PayZone Steering Real-Time Forward Modeling

Geological Steering Software

The PayZone Steering real-time forward modeling software assists the geological steering of deviated well trajectories by combining the petrophysical data from LWD logs run in offset wells, the geological earth model, and the directional well plan to create a model of the formations being drilled. By continuously correlating real-time MWD and LWD data with modeled synthetic log responses, the software determines the position of the well within the geological sequence, predicts lithology ahead of the bit, and proposes adjustments to the well plan. The result is a smoother borehole trajectory and, consequently, a shorter time to production.

Landing a horizontal well

When landing a horizontal well, PayZone Steering software is used while drilling early in the build section to display correlation marker beds in real time for accurate prediction of the pay zone location. The software also determines the apparent formation dip—vital information for landing the well and staying in the zone of interest.

Keeping the well in the pay zone

In the pay zone, real-time resistivity modeling is used to pinpoint the location of the well in the stratigraphic unit. This enables the driller to stay in the target zone and maximize the production interval. The deep-reading resistivity of the CWR compensated wave resistivity tool gives the earliest indication if a horizontal well trajectory nears a target boundary.

The PayZone Steering software determines bed thickness, true formation resistivity (R_t), and anisotropy coefficients from offset well log data and uses these parameters in the modeling process. The database is continuously updated with real-time LWD and MWD data—including gamma ray, resistivity, and directional surveys—to fine-tune the geological model. Depth shifts, bed dip changes, and faults can be incorporated to reconcile the real-time logs with the model.

Delivering the results

Real-time results can be delivered at the wellsite or remotely. Remote communications enable your entire technical team to be involved in the pay zone steering decisions. Available options include periodic digital updates of LWD data and access to the PayZone Steering interpretation window via an Internet browser. The system is flexible and can be accessed from various locations while ensuring data security.

A final postwell analysis evaluates the logs and refines the model to obtain the best fit, resulting in a close approximation of the actual formation properties such as true resistivity, anisotropy, and apparent dip. The enhanced model is incorporated into the plan for the next well, delivering a more refined result.

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