Well Logging 1 Chapter One: Intro.

Chapter One: An Overview of Well Logging

Reference: Well Logging for Earth Scientists by Darwin V.Ellis and Julian M. Singer, 2nd Edition.

 Well Logging is a record of characteristics of rock formations traversed by a measurement

device in the wellbore.
 Well logging in a central role in well life which is a step between surface seismic survey
and production testing.
 Wireline logging consists from a Bakelite cylinder with a couple of metallic electrodes
on its exterior.
 There are about fifty different types of tools for various information. Connecting devices
with others may reach 100 ft. in length. Recently, the devices are encapsulated )‫ (مغلف‬in
a drill collar.
 Sonde= a measurement device.
 Actual logging speed vary depending on the mature of the device (600 ft/hr., 1800 ft/hr.
& 3600 ft/hr. for newer tools). Sampling interval 6 in or 1.2 in.
 Well logging is an alternate (supplement) to the analysis of cores, side-wall samples and
cuttings.
 Measurement while drilling (MWD) has a downhole sensor unit close to the drill bit, a
power source, a telemetry system and an equipment on the surface to receive and display
data.
 LWD (Logging While Drilling) is a technique in non-vertical wells built into heavy thick-
walled drill collars.
 LWD comes familiar in diameter with bit and collar sizes (4, 6 or 8 in) while wireline
logging tools comes with standard diameter. Also, the data are not recorded exactly when
the data acquired as in wireline logging.
 Permeability is a measure of the ease of extraction of fluids from the pore space.
 Notations about Reservoir Rocks:
I. The rock must be porous ( porosity measurement is fundamental)
II. Clay content is reflected by log readings and of course on permeability values
III. A distinguish between the brine and hydrocarbon is important
IV. The homogeneity, Fractures and layering of the formation affect on permeability
readings.
V. The type of hydrocarbon (liquid or gas) can be reflected from loggings tools.

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M.Sc. lecturer: Ameer Talib
 Well Logging 1 Chapter One: Intro.

VI. Fluid nature are altered by the temperature and pressure of the formation which are
important to be considered in drilling and production steps.
VII. The contained fluids are strongly linked to the structural shape of the rock body.
 The traditional role of wireline logging falls in formation evaluation and completion
evaluation.
 In formation evaluation, wireline loggings can answer the following questions:

a. Are there any hydrocarbons? If so, what is the type?

b. Where are the hydrocarbons?
c. How much hydrocarbon is contained in the formation?
d. How producible are the hydrocarbons?

 In completion evaluation, it provides measurements about cement quality, pipe and tubing
corrosion, pressure measurements, etc.

 Measurement technique falls in three regions:

1. Electrical (Electrical conductivity)

2. Nuclear ( Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, NMR)
3. Acoustic ( measurements of shear and compressional velocity)

 Many advantages of well logging in petroleum engineering are summarized by Pickett

especially in formation geology, estimation of hydrocarbon in place and water flood
feasibility (see table 1.2, P.13).

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M.Sc. lecturer: Ameer Talib