SureSight fiber-optic distributed temperature cable range, which are used for high-temperature wellbore monitoring, can withstand temperatures up to 572ºF (300ºC).

New fiber-optic cables for harsh environments

Sensornet has developed a new SureSight fiber-optic distributed temperature cable range that can withstand extreme heat and operate in the harshest downhole environments.
Used for high-temperature wellbore monitoring, the cables withstand temperatures up to 572ºF (300ºC), which are often experienced in steam assisted gravity drainage and cyclic steam injection wells in steamflood reservoirs. By providing real-time permanent monitoring for enhanced recovery and proactive management, the technology marks a step change in performance from traditional technologies.

As an increasing number of wells are developed in hostile conditions, SureSight cables have been designed and optimized with double-ended measurement capabilities. This is particularly important in hydrogen rich, high-temperature installations as single-ended measurements become susceptible to changes in temperature caused by hydrogen ingress. This can present significant problems for operators as incorrect temperature readings can be produced.

The unique cable construction provides a number of benefits over the use of standard fiber-optic technology. While multiple layers provide a pressure barrier to prevent damaging hydrogen ingress, the latest generation of optical fibers minimizes the effects of hydrogen darkening with chemical composition and coatings. The rugged cable design means the integrity of the DTS system can be monitored during installation and information sourced on stimulant/frac fluid placement. www.sensornet.co.uk

Predict reservoir behavior more accurately

To fully understand an asset, it is essential to visualize, interpret, and analyze all kinds of data, including seismic, geology, drilling, and production, in a single representation — a unified earth model — shared among multiple domain experts. Historically, the industry has used the term “visualization” as a synonym for seismic volume interpretation employing high-end compute power. Seismic volume interpretation disconnected from 3-D reservoir modeling is no longer sufficient. With the Schlumberger Petrel software, a complete seismic-to-simulation workflow is now possible using low-end Windows PCs at the desktop and in large collaborative environments.

3-D seismic interpretation has traditionally been performed by picking points on 2-D displays of 3-D seismic cubes. A key new capability in the Petrel software, geobody
interpretation, allows users to interactively blend multiple seismic volumes, isolate areas of interest, and then instantly extract them as geobodies and incorporate them into a property model for true 3-D volume interpretation and visualization. This “what you see is what you pick” approach to volume interpretation is fast, intuitive, and accurate. The geobody workflow provides a seamless bridge between seismic interpretation and 3-D geologic modeling.

Effective visualization also allows for integration of new information — whether from a new well or a re-processed seismic volume — to update the collective understanding of the earth model. It is now possible to visualize, evaluate, and assess complex relationships in 3-D space and 4-D time to better understand risk and uncertainty in multiple scenarios and more accurately predict reservoir flow behavior.

The Petrel workflow helped the Hoan Vu Joint Operating Co. visualize the 3-D geometry of complex fault systems, confirm seismic and tectonic interpretations, and to plan and drill the second-most productive basement well in Vietnam. Rapid updates of the reservoir model were essential for optimizing drilling operations. The predrill 3-D geological model was updated three times per day throughout the drilling process. Each time the reservoir model was updated, the Hoan Vu asset team obtained an accurate picture of the progress and expected results for individual phases of the drilling program. www.slb.com