Production Logging

Traditional approaches to production logging are based on spinners measuring flow rates and density of capacitance tools identifying the water cut / hold-up. While an established and proven technique, traditional production logging can be complimented in many circumstances by video logging.

In high water cut wells, as are found in many mature basins, a production log may have difficulty identifying the entry of hydrocarbons when they may be less than 10% of overall production. In this situation the produced water provides a clear medium for video and the hydrocarbon entry. Either gas or oil can be clearly identified down to the individual perforations. While providing a qualitative evaluation rather than a quantitative measurement, Optis™ camera systems can cost effectively enable you to make the right decision about your well.

In gas wells, low levels of water entry can be identified by running an Optis™ camera, either slickline memory or real time electric-line. The 5 hours recording capability of Optis™ Slickline enables a cost effective recording to be made which needs no interpretation – you can see the entry!

Horizontal gas wells are another application for Optis™ camera technology. Horizontal production logs are both expensive to acquire and difficult to interpret. The presence of water sumps can confuse the best interpreter. Optis™ camera systems can be deployed either on coil tubing or wellbore tractors to get an image of what is actually happening. Fluid sumps are clearly visible as is water entry. Optis™ can be run as a complement to production logs or may provide the required information as a stand-alone run.

Optis™ cameras are also well suited to coal bed methane applications. The source of low flow rate gas through produced water can easily be identified. In open hole applications Optis™ can also be used to identify coal sloughing.