Well Logging

Practical definition of a log

Log is an indirect measurement of formation properties exposed by the wellbore acquired by lowering a device or a combination of devices in the well bore. Oldest and most used methods that depends on the geophysical properties of rocks. Good when surface outcrops are not available.

 Seismic can be used to determine the subsurface structure but a direct sample of the rock is needed to be sure of the lithology. The most practical way is to drill a well and record all the useful information possible from a core. Continuous core recovery is far too expensive and is not done except when great detail is needed.

Objectives
To give an insight in the basic well logging methods used to derive petrophysical properties for hydrocarbon exploration Well logs provide continuous, in situ measurements of parameters related to porosity, lithology, presence of hydrocarbons, and other related rock properties of interest

Well Logging History

The first electrical log was introduced in 1927 in France. The first commercial electrical resistivity tool in 1929 was used in Venezuela, USA and Indonesia. SP was run along with resistivity first time in 1931 Schlumberger developed the first continuous recording in 1931 GR and Neutron logs was started in 1941 Microresistivity array dipmeter and lateralog were first time introduced in 1950s The first induction tool was used in 1956 followed by Formation tester in 1957, Fomation Density in 1960s, Electromagnetic tool in 1978 and most of Imaging logs were developed in 1980s

Well in Pechelbronn - France

Surface Recording Instrument

The First Log recorded in 1927

Purpose of Well Logging

Are there any hydrocarbons? Oil? Gas? Where are the hydrocarbons? How much of the hydrocarbons is contained in the formation? How producible are the hydrocarbons?

Uses of Well Logging

Detect presence of hydrocarbons - Gas, oil or water
Estimation of total reserves Estimation of productive zones

Zone correlation Isopach mapping Defining physical rock properties:

Lithology Porosity Pore geometry Permeability

Determination of depth and thickness of zones

Uses of Well Logging

Correlation with seismic data Structural and sedimentological studies Formation boundaries and stratigraphic correlation Quantitative fluid saturation Reservoir modelling Reservoir monitoring

1. Rock type
The basic concentration during the interpretation of well logs is the rock type or Lithology. It could be either, Sandstone Limestone Shale (unconventional)

2. Fluids
a. What are the fluid type Water Oil Gas b. Saturation Water saturated, oil saturated, gas saturated c. Pressure Fluid pressure

ROCK PROPERTIES
Porosity Permeability Lithology / Mineralogy Density Velocity Pore Fluids (Water, Gas, Oil) / Pore Fluid Ratio Thickness and Depth of the Formation Fracture Temperature

How to measure these properties?

Few of these parameters can be directly measured! Derived or inferred from measurements of other physical parameters, such as:
Resistivity Bulk density Interval transit time Spontaneous potential Natural radioactivity

Types of Logs
Lithological logs
Gamma ray SP Litho-density Neutron-density

Porosity logs
Sonic Neutron Density

Fluid indicator logs

Resistivity Induction

Calliper logs for bore-hole properties

Wireline Logging

Logging while Drilling