LWD

Term from Exploration industry explained for recruiters

LWD (Logging While Drilling) is a technology used in oil and gas exploration that measures rock and well properties while a well is being drilled. Think of it as taking measurements and gathering information about underground formations in real-time, rather than having to stop drilling to collect data. This saves companies significant time and money compared to older methods where they had to pull out all the drilling equipment to take measurements. It's similar to having a camera and sensors attached to a drill that sends back information while work is happening, rather than having to stop and take pictures afterward.

Examples in Resumes

Supervised LWD operations for deep-water drilling projects

Analyzed Logging While Drilling data to make real-time drilling decisions

Operated LWD tools and interpreted data for 15+ wells

Typical job title: "LWD Engineers"

Also try searching for:

LWD Field Engineer Drilling Engineer Formation Evaluation Engineer MWD/LWD Engineer Wellsite Engineer Petrophysicist Drilling Operations Engineer

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you handle a situation where LWD data indicates a potential drilling hazard?

Expected Answer: A senior engineer should explain the process of analyzing the data, communicating with the drilling team, making quick decisions to prevent issues, and having backup plans ready. They should mention experience with similar situations and how they've handled them safely.

Q: What's your experience with training junior engineers on LWD operations?

Expected Answer: Should discuss their mentoring approach, how they teach both technical skills and safety procedures, and examples of successfully developing team members' capabilities.

Mid Level Questions

Q: Can you explain how you interpret LWD data to make drilling decisions?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain how they read and understand the measurements, what different readings mean for drilling operations, and how they communicate this information to the drilling team.

Q: What experience do you have with different types of LWD tools?

Expected Answer: Should describe working with various measurement tools, understanding their applications, and knowing when to use each type based on the drilling conditions.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the basic measurements taken by LWD tools?

Expected Answer: Should be able to explain the basic measurements like formation density, porosity, and resistivity in simple terms, and why these measurements are important.

Q: What safety procedures are important when working with LWD equipment?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate understanding of basic safety protocols, equipment handling procedures, and importance of following company safety guidelines.

Experience Level Indicators

Junior (0-2 years)

  • Basic understanding of drilling operations
  • Ability to monitor LWD equipment
  • Basic data collection and reporting
  • Following safety procedures

Mid (2-5 years)

  • Independent operation of LWD tools
  • Data interpretation and analysis
  • Problem-solving during drilling operations
  • Emergency response handling

Senior (5+ years)

  • Advanced troubleshooting abilities
  • Project management and team leadership
  • Complex formation evaluation
  • Training and mentoring junior engineers

Red Flags to Watch For

  • No hands-on experience with LWD equipment
  • Lack of basic understanding of drilling operations
  • Poor safety awareness or history
  • Inability to work in remote locations or offshore
  • Poor communication skills