Operations Geology with Fugro Robertson

A large amount of geological data is acquired (at substantial cost) during a drilling operation. These include:

Mud logs, Measurements While Drilling/Wire-line logging, Drill cuttings, Cores and side-wall cores, Micro-palaeontology data, Geochemistry data, Formation pressure data, Drilling and well engineering information

Ensuring optimal quality of this information and effective reporting plays a key role during well design (geological hazards and potential drilling problems), drilling operations as well as at the later use of the data in field studies.

A key requirement for success is close co-operation between geological, drilling and well engineering departments. Teams must not only understand each other in technical matters, but should also contribute to each others efforts in these aspects: a driller should know why it is important to cut a core or log at a particular interval despite potential drilling problems and geoscientists should understand drilling operations and their inherent hazards and problems.

All should be able to understand and prepare daily drilling reports with a full appreciation of the various subjects. Cuttings, cores, logs and well tests should be analyzed, cross-correlated and compiled to mesh with prognoses and existing data to effectively manage the impact on the field development plan. Correct procedures in tendering and contracting should be followed to minimize the duration of the operations and to maximize the quality of the operations services provided. Understanding of all operations should greatly improve the effectiveness of the Operations Geologist.