You are on page 1of 3

CH01_v2.

qxd

8/5/04

10:42 AM

Page 19

Basic Relationships of Well Log Interpretation

Drilling & Well-logging Course

Dr. Adel Al-Matary

19

Well-logging Lab No. 1

Figure 1.10. Chart for estimating formation temperature (Tf) with depth (linear gradient assumed). (Western Atlas International, Inc., 1995, Figure 2-1)
Given:
Surface temperature = 80F
Bottom hole temperature (BHT) = 200F
Total depth (TD) = 10,000 ft
Formation depth = 7000 feet
Procedure:
1. Locate BHT (200F) on the 80 scale (bottom of the chart; mean surface temperature = 80F).
2. Follow BHT (200F) vertically up until it intersects the 10,000 ft (TD) line. This intersection defines the temperature gradient.
3. Move parallel to the (diagonal) temperature gradient line up to 7000 ft (formation depth).
4. Formation temperature (164F) is read on the bottom scale (i.e., 80 scale) vertically down from the point where the 7000 ft line intersects the temperature gradient.
NOTE: In the United States (as an example), 80F is used commonly as the mean surface temperature in the southern states, and 60F is used commonly in the northern states. However, a
specific mean surface temperature can be calculated if such precision is desired. Another source for mean surface-temperature gradients is any world atlas with such listings.

FEMWD Chart Book

General Charts

Estimation of Static Formation Temperature


The adjacent chart provides a method for calculating downhole static
well-logging lab No.1 formation temperature (Tf) based on the geothermal gradient (GG), mean
surface temperature (Tms), and true vertical depth (TVD). To facilitate general
application, the chart is designed to accommodate the use of both the English
and metric units.
To calculate static formation temperature, select the true vertical depth from
the Y-axis, and project a horizontal line form that point to the line representing
the appropriate geothermal gradient. Project another line downward or upward
(depending on the temperature units used) from this intersection to the
formation temperature scale corresponding to the appropriate mean surface
temperature; the first value on the left of each formation temperature scale
represents the mean surface temperature on which that scale is based. Read the
estimated static formation temperature at the point of intersection with this
scale.
Example:

What is the static formation temperature at 15,000 feet (TVD) in


a well with a geothermal gradient of 0.8F/100 ft and a mean
surface temperature of 60F?

Solution:

180F.

Reference Guide
750-500-083 Rev. A / April 1998

2-3
Confidential

General Charts

FEMWD Chart Book

Estimation of Formation Temperature


and Geothermal Gradient

True Vertical Depth, D (meters)

Formation Temperature, Tf (C)

True Vertical Depth, D (feet)

Mean Surface
Temperature,*
Tms (C)

Mean Surface
Temperature,*
Tms (F)

well-logging lab No.1

Formation Temperature, Tf (F)

GEN-2
Form.Temp/Geo Grad.

2-4

Baker Hughes INTEQ


Confidential

750-500-083 Rev. A / April 1998

You might also like