New resistivity tools derive vertical (Rv) and horizontal (Rh) resistivities from direct measurements, enhancing saturation estimates and resulting in more accurate reservoir models and reserve estimates. This new approach is particularly applicable in difficult to evaluate environments such as thinly laminated beds and in areas where wellbores intercept formations at a high relative angle.
The introduction of wellbore radial profile measurements for physical processes as diverse as magnetic resonance and borehole sonic has altered previously held perceptions on how the drilling process interacts with the well-bore, affects wellbore measurements and leads to a further improvements in reservoir understanding.
New advances in magnetic resonance (MR) allow for fluid identification in complex environments such as in fresh, unknown or varying formation water resistivities, along with low-resistivity, low-contrast pay beds.
Recently introduced wellbore sonic acoustic anisotropy measurements are now more accurate and available at previously un-measurement levels, having wide implications for surface seismic interpretation and wellbore completion strategies.
Capture spectroscopy measurements are being used to accurately map formation lithologies and clay volumes. Knowledge of which is critical for the computation of accurate porosities and stratigraphic well-to-well correlations.
Formation pressures can now be efficiently acquired in cased hole and/or logging-while-drilling (LWD) environments. Newer tool designs allow for more accurate pressures in reduced operating time and reduce operational risk. PVT quality samples are now routinely recovered and PVT time analysis is performed while the tool is still downhole.
This paper summarizes how some of these newer techniques are being used, either standalone or in combination with other measurements and interpretations, with a particular emphasis on how they are impacting industry practices in both Japan and China.