Analyzer enhances gas detection and enables full remote control

Overview

Accurate hydrocarbon characterization is an essential component of surface data logging services. It provides an important first look at the hydrocarbon potential of the geology being drilled. With the mudlogging analysis of hydrocarbon, operators gain valuable insight into reservoir characteristics. This enables drilling operations to be optimized and increases the success rate.

The GasFact™ Pro gas analyzer is a versatile four-in-one gas analyzer designed for comprehensive formation fluid analysis. It includes a total hydrocarbon analyzer (THA), C1 to C5 or C1 to C8 gas chromatograph (GC), and an inorganics module. These modules contribute to detailed reservoir characterization and enhanced characterization and enhanced formation evaluation. The system allows real-time configuration adjustments while drilling without the need to change out equipment. The GasFact™ Pro analyzer provides an essential preliminary assessment of the potential for hydrocarbon in geological formations. This enables thorough hydrocarbon analysis and a deeper understanding of reservoir fluid. When integrated with additional analyzers, the GasFact™ Pro analyzer can determine factors, such as gas origin—whether thermogenic or biogenic—and maturity. The Halliburton team of expert analysts uses all available data to deliver high-quality interpretations for a complete understanding of reservoir fluid.

Challenge

The early adoption of surface data logging’s new generation gas analyzer by operators necessitates building assurance in the expected results without adding personnel or risk to operations.

Solution

Through the partnership of an operator in Norway, the GasFact™ Pro 4-in-1 analyzer was mobilized to a rig for field trails. This modern analyzer was set up on a different computer to write data to a separate database for comparison with current accepted gas analyzer technology.

Once installed, the GasFact™ Pro analyzer was calibrated, monitored, and controlled by personnel from bases in India and Houston. No additional personnel were required on board to execute the field trial.

Result

The GasFact™ Pro analyzer was run in the C1 to C5 configuration. The data gathered compared favorably to the established gas analyzers used in the field. However, it detected drill bit metamorphism (DBM) gases on C1 to C5. The comparable field analyzer did not. During the field trial, the GasFact™ Pro analyzer detected DBM gas. This explained some of the deviation between the two analyzers.

The information gathered during the field trial validated the gas measurements from the standard equipment and offered reservoir fluid information based on gas ratios. This marked a successful first field trial of the prototype analyzer for Halliburton.