2020

Well logging

Laterolog-3 (LL3)

NARJES WALEED HAMEED

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING
THIRD STAGE
-Introdaction
The LL3 device, introduced by
Schlumberger in 1957, had three
electrodes (fig 1). is the main current
electrode, which emits a variable
current I, to a remote return. A, and
A, are two long guard electrodes
(about 5- ft), connected together.
Their potential Vg is maintained
equal to an internal reference
potential V, by a self-adjusting
bucking current Zg which flows from
A,-A',. The potential V, of A, was
held equal to Vg by varying the main
current I,. Al-&-A, was thus an fig(1)

equipotential surface, and current I, could only flow out perpendicularly, as

a disc of thickness 0-0'.T he magnitude of Zo was measured; it was
proportional to the formation conductivity, since: Unfocused KVo = Rlo

so that:

I, = KV,C, where C is the conductivity.

2
-The Laterolog 3

like the Electric Log, is a galvanic resistivity device using 3 electrodes

instead of two. The current flows from the main electrode located at the
center of the tool, varying in density as a function of formation conductivity.
A zero potential gradient is maintained with the other two electrodes. This
array focuses the current into a disc that is approximately 4 inches thick.
Under standard conditions, where the medium is constant and homogenous,
the tool can fully resolve beds as thin as 4 inches. In fresh water formations
of sedimentary material, the resistivity measured with Laterolog 3 is
primarily a function of grain size, grain distribution and sorting. The
Laterolog 3 is an excellent correlation log with the Gamma-Ray, Sonic
Velocity and other logs in water or mud-filled boreholes.

The 5-point calibration provides a dynamic range for various formation

types, with excellent bed resolution. The tool also has a gamma-ray sensor.
The log comprises (2) separate measurements:RLL3 Laterolog 3 Resistivity
GR Gamma Ray

The Laterolog 3 is normally run in conjunction with the Electric Log, where
the data is presented side by side and overlaid for ease in correlating.

3
-The principle of focusing
(Laterolog-3 (LL3))

 Idealized current distribution

from the Laterolog-3 device
 in a homogeneou s formation,
with current focused into the
formation

there are now three current

emitting electrodes, A0, A1, and A
1’. *This type of array *is known

commonly referred to as a Laterolog-3 (LL3), device. *The potential of

electrodes A1 and A 1’ *is held constant and at the same potential as the
central electrode A0. *Since current flows only if a potential difference
exists, there should, in principle, be no current flow in the vertical
direction.

The sheath of current therefore*emanates horizontally from the central

measurement electrode. *The current emitted from the focusing, or “guard”
electrodes is often referred to as the “bucking” current, *as its function is to
impede the measure current from flowing in the borehole mud.

4
-DRAWBACKS OF LL3

 The LL3 tool had certain drawbacks.

The current tended to escape into a
thin intercalated conductive layer .
This is the reason why it was replaced
by other devices.

 The LL3 tool had certain drawbacks.

The current tended to escape either
into the more conductive surrounding
shoulder. This is the reason why it
was replaced by other devices.

-Reference

1- Well Logging for Earth Scientists

2- fundamentals of well-log interpretation

3- Some reports from Schlumberger Company