American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2015 - 87

SpecialReport: New World Mexico
nologies introduced in deep- and ultradeepwater operations in Mexico since 2004.
Modern downhole sensory equipment
and streaming data network technology
have allowed Pemex project teams to benefit from real-time measurements, automatically updating and optimizing drilling
plans and models. Digital workflows
were used to validate and update predrill
geological, geomechanical and pore pressure models to reduce uncertainty and improve decision making.
Part of the real-time drilling process
methodology defined clear communication
processes between the operator and service company using a color-coded risk classification system and notification protocol. Potential drilling events and risks were
communicated to decision makers along
with recommended contingencies and
mitigation steps.
This was made possible through a dedicated drilling visualization center in Poza
Rica-Veracruz, which was inaugurated in
2011. The center receives real-time LWD
data from the rig and is staffed with a multidisciplinary team of specialists-petrophysicists, geomechanics engineers, geologists, geophysicists, reservoir engineers,

FIGURE 4
Dedicated Monitoring and Real-Time Drilling Visualization Center

drilling fluids engineers, cementing engineers, completion engineers and drilling optimization engineers-who undertake interpretation and analysis. Figure 4 shows the
monitoring center supporting the ability to
employ a number of real-time optimization
processes and logistics decisions during
project execution.
Since 2009, seismic-while-drilling
(SWD) technology has been used to acquire real-time seismic velocities and re-

FIGURE 3
Techniques and Technologies Introduced in DeepAnd Ultradeepwater Mexico (2004-13)
35
20
30

Drilling Efficiency (meters/d)

25
40
20
50
15
60
10
70
5

0
2004

2005

2006

2007

2008
Year

2009

2010

2011

2012

Cumulative Techniques and Technologies

duce uncertainty in formation compression
data that are derived from surface seismic.
It also has allowed downhole seismic sensors to improve the accuracy of seismic velocity acquisition with accurate depth
control. SWD data are used to acquire
depth-velocity information to calibrate and
update predrill models.
The value of this capability was demonstrated on the Kabilil-1 well for a 16-inch
casing hole interval between 1,500 and
2,200 meters to accurately define a fault
plane. Real-time, look-ahead-of-the-bit
check shots and vertical seismic profile
(VSP) information led to a revised casing
point location. SWD measurements also
were used to conduct a salt proximity
survey in the 135⁄8-inch section that allowed
geosteering under the salt dome structure.
Real-time drilling geomechanics have allowed Pemex to make pore pressure and
wellbore stability decisions during drilling
to provide up-to-date information about the
wellbore condition, right up to setting casing. This service aggregates all available
data, including LWD sonic, through constant
monitoring and ensures any deviations
from the plan are flagged for immediate action. It provides continuously updated pore
pressure and wellbore stability forecasts to
validate predictions for drilling ahead.
High-Resolution Logging

Modern high-resolution logging tools
APRIL 2015 87

American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2015

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of American Oil and Gas Reporter - April 2015