Additional information that can aid in formation evaluation is actual samples of the reservoir fluids and pressures in the formation.

Pore pressure measurements for example can aid in determining permeability of the formation and viscosity of the fluids, identify fluid contact points, and are helpful in managing formation pressures and the drilling mud program.

By being able to capture samples from the formation, a number of fluid and formation properties can be monitored, including: resistivity/capacitance; viscosity; density; bubble point; compressibility; horizontal permeability; vertical permeability; and anisotropy.

LWD formation tester obtains real-time direct pore pressure measurements.

Benefits

•Helps improve formation evaluation ◦Obtain real-time fluid gradients and fluid mobility (permeability/viscosity indicator).

•Identify fluid contact points, and determine reservoir connectivity/compartmentalization, and depletion.

•Can increase safety of operation ◦Determine optimal mud weight and manage equivalent circulating density.

•Know of pressure changes when they occur, not after it's too late.

•Continuously update wellbore stability assessments.

•Reduce formation damage.

•Helps increase drilling efficiency ◦Determine precise overbalance for maximizing ROP.

•Continuously monitor hole cleaning effectiveness with Pressure-While-Drilling, while reducing formation damage due to swab/surge.

•Save time, money and reduce rig down time associated with wireline testing.