It's not a case of LWD being "too expensive". Cost might be greater than wireline to acquire the same data but there are advantages and potentially a long term cost saving if the hole condition is an issue:
1. Data is acquired as the hole is drilled rather than after TD is reached. On the fly data acquisition allows on the fly decisions to be made. By the time you reach TD you already have a log data set and pressure data acquired. 2. Fresh formation is being logged. Minimal invasion. 3. No wait between end of drill and time log acquired so reduction in time hole left open and prone to hole deterioration. 4. Tools are more robust than wireline so more suitable if hole condition/differential sticking is an issue. Collars and pipe can get differentially stuck but less risk than for wireline cable/tool and higher chance of getting the string free without damaging tools.
Casing down to just above Upper Angwa. Would require changing whole casing plan and for every extra casing string you need to log the open hole before casing it off. Casing to top Angwa might reduce risk of differential sticking but that depends on exactly where the differential sticking is occurring...is it just above the Angwa or within the formation? I don't have enough data to answer that question.
IVZ Price at posting:
14.0¢ Sentiment: Buy Disclosure: Held
