Since the oil and gas industry’s early days, providers of formation and well evaluation (FWE) services have helped answer two questions: Are there hydrocarbons down there? And, if so, in what amounts, forms and environments? Gaining the answers with greater certainty and at lower cost is an ongoing pursuit.
Of course, the needs of today go beyond those of past eras. Today’s E&Ps seek and extract deposits held in more complex and unconventional formations. Thus, ever more rigorous, precise and available data—and the equipment and personnel to gather and interpret such data—remains the focus.
EnergyPoint Research has measured customer satisfaction with FWE services since 2004. With the ramp up in activity in recent years, customer ratings have declined. Yet, they remain competitive with those of other service segments.
For our surveys, FWE divides into four segments: wireline logging, logging-while-drilling, core and fluids analysis, and well testing. Two suppliers lead the pack. Downhole measurement and related services are the heart of Schlumberger’s organization.Accordingly, the company sets the pace for satisfaction in wireline logging and well-testing. Core Laboratories excels in core and fluids analysis (CFA) services by combining a deep knowledge base with unique capabilities. Geoservices also fares relatively well.
Of FWE’s four segments, respondents are most satisfied with CFA services. This reflects the specificity and reliability of the data—and the unique insights that can be gleaned from it. The skill and professionalism of the suppliers and personnel serving the segment also add value.Conversely, respondents rate logging-while-drilling (LWD) lowest within FWE. Inexperienced crews, faulty equipment, and spotty data are the culprits. Well testing and wireline-logging garner slightly stronger marks.
