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

Porosity logs
Sonic

Fluid indicator
logs
Resistivity

SP

Neutron

Induction

Litho-density

Density

Neutron-density

Calliper logs for bore-hole properties

Wireline Logging

Logging while Drilling