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Coupling Downhole and Surface fluid Measurements to Reveal Fluids Distribution While Drilling - Ilaria De Santo, Schlumberger

Obtaining information on reservoir fluids distribution has always been of paramount importance for O&G Operator as this allows optimizing data acquisition and reducing uncertainties on well completion and field development. When production starts, being able to map differential depletion across the field becomes a complex task, as vertical and lateral reservoir heterogeneities and pressure support strategies might complicate the picture. Hence, complementing traditional pressure measurements with surface and downhole fluid analysis has become extremely important.

Collecting information from hydrocarbon into drilling fluids is today a reliable way of early assess the type and distribution of reservoir bearing fluids, if hydrocarbons are extracted from drilling mud at constant and controllable thermodynamic conditions and once their concentration is calibrated for extraction efficiency. Advanced downhole fluid analysis technologies based on optical spectroscopy have been made available to be deployed while drilling, allowing to precisely characterize fluid composition in real time. The combination of the two technologies gives a continuous with depth fluid profile, which allows detecting potential compartmentalization, reveals presence of vertical or lateral heterogeneities that can explain differential depletion, and de-risks any additional reservoir fluid data acquisition. Additionally, this allows optimizing well placement, de-risks field development plans and finally maximizes the amount of reserves that can be accessed and recovered during the life of the field.

Based between Houston (USA) and Milan (IT), Ilaria is Reservoir Fluids Geodynamic Advisor and Surface Formation Evaluation & Reservoir Business Development Manager for Schlumberger Drilling & Measurements HQ. With 20+ years’ experience in the first service oil company in the world, she combines a strong engineering background with a deep knowledge of the worldwide energy market and a solid experience in operations, sales, marketing and product development. She joined Schlumberger in 1998 and has worked in different roles in Italy, France, Algeria, Nigeria, UK and USA. After an extensive experience in the Wireline Formation Testing business, she is now worldwide responsible for Surface Formation Evaluation and Reservoir Business in Schlumberger Drilling & Measurement HQ. In her role, she is in charge of short, medium and long-term planning and development of new technologies, as well as worldwide development of business involving technologies for the exploration and development of both conventional and unconventional oil and gas resources. Ilaria holds an MSc degree in Geology from University of Pavia (IT), an MSc degree in Petroleum Engineering from Heriot-Watt University (Edinburgh, UK), a Global Executive MBA at Bocconi School of Management (Milan, IT), a Music Degree in Piano and a Music Degree in Harpsichord. She has co-authored 32 technical papers for major professional societies and 5 patents. Additionally, she was awarded several Gold and CEO & Schlumberger President Awards, as well as an SPE Formation Evaluation Regional Award (North Sea).