On the 27th of April 2009 GDN announced "Logging operations will include an MDT run to appraise formation permeability, evaluate formation pressures, and to collect gas samples."
"The ten zones of gas shows and minor oil show will be further evaluated from information derived from scheduled logging operations. Logging will include a comprehensive tool array as well as the MDT tool (Modular Dynamic Tester). The MDT tool provides accurate reservoir pressures and is capable of recovering hydrocarbon samples. The data acquired will assist in mapping the distribution of hydrocarbons in the Golden Eagle Field and will provide key information for production tests. Further information on the MDT is available on the Schlumberger website: http://www.slb.com/content/services/evaluation/reservoir/mdt.asp
Below is the case study for horizontal drilling using this technology from this companys web site.
Case Study: Gas Production Increased Using Integrated Services
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High ROP achieved with the PowerDrive X5 RSS and PDC bit cut planned drilling time by 22 days—a 44% reduction.
The Southwest Oil and Gas Field Company of PetroChina achieved gas production 3.7 to 7.6 times higher than in offset wells by using Schlumberger integrated services to drill and place the long horizontal section.
Long horizontal section drilled underbalanced at double the ROP of offset wells in China’s Central Sichuan field achieves 82% net-to-gross
Challenge Drill long horizontal well section underbalanced, place wellbore within best porosity layer to maximize reservoir contact, and achieve high ROP in hard, compacted formation.
Solution Used PowerDrive X5 rotary steerable system EcoScope multifunction logging-while-drilling service High-resolution images from GVR resistivity sub TeleScope high-speed telemetry-while-drilling service InterACT connectivity, collaboration, and information system. Results Achieved 82% net-to-gross ratio, resulting in gas production 3.7 to 7.6 times higher than offset wells. Saved 22 days, reducing planned drilling time 44%. Doubled ROP, compared to offset wells.
Drill underbalanced The plan for Well Guang’an 002-H1, which the Southwest Oil and Gas Field Company of PetroChina was drilling in China’s Central Sichuan field, called for drilling a long horizontal section underbalanced in tight sandstone. Following that plan presented two challenges—placing the wellbore within the best porosity layer to maximize reservoir contact, and achieving a high ROP in the hard, compacted formation.
Position section in best place Close collaboration between the company and Schlumberger—and integration of drilling, well placement, LWD, MWD, and data transmission services—successfully met both challenges. The 2,010-m horizontal section was drilled underbalanced in just 28 days, and positioned in the best place in the reservoir, using a fully rotating PowerDrive X5 rotary steerable system (RSS), a polycrystalline diamond compact (PDC) bit, the EcoScope multifunction LWD service, a GVR resistivity tool, and the TeleScope high-speed telemetry-while-drilling service.
Because the PowerDrive X5 RSS rotated continuously, it increased wellbore smoothness and decreased tortuosity. The smooth wellbore reduced torque, improved drilling efficiency, and eliminated the need for unplanned wiper trips, as well as making it easier to run casing and simplifying completion activities.
Drilling and well placement decisions were made quickly through interaction between the wellsite team and a geosteering and engineering support team at a remote location. The teams based their decisions on accurate LWD and MWD data transmitted via the InterACT connectivity, collaboration, and information system. This real-time data included azimuthal gamma ray, multiple-depth resistivity, neutron porosity, azimuthal bulk density, and images. Real-time monitoring of equivalent circulating density reduced drilling risk and ensured proper hole cleaning.
Increase gas production Steering the 2,010-m horizontal section to stay within the best porosity layer maximized reservoir contact and achieved an 82% net-to-gross ratio. As a result, gas production from Well Guang’an 002-H1 was 3.7 to 7.6 times higher than in offset wells. ROP with the PowerDrive X5 RSS and PDC was double that in offset wells, which saved 22 days and reduced planned drilling time 44%. The high quality of the wellbore facilitated successful completion of the 4,055-m well.
Related resources Case study in PDF format (98 KB PDF) PowerDrive Rotary Steerable Systems
Using this technology gdn could have a very productive gas producing well operating at Golden Eagle in a very short time frame.
DRILLING STATUS REPORT – 15 APRIL 2009 Paradox Basin #2 Well, Grand County, Utah • Paradox Basin #2 has encountered a two significant new gas shows one with 545 units in the Chimney Rock Formation from 11,274’ to 11,296’. This show came from a good quality Sandstone reservoir with good visible porosity. • Gas show of 426 units in the Chimney Rock Formation from 11,228’ to 11,241’. This show came from a sandstone interval with fair to good porosity.
If one of the above sections is drilled horizontally using this technology the gas units could be very high indeed and in a very short space of time.
GDN have not announced that the present drilling rig will be removed or a if new rig has been ordered to complete the well. They may be waiting for the results before deciding if they need the existing rig for horizontal drilling.
IF they intend horizontal drilling PB2 there may not be any warning except a large spike in share price!
IMO DYOR.
GDN Price at posting:
9.4¢ Sentiment: Hold Disclosure: Held