Analysis and application of the response characteristics of DLL and LWD resistivity in horizontal well

• Published in: Applied geophysics Vol. 14; no. 3; pp. 351 - 362
• Main Authors: Hu, Song, Li, Jun, Guo, Hong-Bo, Wang, Chang-Xue
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Beijing Chinese Geophysical Society 01.09.2017; Springer Nature B.V; Petroleum Exploration & Production Research Institute,SINOPEC,Beijing 100083,China%Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration & Development,Tarim Oil Field Branch Company,CNPC,Xinjiang 841000,China%Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration & Development,CNPC,Bejing 100083,China
• Subjects: Analysis; Anisotropy; Borehole Geophysics; Computer simulation; Data analysis; Data processing; Drilling; Dynamic link libraries; Earth and Environmental Science; Earth Sciences; Electrical resistivity; Electromagnetic radiation; Electromagnetic wave propagation; Finite element method; Geophysics/Geodesy; Geotechnical Engineering & Applied Earth Sciences; Horizontal wells; Inclination; Integral equations; Intrusion; Logging; Mathematical models; Mud; Wave propagation; response characteristic; horizontal well; dual laterolog; LWD resistivity; numerical modeling
• ISSN: 1672-7975; 1993-0658
• DOI: 10.1007/s11770-017-0635-8

There exist different response characteristics in the resistivity measurements of dual laterolog (DLL) and logging while drilling (LWD) electromagnetic wave propagation logging in highly deviated and horizontal wells due to the difference in their measuring principles. In this study, we first use the integral equation method simulated the response characteristics of LWD resistivity and use the three dimensional finite element method (3D-FEM) simulated the response characteristics of DLL resistivity in horizontal wells, and then analyzed the response differences between the DLL and LWD resistivity. The comparative analysis indicated that the response differences may be caused by different factors such as differences in the angle of instrument inclination, anisotropy, formation interface, and mud intrusion. In the interface, the curves of the LWD resistivity become sharp with increases in the deviation while those of the DLL resistivity gradually become smooth. Both curves are affected by the anisotropy although the effect on DLL resistivity is lower than the LWD resistivity. These differences aid in providing a reasonable explanation in the horizontal well. However, this can also simultaneously lead to false results. At the end of the study, we explain the effects of the differences in the interpretation of the horizontal well based on the results and actual data analysis.