A Novel Acquisition System for Production Logging in Multiphase Horizontal Wells

Dat Vu-Hoang, Schlumberger Clamart, Ecole Nationale Superieure de Mecanique et d'Aerotechnique, 1 Rue Becquerel, Clamart, 92142, France, phone: 33-1-45 37 25 46, DVuhoang@clamart.oilfield.slb.com, Marian Faur, Schlumberger Clamart, Ecole Superieure d'Electricite, Remi Marcus, Schlumberger Clamart, Ecole Polytechnique, John Cadenhead, Schlumberger Clamart, University of Oklahoma, Jacques Haus, Universite de Liege, and Francois Besse, Ecole Nationale Superieure D'Ingenieur de Caen.

Multiphase sub-horizontal wells have always been a challenge for interpreters as segregation, small changes in the well inclination, and the flow regime influence the flow profile. Conventional tools based on a center measurement are therefore unsuccessful in these environments.

This paper will present a new tool built specially for highly deviated and near to horizontal wells. The tool is designed to specifically provide a recording of hold-up and velocity profiles along the vertical diameter of the borehole cross-section. Three sensor arrays consisting of six optical probes, six electrical probes and five spinners are deployed across the well bore on retractable arms that can be opened and closed with a hydraulic sub, so as to better locate hold-up interfaces. The optical probes use the fluid’s reflectance to derive the gas hold-up, while the electrical probes measure the fluid’s impedance to derive the water hold-up. The spatial location of the different sensors is accurately known through the use of an integrated relative-bearing sensor.

The direct measurement of the velocity and fluid hold-up profile, allow for a better description of the downhole fluid flow. This paper will illustrate through field examples, how this had been done successfully in different areas around the world.

New Tools, Materials, and Techniques in Intelligent Well Production/Drilling (SPE)
2004 AAPG International Conference and Exhibition Technical Program