In modern drilling, staying in the reservoir is everything. Every extra meter drilled inside the productive zone means more hydrocarbons recovered and higher project profitability. Yet operators often face blind spots in real-time formation evaluation, particularly when relying on a single data source.

This case study highlights how integrating cuttings analysis with logging-while-drilling (LWD) data provides sharper, faster geosteering decisions.

Blind Spots in the Drilling Process

Traditional geosteering workflows depend heavily on LWD data. While invaluable, LWD readings are not always enough to capture subtle lithological variations or identify formation boundaries in real time. Meanwhile, drill cuttings (samples already available on every rig) often go underutilized, treated as a byproduct instead of a decision-making tool.

The result?

Operators may react late to geological changes, slipping into non-productive zones or drilling extra footage that adds cost without delivering value.

A Smarter Integration: Cuttings + LWD

By combining cuttings analysis with LWD density and gamma-ray logs, operators gain a multi-dimensional view of the formation while drilling. Cuttings provide direct lithological evidence, while LWD delivers continuous real-time measurements.

Together, these datasets complement each other:

• Cuttings verify and calibrate LWD signals, reducing uncertainty.
• LWD fills the time gaps between physical samples, ensuring continuous formation insight.
• The integration allows for near real-time lithology prediction, improving steering accuracy.

Field Application: Precision Steering in Action

In the Abu Dhabi field trial, engineers implemented this integrated workflow while drilling a complex carbonate well. The results were clear:

• Improved formation identification Lithology boundaries that might have been missed with LWD alone were confirmed by cuttings analysis.
• Reduced non-productive time  Real-time validation enabled quicker course corrections, minimizing wasted drilling.
• Optimized well placement The horizontal section stayed within the target zone longer, improving reservoir contact and production potential.

Why It Matters for Operators

For drilling teams and asset managers, this approach translates directly into business value:

• Higher accuracy – Confidence in well placement leads to better recovery.
• Lower costs – Avoid unnecessary footage and non-productive drilling.
• Smarter decisions – Use all available data sources to guide geosteering in real time.

It’s a practical innovation: no new downhole tools are required. Instead, it makes smarter use of the data already available on every rig.

Smarter Geosteering, Higher Value

The Abu Dhabi case study shows that integrating cuttings and LWD data is a pathway to smarter, more profitable drilling. By combining direct geological samples with real-time logging, operators can eliminate blind spots, react faster, and maximize the value of every well drilled.

Adaga Solutions is helping operators put this integrated workflow into practice today. Want to see how it could work on your next project? Contact us to learn more.