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W181 Preparation For The Wellsite Data
W181 Preparation For The Wellsite Data
CONTENTS
COURSE HANDOUT: Mud Logging (Wellsite Data) ..................................................... 2
Location: Classroom ...................................................................................................... 2
Vol 3 Petrophysics (Production Handbook Update) ................................................ 2
7 Petrophysics ...................................................................................................... 2
7.3 Mud Logging ...................................................................................................... 2
7.3.1 The Mud Logging Service ................................................................................. 2
7.3.2 Mud Logging Supervision and Quality Control............................................... 7
7.3.3 Mud Logging - Safety Considerations ............................................................. 7
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W181 Preparation for the Wellsite
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5. Geological Equipment:
(a) Microscope: Standard binocular microscope for examination and description of drill cuttings
and core chips.
(b) Ultraviolet Light Box: Used for the detection of liquid hydrocarbons. ( 7.2.7).
(c) Cuttings Gas Detector: Used for gas analysis of the drill cuttings or drilling fluid ( 7.2.2.4).
(d) Mud Steam Still: Used for the complete extraction of gas from a mud sample ( 7.2.2.5).
(e) Calcimeter: Used for the analysis of carbonate lithologies to distinguish calcite from
dolomite, and determine total carbonate content.
(f) Shale Density: Equipment for the measurement of shale density ( 1.12.3.2.2 (c) Point 1).
(g) Geochemistry Analysis: Geochemistry analysis is not routinely carried out at the wellsite.
However most mud logging companies are able to supply wellsite pyrolysis equipment for
source rock and maturation analysis.
(h) Thin Section: Thin section preparation is not routinely carried out but may be incorporated
into the service specification for particular reasons. For example, it may be useful where the
reservoir formations are igneous or metamorphic rocks.
(i) Biostratigraphy: In certain instances wellsite biostratigraphy services may be incorporated
into the mud logging specification. Preparation equipment and specialist personnel are
required to carry out micropalaeontological or palynological analysis.
6. Data Display - Storage - Transmission
Data display in the mud logging unit usually comprises paper chart recorders, printers and plotters,
together with VDU-monitors, and digital displays. All data pertinent to the drilling progress is
usually continuously displayed. Alarms are set on certain parameters such as: total hydrocarbon
gas, differential mud flow, standpipe pressure, active pit volume, hydrogen sulphide etc. These
alarms are set with very narrow limits around the normal operating value. The mud logging crew
are immediately alerted should one of these important parameters move outside the set limits.
VDU-monitors are usually installed at various locations around the rig, such as the drill floor,
drilling office and Shell Representative's office. All monitored data is routinely stored onto
electronic media.
Data is often transmitted routinely to the OU, usually as a modem transmission every 12 or 24
hours. Where computer drafted mud logs are prepared it is routine practice to data transmit the
mud log which may then be printed in the OU office.
Real time data transmission is occasionally undertaken on particular wells. In these instances a
series of VDU-monitors is installed in the OU office and all drilling data etc. is displayed as
operations are proceeding at the wellsite. Real time data transmission is expensive due to the
continuous use of a dedicated communications link. It is only used in exceptional circumstances.
7. Mud Log - Pressure Log - Data Logs - Final Well Reports
The mud log is a detailed document of the geological, hydrocarbon and engineering progress of
the well. The pressure evaluation log is used in real time formation fluid pressure analysis.
Various other logs, such as the drilling data log and hydrocarbon evaluation log, display drilling
data and chromatograph ratio interpretation respectively.
Standardisation of the mud log format by the SPWLA has not received universal support, and mud
logs prepared by different mud logging companies for different clients are all slightly different. It is
important that the mud log format and presentation is agreed between the OU and the mud logging
contractor before the start of a drilling campaign. Consistency should then be maintained. Ideally
all of the mud logs prepared for one OU should be identical in layout and presentation. Mud logs
are normally presented on a 1:500 vertical scale, and may be computer drafted or manually drawn
with pen and ink. There are no recognised standards for pressure evaluation logs, drilling data
logs, or hydrocarbon evaluation logs. The parameters and scales displayed on these logs should
be agreed between the OU and the mud logging company prior to the commencement of
operations. The vertical scale for pressure evaluation logs is usually 1:1000 or 1:5000. This
compressed scale allows easier interpretation of trend lines for the d-exponent or dc-exponent (
1.12.3.2.1 Point 2).
The mud log should be kept as up to date as possible during drilling operations. It should always
be updated to the daily reporting depth and transmitted to the OU. The mud log is a good visual
representation of the current status of the well. It is often a very useful document to use during
wellsite or office based meetings to discuss well problems and decide appropriate action.
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W181 Preparation for the Wellsite Data
With the development of modern integrated service contracts, the MWD logging company is often
the same as the mud logging company. In these instances a composite MWD / Mud Log is often
prepared. This displays, in real time, formation characteristics such as gamma ray, and resistivity
with drilling speed, lithology from cuttings, together with gas and oil show data. This type of
integration of data is a significant step forward in real time data analysis and display techniques.
Final Well Reports are produced by the mud logging company shortly after a well has been
completed. They usually contain sections on all of the geological and engineering aspects of the
well, together with data print-outs and final copies of the various logs produced during drilling.
7.3.1.2 Mud Logging Service Specification
The level of service provided by mud logging companies varies from a very basic level to a highly
sophisticated computer intensive service. The level of sophistication should be specified by the
OU to suit the particular requirements of the drilling operation. It is usually possible for the OU and
the mud logging company to custom design a particular mud logging service to meet very precise
operating requirements. Individual sensors may not, for example, be required on a particular
drilling operation. These may be replaced with other equipment which is considered to be more
useful. Further refinement during the drilling campaign may be required in response, perhaps, to
unforeseen drilling problems. Close co-operation between the various disciplines in the OU and
the mud logging company can ensure that a high standard of service is provided by the mud
logging company, with just the right level of sophistication for the particular operation.
A typical basic and an advanced mud logging service specification are outlined here. Mud logging
service level specifications are always flexible and it may be that an intermediate level of service
best meets the OU requirements.
1. Basic Mud Logging Service. A basic mud logging service is managed by two mud logging
engineers working on opposite 12 hour shifts. The basic service level usually incorporates
routine geological sampling, gas monitoring and the monitoring of well safety.
A typical basic mud logging service specification may be as follows:
- Hook load / weight on bit
- Rate of penetration
- Pump strokes (2)
- Pit volume (3)
- Total gas
- Gas chromatograph
- Geological sampling
- Cuttings description
- Calcimetry
- Oil show evaluation
- Core description
- Various VDU-monitor displays, printers, plotters
- Mud log
- Daily reports
A mud logging service at this basic level can provide an entirely satisfactory service on routine
development wells, or on exploration wells where the regional geology is fairly well known and
there are no expected overpressured or H2S zones.
2. Advanced Mud Logging Service. All advanced mud logging service specifications include the
basic service level, together with additional equipment and personnel to provide an integrated
drilling data management and formation fluid pressure analysis service. In addition to the two
mud loggers, one or two pressure / data logging engineers will operate the additional systems.
If there are two additional engineers they will work on an shift rota, whilst one engineer will work
on an as-required 24 hour call out basis. Advanced mud logging services should always be
specified when working in known overpressured and / or H2S regions. They may also be
invaluable in exploration drilling where the regional geology is not well known.
A typical advanced mud logging service specification may be as follows:
- H2S detection
- Torque
- Revolutions per minute
- Standpipe pressure
- Casing pressure
- Mud temperature In / Out
- Mud density In / Out
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- Flow rate In / Out (Differential)
- Mud resistivity In / Out
- CO2 detection
- FID total gas (Upgrade on basic service)
- FID gas chromatograph (Upgrade on basic service)
- Shale density
- Cuttings gas
- Mud steam still
- Additional displays, monitors, printers etc.
- Off line computer programmes:
drilling engineering
bit hydraulics
directional drilling
formation fluid pressure
wireline log analysis
- Data transmission
- Pressure log
- Daily pressure evaluation report
- Drilling data log
- Hydrocarbon ratio log
7.3.1.3 Geological Sampling
The collection and preparation of geological samples is one of the most important parts of the mud
logging service. In addition to the regular samples for microscope analysis, required for the
production of the mud log and wellsite geology log, several other types of sample are also
collected for later geological laboratory analysis. All samples should be corrected for lag.
In all cases it is of utmost importance that geological samples are clearly and indelibly marked.
They must be carefully packed and detailed information kept on their shipping/transportation
arrangements from the rig to the geological laboratory.
The principal types of geological samples are briefly described:
1. Microscope sample. The microscope sample is a representative sample of drill cuttings
collected from the shale shakers from a particular drilled interval i.e. 10,150 - 10,155 ft, or 320 -
330 m. In addition, spot samples may be collected from precise depths e.g. 10,226 ft or 359 m,
usually in response to a change in drilling response, particularly ROP, at a particular depth.
Microscope samples are cleaned and washed free of drilling fluid and examined by the mud
logger and wellsite geologist. They are normally kept for a short time and then disposed of.
In addition to samples from the shale shakers, microscope samples should always be taken
from the de-sanders, de-silters, and any other mud cleaning equipment which is in use. Very
fine and fine disaggregated sand usually passes through the shale shaker screens and may be
completely missed in the samples unless the mud cleaning equipment is also examined.
2. Bulk wet sample. The bulk wet sample is a large 1 or 2 kg unwashed sample of drill cuttings
collected from the shale shakers. Bulk wet samples are despatched from the rig to the
geological laboratory. Here they are prepared and examined for biostratigraphical data such as
micro-fauna, spores and pollen, and which the age of the rock can be determined.
3. Washed and dried. This is a small sample of drill cuttings from the shale shakers which is
thoroughly washed free of drilling fluid and then dried. The sample is usually split into 2 or 3
smaller samples. One set of samples remains on the rig as a reference set, until the end of the
well. It is then usually put into long term storage along with the other sets. These may be
examined at a later date for further lithological studies. They are often traded with other oil
companies, as part of a data swap in a well trade. Occasionally bulk washed and dried
samples are required, although their preparation is a very time-consuming procedure.
4. Geochemical samples. Geochemical samples are large bulk drill cuttings samples usually
collected and sealed in metal tins. They are analysed in the geological laboratory principally for
hydrocarbon content, total organic carbon, and degree of maturation. It is important that
bactericide is added to geochemical samples before the cans are sealed.
5. Drilling Fluid. Samples of the drilling fluid may be collected for hydrocarbon analysis.
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W181 Preparation for the Wellsite Data
6. Sidewall Cores. Detailed procedures for sidewall core handling are given in reference: SIPM.
Core Handling Manual. Okkerman, J.A., van Geuns, L.C., 1993. EP 93 - 2200.
7. Conventional Cores. Detailed information in reference as above.
7.3.2 Mud Logging Supervision and Quality Control
The supervising Company Representative should specify the reporting requirements to the senior
mud logging personnel before the commencement of a well or drilling campaign. Normally the
mud log, pressure evaluation log and all other logs should be up to date to the 06.00 hrs depth and
copies presented to the Company Representative shortly after 06:00 hrs. Daily reports should also
be presented at this time. Report formats may vary from OU to OU but should be standardised
before operations commence. An afternoon report may also be required. The mud logging
personnel should be given clear instructions on the non-routine situations which should
immediately be reported to the Company Representative. These would normally include gas
shows, hydrogen sulphide, drilling breaks, lost circulation, pit gains, etc. etc. It is important that
good communication should be established between the mud logging crew and the Company
Representative. Communication is also a two-way process. The mud logging personnel can
provide a very high standard of service provided that they are advised of forthcoming operations,
and any changes which have been made to the forward plan. They should be fully appraised of
the drilling programme and, (with the exception of "tight hole" status wells), be provided with all of
the geological information which they require to perform their job.
Quality Control
The supervising Company Representative should keep a regular check on the standards of the
mud logging service and ensure that quality control is maintained. The following points should be
noted (although this is not an exhaustive list of quality control procedures).
1. The accuracy and draft quality of the mud log and all other logs should be carefully checked
on a daily basis.
2. Instrument calibration should be carried out regularly and calibration notes should be
available for inspection.
3. The lag time should be continuously checked and adjusted during drilling.
4. Before the start of operations the mud logging crew should be supplied with a copy of the
Shell "Tapeworm". The various symbols and abbreviations used on the logs should always
conform to the Shell standard symbols. (This should be checked regularly as all other
operating companies have their own individual standard symbols and nomenclature, which
is different from the Shell system).
5. Pit drills should be carried out from time to time and the performance of the mud logging
personnel should be noted.
6. A careful check should be made of the standard of sample collection, labelling and packing.
All samples must be clearly labelled in indelible ink.
7. A record should be kept of sensor / instrument failures and the amount of down time
incurred. Unsatisfactory performance should be reported to the OU immediately.
7.3.3 Mud Logging - Safety Considerations
It is the responsibility of the mud logging service company to provide a service which conforms to
all current safety regulations. It is good practice to periodically check that safe working practices
are being carried out and that mud logging personnel demonstrate responsible attitudes to their
own safety and to the safety of other rig personnel ( 7.3.3.1).
A significant proportion of the mud logger's time is taken in the routine monitoring of the drilling
operation, particularly drilling parameters, together with gas and drilling fluid data. The mud
loggers are very often the first to notice the changes that take place when a potential well safety
problem develops. The early detection of a well safety problem, and prompt corrective action, is a
very significant factor in reducing the severity of the problem. It is vital that mud logging personnel
are fully aware of their responsibility in this respect. Excellent communication should be
established between the mud logging personnel, the drilling personnel and the supervising Shell
personnel.
Any potential well safety problem should always be reported firstly to the driller, and then to the
supervising Company Representative.
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W181 Preparation for the Wellsite
YES NO
2. Does the Unit "shut down" mechanism work following loss of Unit pressure?
YES NO
YES NO
4. Is the Unit air supply intake located in a suitable position to provide non-contaminated air?
YES NO
5. Is the Rig Alarm and Public Address system clearly audible within the Logging Unit?
YES NO
YES NO
7. Is breathing apparatus available to the crew while drilling overpressure / H2S prone zones?
YES NO
8. Is the hydrogen supply to the gas detectors monitored to ensure that there are no leaks?
Note: All piping must be copper.
YES NO
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W181 Preparation for the Wellsite Data
YES NO
YES NO
11.Does the Unit have adequate, easily accessed fire extinguishers; are they of the correct type?
YES NO
12.Is the location and storage of bulk chemicals and re-agents satisfactory?
YES NO
YES NO
YES NO
15.Are life jackets available in the Unit for the Logging Crew?
YES NO
YES NO
If any of the answers to questions 1 - 16 is NO, please provide a more detailed account in the
space at the end of the questionnaire.
YES NO
18.Are the Logging Crew fully familiar with the Station Bill and Rig Alarms?
YES NO
19. Do the Logging Crew follow the correct procedures during the weekly emergency drills?
YES NO
20.Do the Logging Crew attend the weekly Rig Safety Meetings?
YES NO
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21. Do the Logging Crew wear the correct safety clothing while working?
YES NO
22. Do the Logging Crew wear safety glasses / goggles, and ear defenders while working in
hazardous areas?
YES NO
23. Are barrier creams, protective gloves and cleansing agents available to the Logging Crew,
when drilling with oil based muds?
YES NO
YES NO
If any of the answers to questions 17 to 24 is NO, please provide a more detailed account in the
space at the end of the questionnaire.
25. Are all external sensors correctly positioned and securely mounted?
YES NO
26. Are all sensors pertinent to the monitoring of well safety correctly calibrated and functioning at
all times?
YES NO
YES NO
28. Are all cables and hoses into the Logging Unit correctly routed and secured?
YES NO
29. Are safe procedures followed by the Logging Crew when working above ground level e.g. work
in the derrick, work on tugger lines?
YES NO
30. Is the hydrocarbon gas detection system regularly checked and calibrated?
YES NO
31. What is the travel time between gas trap and Logging Unit? ____
Is this acceptable?
YES NO
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W181 Preparation for the Wellsite Data
YES NO
33. Are the hydrogen gas cylinders located securely? (Easy access must be maintained to the
valves). Both charged and used cylinders should be considered.
YES NO
34.Are the correct lifting procedures followed when moving heavy objects from one location to
another?
YES NO
YES NO
YES NO
If any of the answers to question 25 - 36 is NO, please provide a more detailed account in the
space below.
SPACE IS PROVIDED FOR THE COMMENTS OF THE SENIOR MUD LOGGING ENGINEER.
DISTRIBUTION:
1. OPCO OPERATIONS DEPT.
2. SAFETY DEPT IN OPCO
3. MUD LOGGING COMPANY MANAGEMENT
4. ONSITE SENIOR MUD LOGGING PERSONNEL
5. ONSITE COMPANY SUPERVISOR
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