled 70ft updip of well B-15 based on the logging results with support from
material balance analysis. The infill well was successful and exceeded expectations by initially producing
more than 2,000 bopd with 0% watercut (Fig 7).

Figure 7—B-22 Infill Drilling Results.

The additional perforation and infill well results supported the established understanding that logging
below the EOT was reliable even with an open perforation near the target zone.

Case Study 3: B-8 Pulsed Neutron Log for X-4.5 Reservoir

B-8is a dual string well located in the east side of the Field B West. All other wells were drilled in the west
side of Field B West and watered-out in 1998. Well B-8 is the only well producing from X-4.5 reservoir
since 2000 due to its isolated location. X-4.5 is a strong water-drive reservoir with pressure decline of only
150 psi after 34 years of production and Np of 30MMstb.
The well produced 4,000 blpd with 75% water cut continuously from 2005 until May 2012. After a field
turn-around in May 2012, the well was surprisingly not flowing. It began to flow back after a gas lift valve
change was performed. However, the well was producing 100% watercut. The only possible explanation for
the rapid increase of watercut from 75% to 100% after the turn-around was that the previous oil production
8 IPTC-19520-MS

was due to oil coning down. During the last field turn-around, the fluid contact stabilized and the well was
subsequently drowned.
The objective of contact-saturation logging was to identify the location of the stabilized apparent OWC
since there remained 25ft of sand above the existing perforation in B-8. Additional perforation in B-08
would later be carried out after the OWC was confirmed.
B-8 logging, however, was more complicated than the previous two case studies. The target zone had
an open perforation which was previously producing, located in the middle of two production packers with
an iTCP gun tied to the blast joint across target depth. All these factors could potentially affect the log
measurement and provide misleading conclusions.
The contact-saturation log results (Fig. 8) showed 10ft of high oil saturation above the existing perforation
in X-4.5 reservoir. However, the log results also strangely indicated residual oil in the existing perforation
and a high-water saturation zone on top of the high oil saturation zone. Based on the log results, a cost-
effective additional perforation with slickline was performed to confirm the formation fluid and restore the
oil production.

Figure 8—B-8 Logging Results.

After the additional perforation, the well continued to produce 100% watercut (Fig. 9) and maintained
its production despite continuously flowing for three months in an attempt to re-establish a potential oil
cone downwards.

Figure 9—B-8 Additional Perforation Results.

The lesson learned from the well B-8 additional perforation was the unreliability of contact-saturation
logging in a zone with an open perforation and in the presence of completion accessories (blast joint, iTCP
IPTC-19520-MS 9

gun). The open perforation could contribute to residual oil saturation while the blast joint and iTCP could
contribute to higher reading of carbon due to carbon steel material.

Case Study 4: B-11 Pulsed Neutron Log for X-7.1, X-7.2, and X-7.3 Reservoir
B-11 is a single string well. Similar to well B-7, the well was completed only in X-7 reservoir and located
at the crest of Field B West.Following well B-7 results, it was believed that the oil had migrated into the
original gas column and the objective of running a contact-saturation log was to confirm and optimize an
infill well opportunity. Additionally, there was a potential additional perforation opportunity in X-7 reservoir
if the oil had indeed migrated into the original gas column. Since the target zone was below the EOT, a
reliable contact-logging result was expected.
Logging results indicated that X-7.1was a gas-bearing formation with low oil saturation (Fig. 10). The
sand was originally gas bearing and it was believed the low oil saturation indicated that oil had partially
migrated into the original gas column. The logging results also showed that theX-7.2 and X-7.3 reservoir had
moderate oil saturation with high gas saturation, indicating that similar to X-7.1,oil had partially migrated
into the original gas cap in X-7.2 and X-7.3.

Figure 10—B-11 Logging Results.

Based on the logging results, it was decided that drilling an infill well in X-7.1was a high risk. There
was no clear location of GOC or OWC and the log indicated low oil saturation with high gas saturation.
Despite the log indicating oil saturation in X-7.1, the main concern was that the mobile oil might be too low
(as evident by the low oil saturation)causing the well to produce high gas with very limited oil production.
Nevertheless, it was decided to proceed with a cost-effective additional perforation with slickline in X-7.2
and X-7.3 to confirm the oil productivity. The additional perforation would provide supporting justification
whether to proceed or suspend the infill well. The subsequent X-7.2 and X-7.3 additional perforations,
however, produced high gas with very limited oil production (Fig. 11) supporting the previous decision to
suspend X-7.1 infill well, and confirming the logging results were valid.
By 2016, the wells that had been previously perforated in the gas cap to produce oil had watered-out
(Abdulhadi et al, 2018). One adjacent well that watered-out had the same perforation depth as the bottom
of X-7.1 sand in well B-11. The current performance of these adjacent wells indicated a possible condition
where water had completely moved the oil column into the original gas cap. This theory was further
supported by material balance analysis supporting that oil had moved further up. Using the previous contact-
saturation log as indication that the oil had moved up, another attempt to confirm the oil productivity was
made by additionally perforating the higher X-7.1 in well B-11 with slickline.
10 IPTC-19520-MS

Figure 11—B-11 Additional Perforation Results.

The second additional perforation, however, produced only 70 bopd with high gas production (Fig. 11).
After several months of production, the water production increased from 200 bwpd to 800 bwpd indicating
rising OWC.
The results of X-7.1, X-7.2, and X-7.3 additional perforations were consistent with the logging results
which showed high gas saturation. The lesson learned, however, was that despite contact-logging results,
the low oil saturation and limited mobile oil caused the well to produce high gas and low oil. Furthermore,
since the oil had migrated into the original gas cap, movable oil might have been lost to irreducible smearing
inside the gas cap, thereby causing high gas production. Contact-saturation logging in this type of condition
does not quantify the mobile oil in the formation.

Case Study 5: B-7 Pulsed Neutron Log for X-7 Reservoir

Another contact-saturation log was run in well B-7 after one year when the additional perforation as
described in Case Study 1 had watered-out. After the new additional perforation in B-7 produced high
watercut (>90%), it was expected that the oil column would continue to be pushed upward driven by the
strong aquifer. The log was run in the same campaign as well B-11 in Case Study 4 with a similar objective.
The log results (Fig. 12) showed that X-7.4 was already depleted consistent with the well performance.
The X-7.2 and X-7.3, however, had high gas saturation indicating the formation was still gas bearing as
in the open-hole log.

Figure 12—B-7 Logging Results.

IPTC-19520-MS 11

Since well B-7 was the most updip well in Field B West, it was decided to additionally perforate the
X-7.3 reservoir, produce, and deplete the small gas cap column, and then produce oil once the oil column
reached the additional perforation depth in X-7.3.
After the well was additionally perforated, it produced high gas (GOR>10,000 scf/bbl) as expected.
Prolonged production of well B-7 continued to produce high gas until the well was finally shut-in to reduce
gas depletion and reduce the back pressure imposed on the other wells until planned gas utilization facilities
were in place.
B-7 additional perforation results were consistent with the logging results and again confirmed that
logging results below the EOT were reliable.

Case Study 6: B-12 Pulsed Neutron Log for X-3.8 and X-4.5 Reservoir
B-12 is a dual string well completed in four zones, X-2, X-4.5, X-5.2, and X-7.2 reservoirs. The primary
target for logging was the X-3.8 reservoir while the secondary target was the X-4.5 reservoir. Both zones
are located between two production packers with a blast joint and iTCP completed across the X-4.5 sand,
considered a complex completion condition.
For reservoir X-3.8, it was predicted that the oil column had migrated into the original gas cap similar to
the case of X-7 reservoir. This was supported by watered-out adjacent wells and material balance analysis.
An infill well opportunity was identified at the crest of X-3.8 with contact-saturation logging results critical
to confirm the opportunity.
The open-hole log in 2003 observed that the OWC in X-4.5 sand had moved up to 4,100ft TVD
from previous offset production. Besides well B-16 which was shut-in in 2008, there have been no wells
producing from the X-4.5 reservoir in this fault block. This provided a basis for an additional perforation
opportunity in well B-12 since the top sand of X-4.5 reservoir in well B-12 was located at 4,070ft TVD,
15ft higher than well B-16 top sand.
The log results in the X-3.8 sand showed higher sigma value and absence of large cross-over between
the near and far detector count indicating that the original gas cap was currently liquid bearing. Based on
the log C/O measurement, the formation was currently oil bearing with high oil saturation (Fig. 13).

Figure 13—B-12 X-3.8 Logging Results.

The contact-saturation logging results show high oil saturation in X-4.5 reservoir (Fig.14). This result,
however, contradicted the performance of wells B-12 and B-16 which had already watered-out. The top of
well B-16 perforation was at 4,085ft (6,105 ft MD in well B-12) which was the minimum current OWC depth
for X-4.5 reservoir. The logging results also contradicted well B-16’s open-hole results which observed
clear OWC at 4,100 ft TVD (6,135 ft MD). The log results were deemed unreliable, hence the additional
12 IPTC-19520-MS

perforation opportunity in X-4.5 reservoir was dropped as the reservoir was already watered-out in the
existing X-4.5 perforations.

Figure 14—B-12 X-4.5 Logging Results.

Based on the material balance analysis and well B-12 X-3.8 logging results, it was decided to proceed
with the infill drilling of reservoir X-3.8. The infill drilling would be placed at the crest, 50ft higher than
X-3.8 depth in well B-12. The infill drilling, however, was unsuccessful andX-3.8 was found water swept.
It was believed that the oil was swept due to a fault leak and offset production from the adjacent block.
The oil saturation was only 20 - 50% at the crest proving that well B-12 contact-saturation logging results
were misleading.
The infill drilling results again were proof that contact-saturation log is unreliable in wells with multiple
completion accessories (blast joint and iTCP) and with an open perforation at the target zone.

Case Study 7: B-9 Pulsed Neutron Log for X-4.5 Reservoir

Well B-9 was a dual string well with a gravel pack across the middle zone of X-4.5 reservoir. The objective
of running the contact-saturation log was to determine the formation fluid in X-4.5 reservoir and optimize
the location of an infill drilling opportunity.
During the operation, the log was run to the bottom of X-4.5 reservoir with the intent to use the watered-
out X-4.5 reservoir as a calibration point. However, the logging measurement was significantly impacted by
the completion accessories, causing difficulty in log interpretation and making the results unreliable (Fig.
16).

Figure 16—B-9 Logging Results.

IPTC-19520-MS 13

The lesson learned from well B-9 logging was clear that logging should only be done when a clear
calibration point is available and that the log would not be impacted by the completion accessories.

Case Study 8: C-4 Pulsed Neutron Log for X-7.7 Reservoir

The C-4 was a single string well completed only in the X-7.7 reservoir. From the material balance analysis
and adjacent well performance, the current probable OWC was 10ft TVDSS below the proposed additional
perforation while the current probable GOC was 15ft TVDSS above the proposed additional perforation.
The material balance analys is with good history match also predicted that the oil column had already
migrated into the original gas cap. The objective of the log was to verify the location of the GOC in the
X-7.7 and mature the additional perforation opportunity.
Considering the previous lessons learned, it was decided to cut part of the tubing below the packer
to ensure that the log measurement was not impacted by gas trapped in the annulus and to increase the
probability of success of the logging run.
The logging result identified gas-down-to (GDT) at 4858ft TVDSS (Fig. 17). The log measurement above
the GDT depth was disrupted by trapped gas which was clearly observed from the sigma log results. The
GDT depth was almost similar to the depth of the new EOT, hence confirming the success of the mitigation
step.

Figure 17—C-4 Logging Results.

Based on the logging results, it was decided to proceed with the additional perforation proposal in X-7.7
reservoir. The well was perforated 15ft below the GDT. However, the well only produced high gas and high
watercut after the additional perforation with minimal oil gain (Fig. 18). The water production was later
confirmed by temperature noise log to be mostly contributed by channeling behind the casing while the gas
was produced from the target zone.
The additional perforation results in C-4 raised doubt on the reliability of contact-saturation logging in
Field B. Despite cutting the tubing and acquiring good data, the additional perforation results were still
in contrast to the log results. In the end, one of the key lessons learned from well C-4 operation was that
the best way to confirm the formation fluid was by performing a cost-effective additional perforation with
slickline and produce the well.
14 IPTC-19520-MS

Figure 18—C-4 X-7.7 Additional Perforation Results.

A Logging Guideline with a Business Case Approach

Based on the additional perforations and infill wells results, a simplified logging guideline was developed
to evaluate the requirement and reliability for contact-saturation logging in the future.
The first step was to compile all the lessons learned acquired from the logging exercise performed in
Field B from 2012 to 2017. The lessons learned would provide the technical guidelines with input to ensure
better reliability of the logging results executed. The lessons learned from all the case studies areas follows:

Figure 19—Field B Contact-Saturation Logging Lessons Learned.

Based on the lessons learned, it was clear that saturation logging would not be recommended for
confirmation of formation fluid of a zone in the middle of a dual string completion. The log results would
be affected by fluid in the annulus, the completion accessories such as blast joint or iTCP,and from effects
of an existing perforation.
Another apparent lesson learned was that where possible, the best method to confirm the formation fluid
would be to economically perforate and produce the formation. In Field B, most of the contact-saturation
IPTC-19520-MS 15

logging objective was to determine the location of the oil column that migrated into the original gas cap.
Despite logs showing the presence of oil saturation, the mobile oil might be too low and movable oil was
saturated and smeared inside the gas cap.
This practice, however, requires additional consideration supplementing the technical consideration
derived from the lessons learned. The cost of logging and the cost of oil gain activities such as additional
perforations or infill drilling need to be compared to provide a commercial consideration and to evaluate
the need to run the log.
The commercial comparison shows the cost of logging and additional perforation is almost the same
provided the same conveyance tool was used. Hence, from a business point of view, it would be more
economical to proceed with perforating the reservoir and confirm the formation fluid by producing without
running a log. This recommendation, however, is subject to the potential detrimental effect of the additional
perforation, if any, such as disrupting other producing reservoirs in the well and the well regulatory limit
(GOR and water production limit).
Based on the commercial (Fig. 21) and technical considerations (Fig. 22), a simple guide line with a
business case approach is derived from the lessons learned, which is depicted in the decision tree.

Figure 21—Business Case Justification.

Figure 22—Technical Consideration.

16 IPTC-19520-MS

Conclusion
Numerous lessons learned were acquired from the many contact-saturation logging runs in Field B from
2012 to 2017. Despite generating nearly 3,000 bopd oil gained, there was still room for improvement in the
decision making and technical consideration.
The lessons learned highlighted that there are multiple factors which can impact the logging results
and the best alternative to confirm the formation fluid would be to perforate and produce the reservoir if
economically appropriate. From a business point of view, it is more economical to perforate the zone without
logging if there is no detrimental impact and the cost of logging is similar to the cost of perforation. The
guideline established can provide better decision making and better utilization of available resources.

Acknowledgements
The authors thank the management of Petroliam National Berhad (PETRONAS), PETRONAS CarigaliSdn.
Bhd. (PCSB), Halliburton Energy Services and Dialog Group Berhad for permission to publish this paper
and to all those who have contributed to the success of this project.
* Halliburton Bayan Petroleum is a joint venture company formed between Halliburton Energy Services
and Dialog Group Berhad.

Nomenclature
EOT : End-of-tubing
OWC : Oil-water-contact
GOC : Gas-oil-contact
GDT : Gas-down-to
GOR : Gas-Oil-Ratio
WC : Watercut
STB : Stock-tank-barrel
bpd : barrel-per-day
SSD : Sliding-sleeve-device
iTCP : Integrated Tubing Conveyed Perforating
C/O : Carbon-oxygen ratio
ppm : parts-per-million
MD : Measured Depth
TVD : True Vertical Depth
mD : milli Darcy
psi : pound-force-per-square-inch

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