CII Wireline Operations Manual

2. Wireline logging operations

2.1. Introduction to Wireline logging

The objective of wireline logging is to obtain a permanent, continuous record of the properties of rocks
penetrated by the wellbore. Wireline logs are then combined with the drilling data, mud logs,
measurements while drilling and core information in order to choose correct testing and completion
intervals and to properly evaluate the production potential of the well.

A good evaluation is only possible with good quality log data. Well logs are used for many years by
exploration and production staff both in the development of reservoirs and in prospecting for new drilling
locations. Therefore it is essential to ensure that the best quality data is acquired. In some cases the data
quality may be compromised to a greater or lesser extent by bad hole conditions, wireline equipment
failures, human error or even extreme weather conditions. Within the bounds of rig time costs and
preserving the safety of personnel, equipment and the well, it is the objective of the logging engineer and
CII representatives to ensure that best possible quality data is acquired.

The wireline logging operation is based around the concept of using a cable to lower sensors to the bottom
of the well. The steel cable has electrical wires in the middle of it, so power can be transmitted from the
surface of the well to the sensors at the bottom, and information from the sensors can be sent up the cable
to the surface. Wireline systems have evolved over the years and normally a computer is connected to the
cable at the surface to record and process the information being sent from the sensors. There are many
possible sensors, which are normally referred to as ‘logging tools’, and each of the major wireline logging
contractors are continuously bringing out new and improved versions of their logging tools. Because of the
large number of available logging tools, all with different acronym descriptions, trade names, and other
technical names only truly understood by the wireline engineers it can be very confusing for someone new
to wireline logging operations to understand which logging tool records what information.
Ultimately, no matter how many different logging tools there are and names they are given, the basic
logging services that most wells require can be classified as follows:

• Resistivity Tools – to measure the formation resistivity.

• Porosity Tools; Neutron Porosity, Density, and Sonic Tools – to measure formation porosity.

• Gamma Ray Tools – for correlation and lithology indication.

There are several other groups of logging tools, which add extra information to the Resistivity & Porosity
measurements, and may or not be required depending on the well objectives:

• Formation Testing Tools – these tools measure directly the pressure of the fluid in the formation at any
depth desired. They also can take samples of the formation fluid for later analysis at a laboratory.

• Imaging Tools; ultrasonic and resistivity based – these give a color image of the bore-hole wall, which
experts can then interpret to deduce stratigraphic, structural and other information.

• Coring tools – wireline contractors offer both explosive and mechanical based coring tools, that can
retrieve as many core samples (approximately 2 in long and 1 in diameter) as desired from any depth.

• Magnetic Resonance Tools – a relatively new development and still not used very often, they are
designed to give more accurate porosity measurements and an estimate of permeability. Their slow
logging speed has counted against them, however the latest generation of tools offer improved logging
speeds.

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• Cement and corrosion evaluation services – usually sonic or ultra-sonic based using the same
equipment as in open-hole operations, with some reconfiguration. The tools are used to evaluate the
quality of the cement bond between the casing and formation, and also the condition of the casing
itself.

• Seismic Tools – Surface seismic surveys result in a data that has ‘time’ along its vertical axis, so that
features are known to be there, but not exactly where in terms of depth. By running a wireline seismic
tool oil companies can relate their surface seismic data directly to depth.

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2.2. Pre-logging preparation

2.2.1. CII finding team responsibilities

The finding team should specify the services that will be required well in advance of the anticipated
logging date. They should consult with the operations group and make sure they are aware of what tools are
under contract and what tools are considered ‘call out’ (i.e. may not be available and even if they are
available, will be at a cost premium). The finding team should confirm with the operations group that the
desired services can be run at the temperatures, deviations and mud systems expected.

A pre-spud meeting with the logging contractor is desirable (ideally 2 weeks or more before the proposed
logging operation). In that meeting the well and data acquisition objectives should be made clear to the
contractor, so that any potential difficulties or issues can be resolved in a timely manner. In such a meeting,
tool failure or bad-hole condition scenarios should be discussed, and some prioritization of desired data
should be made. It is not uncommon for hole conditions to limit the available time for logging operations,
and such scenario’s should be considered in advance, so that if they occur valuable time is not lost trying to
contact all parties concerned for their input.

When determining services required, the finding team should be made aware of rig time requirements for
each of the various services.

2.2.2. CII operations geologist, wireline supervisor/witness

responsibilities

The operations geologist and wireline supervisor will ensure the logging contractor is up to date in terms of
having the required logging equipment and personnel on location well before the logging job is due to start.
They should plan for a minimum of 4 days tool checks on site in the case of a full suite of exploration
services. If equipment has remained onsite since a previous logging operation and all tools were checked
following that operation then this amount of time required for preparation could be reduced if rig bed space
is at a premium (as is often the case).

The wireline supervisor/logging witness should ideally be on location during the time that the contractor is

• The master calibrations are within time tolerance

checking the wireline equipment. He/she should ensure that

• That the wireline engineer has checked ALL tools, including backups. This is why it is desirable to
have the wireline personnel and equipment on location with several days to spare before the logging
job. If the equipment and/or personnel arrive only 1 day prior to logging operations then it is simply
not possible for a wireline crew to thoroughly check all the logging tools.

• The contractor should be provided with all relevant well information (as detailed on the witness
logging data sheet) in advance of rig-up. A copy of this sheet can be found in appendix 4.2 or the
original word file can be obtained from the CII operations geologist.

• The logging program should be confirmed with the contractor before rig-up, and if any changes are
made to the program by CII the wireline contractor should be consulted with immediately (certain tool
combinations may not be technically possible).

• Log presentations should be confirmed, this is important if a Wireline engineer new to the project is
involved.

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• Confirm that sufficient rat-hole will be available given the length of the desired logging tool
combinations. Some reconfiguration of tool combinations may be required if drilling a deep enough
rat-hole is not an option. For example, it may be desirable to move the Gamma-Ray tool to the bottom
of the tool-string – such changes have to be discussed with the wireline engineer well in advance of
rig-up. If a tool combination has not been checked in the EXACT configuration that is subsequently
used in the real logging job, there is an increased risk that something will go wrong…

• Discuss hole condition with the drilling supervisor; make sure the wireline engineer knows of any tight
spots, doglegs, and LCM material.

• Ensure the wireline engineer collects mud, mud cake and mud filtrate samples from the mud engineer
and measures the resistivities of these samples (note that in the case of OBM this is not usually
required).

2.2.3. Contractor responsibilities

• Ensure that all equipment is checked thoroughly and is in working condition before being sent from the
The wireline contractor has the following responsibilities during the pre-logging phase:

base to the rig.

• Ensure that the personnel sent to run the logging operations are trained and competent to run the
desired services.

• Check all equipment whilst on the rig, prior to rig-up - including all backup tools. The wireline crew
must be provided adequate time to do this AND get enough sleep so that safety is not compromised. If
it is not possible to provide enough time for full tool checks to be completed and for adequate sleep for
the wireline crew, then tool checks must be compromised – the crew should be fully rested before
starting a logging operation.

• During tool checks on location, test logs with the tools connected to simulated formation test boxes
should be made. Copies (digital or paper) of these logs should be stored so that at any time CII can
request and receive proof that the tool was working before operations commenced.

• The contractor should inform the CII wireline and rig supervisor of any equipment problems and of the
need for replacement parts if appropriate. Such issues should not be hidden in an attempt to fix
equipment and cause ‘no worry’ for CII. It is better for all parties that CII be kept up to date on such
matters, so that logistics can be planned in a timely manner for delivery of spares/technicians to the
wellsite. Equipment problems during the pre-logging are not a major concern compared to failures in
equipment during the actual logging operation. On the contrary, every problem found and resolved
before rig-up is one less problem to be encountered during the actual logging operation.

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2.3. During the logging operation

2.3.1. Safety

2.3.1.1. Sleep, tiredness.

For many years wireline contractors built up a reputation for their engineers being able to stay awake for
several days, and hence running all operations by themselves with no rest. This saves the wireline
contractor money, as they only need pay for 1 engineer. It also saves the oil company money, as less bed
space is required on the rig as there are less people in the wireline crew.
The practice of having a physically and mentally exhausted wireline engineer (or any of the wireline crew)
on an oil rig running an operation that has the potential to cause extensive injury and damage to personnel
and equipment should not be accepted. Any wireline contractor that claims to have safety as a business
concern, and then expects its engineers to safely arm explosive devices such as percussion core takers, after
2 days with no sleep, is obviously NOT concerned with safety in any accepted understanding of the word.
If the wireline supervisor believes the wireline engineer or any member of the wireline crew is too tired to
continue working safely without sleep, the CII drilling representative should be informed and options
discussed. The final option is to put the rig on standby whilst the wireline crew gets 6 hours sleep, however
this situation should never arise: there should be enough wireline crew on site to do the job and ensure that
every member gets at least 6-8 hours sleep every 24 hours. The wireline engineers must manage their crew
and themselves to ensure this sleep requirement is met.
Obviously oil companies have to provide more bed space for the extra wireline personnel compared with
15 years ago - when internationally recognized safety standards were lower than what is acceptable to
multinational oil companies today.

2.3.1.2. Proper planning and documentation to avoid

misunderstandings
The wireline operation cannot be over-planned; the wireline engineer cannot be over informed of what CII
expects him to deliver at all stages of the logging operation. Logging runs, tool string configurations,
presentations, data transmission requirements, anticipated sample needs, backup tool use scenarios,
possible fishing operations – these should all be discussed with the wireline engineer before the job starts.
If there’s any doubt or confusion about what is required by the finding team and operations group then it
should be resolved. Last minute changes are a source of lost time equipment failures and other problems.

2.3.1.3. Operations conducted with haste not panic

The wireline operation costs a lot of money in terms of rig time. Sometimes it can take longer to complete
the wireline logging than it took to drill the well. Hence completing the wireline operations as quick as is
SAFELY possible is highly desirable. The wireline engineers should be encouraged to be pro-active in
efficiently organizing their crew and equipment so that time is used efficiently. This does not mean the
crew should be running across the drill floor, but similarly having the rig up delayed because standoffs
have not been put in the correct place prior to tool rig-up is just bad preparation.

2.3.1.4. Radioactive issues

Some wireline logging services require chemical radioactive sources to be loaded into the tools. These
radioactive sources have the potential to be dangerous to health. The wireline engineer should ensure that
all non-essential personnel are kept clear whenever radioactive sources are being handled, and that all
contractor safety rules are followed. Specific drilling rigs may have additional rules such as a documented
background survey of the area before and post logging to ensure no sources are mislaid or lost.
The danger from radioactive sources comes from excessive exposure to the radioactivity. Therefore the
simple rule to minimize any risk to your health is to minimize exposure. Exposure is directly proportional
to the time spent in the presence of a radioactive source, and the strength of that source drops of as a

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function of the square of the distance from the source. Therefore at 4m distance you are being exposed to ¼
of the radiation that you would be if you stood only 2 m away. Simply put, keep as many meters away as
possible from any source handling operations, or from any tool containing a source. If you must go closer
to such radioactive sources, keep the time that you are within a 5 m distance to a minimum.

If a source is lost, or suspected to have leaked, the drilling representative must be informed immediately so
that personnel at risk from exposure can be removed from the area in question.

2.3.1.5. Explosive issues

Several open hole and many cased hole services require the use of explosives. The logging contractor will
normally have a set of rules that must be followed when handling explosive devices displayed in the
logging unit. To break any of these rules would be madness, since explosive charges detonating at surface
can easily kill or maim bystanders. However, accidents have happened in the past, so it is recommended
that the wireline supervisor/witness familiarizes himself with the contractor specific rules and ensures that
they are followed correctly.

2.3.1.6. Rig work permits

Every drilling contractor has rules concerning work permits. Sometimes oil companies also enforce a
particular work permit system. It is the responsibility of the wireline engineer to ensure his crew completes
and signs off work permits as and when required throughout the logging operation. However, the wireline
crew is invariably extremely busy during logging, so there is no harm in the wireline supervisor/witness
reminding the wireline engineer about such matters. It is annoying to have a nuclear tool hanging in the
derrick for 30 minutes waiting for a radioactive source to be loaded as the engineer seeks out the rig
superintendent so he can sign a radioactive work permit off.

2.3.1.7. H2S
If there is a suspected risk of H2S gas then there will normally be training provided in the potential danger
and emergency responses. The additional risks as applied to wireline logging are that the logging
equipment is not rated for H2S service, and such equipment in an H2S environment is liable to suffer
extreme corrosion – to the point where the logging cable could break. If H2S is expected then this must be
made clear to the logging contractor, so that they can prepare the appropriately rated equipment.

2.3.1.8. Wireline rig up equipment hazards, rig up/down

operations.
The rig up and rig down of wireline equipment is an operation that the wireline crew is trained to do safely,
and they have done it many times before. They should not need any help (other than perhaps an air winch
operator) from the rig crew and in fact having 5 rig crew guys who are not specifically trained in the
handling of such equipment is a hindrance rather than a help – having many people on the rig floor, several
of whom may be giving different directions, confuses the wireline winch operator.
In general, whilst the motives are appreciated, the rig crew should be restrained from getting involved with
the wireline equipment rig-up.

2.3.2. Responsibilities of wireline engineer

The wireline engineer has the objective of running the requested services to provide the best possible
quality data in the minimum possible rig-time. Note that these 2 requirements are very hard to satisfy since
achieving one often entails compromising the other. Sometimes wireline engineers are so focused on
acquiring perfect quality data that they need to be ‘guided’ by the witness/supervisor. For example poor
quality density data in the middle of a very rugose known shale zone, several hundred meters away from
the zone of interest, may well not need to be re-logged; especially if good neutron and sonic data has been
acquired over the same zone.
The wireline engineers’ responsibilities can be summarized as follows:

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• Perform the logging operation in a safe manner, complying with all work permit systems applicable to

•
the rig involved.

•
Operate the wireline unit, computers and logging tools to acquire the best quality data possible.
Do the above in a time efficient manner, making sure as much as possible is prepared in advance so

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that rig-time is used optimally.

•
Manage his/her crew so that operations proceed smoothly, and that time is used efficiently.
On long jobs, manage his crew and a second engineer so that the crew working at any one time is not

•
endangering their own or others safety, or suffering performance problems due to lack of sleep.
Quickly identify mechanical, electronic or software problems that are affecting the quality of the data

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or safety of the operation.
Quickly find a work-a-round or solution for such problems, and give regular updates to CII on the

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progress of such attempts to fix problems.
Keep the company man and drilling supervisor informed on the progress of the logging operation, and

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in particular on any deterioration in hole condition.
Take full responsibility for any handling of radioactive sources or explosive charges – this

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responsibility is NEVER to be delegated.
Provide CII with on-depth prints, graphics files and ASCII data of the most important data as soon as

•
is practically possible.
Document all times of major operational events, such as time that tools are run in hole, reach TD,
return to surface etc. This is important for post logging agreement on whether lost time rebates are to
be applied to the wireline charges for that month. If the logging engineer keeps no records of times

•
then he will have to accept the CII version of times.
Deliver all final products to CII in a timely manner.

2.3.3. Responsibilities of operations geologist & finding team

CII had excellent VSAT communication systems in place for the 2000-2001 drilling campaign. Assuming
this to be the case in future operations then telephone and email links from the CII office and the wellsite
logging unit will be in place. In this scenario the logging data will be available to the finding teams in a
timely manner. The finding team should review data as it becomes available, with the operations group and
ensure the following decisions are made and relayed back to the wireline supervisor at the rig site as soon

• Review of resistivity, porosity, density and sonic logs; ensure that all data over the requested intervals
as is possible:

has been recorded and is satisfactory.

• Picking of pressure test points based on the above data.

• Ensure that all the required data is actually obtained before the logging run is rigged down. For
example; deciding to take a few more pressure points with an MDT once the MDT has already been
rigged down may sometimes be an unavoidable scenario, however it is extremely expensive in terms of
rig-time and every effort should be made to get all the data during one rig up of the tool.

• Picking of core sample points (both percussion and mechanical) from the same data.

• In the event of bad hole conditions affecting the ability of the wireline contractor to acquire perfect
quality data, discuss options with drilling, the wireline supervisor offshore (or wellsite
geologist/witness if a dedicated supervisor is not present), and if need be with the wireline contractor
management in Jakarta.

• In the event of multiple tool failures, it is desirable to have a specialized wireline supervisor to evaluate
what the options are and chances of recovering the desired data onsite. This is because in many cases
the wireline engineer will keep trying different ways to find a solution to a problem, no matter how
many hours of rig time it takes - until he is told to give up. In the event of no specialist supervisor
being on location, the finding team, operations group, drilling and wireline management have to decide
at what point to change the program, and even consider abandoning the attempt to acquire the data set

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in question. Note that these decisions will have to be taken based purely on what the on-site wireline
engineer tells the wellsite geologist and drilling supervisor.

• The finding team should usually deal with the well-site operation via the operations group. Direct
communication from the finding team to the logging operation should always ‘cc’ operations, and
operations will have to give the all clear for any changes to the program.

• Unfortunately for the operations geologist, he needs to be available via phone 24 hours per day during
the logging operation, since he is the office point of contact for the wellsite supervisor/witness.

2.3.4. Difference between the role of geologist witness and wireline

supervisor
• In 2000 CII used the services of a wireline supervisor to manage the wellsite logging operation. This
supervisor should be someone who is an expert in wireline operations, much as a testing supervisor
would be an expert in testing operations. The conventional approach is to use the wellsite geologist to
witness the logging operations.
The difference between the 2 roles is that whilst experienced wellsite geologists can hopefully quality
control the data being recorded, the wireline supervisor can actually run the operation from start to
finish, and knows every step of the operation in intimate detail. A conventional wellsite witness must
rely on the wireline engineer telling him the truth about what is going on at any stage; with the
complexity of modern logging systems the wireline engineer can easily reveal only what he wants to
reveal. A wireline supervisor, having years of wireline logging experience, will immediately see when
the truth is being ‘distorted’ and can ensure that CII receives an accurate report on how the logging
operation went. Not only that, but in the event of equipment failures and general logging operations
problems an experienced wireline expert, employed by the operator, can make quick decisions on how
best to proceed – motivated purely by CII interests rather than service company interests. In summary,
an oil company generally has an experienced expert on site to supervise drilling, casing, cementing and
testing operations – because these operations are expensive and should be closely monitored. A
wireline supervisor provides the same oil company control over what is also a very expensive
operation.

• Having a wireline supervisor is a relatively new concept, and such a person may or may not be used in
the future. If the wellsite geologist is asked to assume full responsibility for the wireline operation,
then CII will have to accept the wireline contractors explanation of events, or at least debate them from
the weak standpoint of not really knowing the truth. In the case it is desirable to at least have a wellsite
geologist who is very experienced with wireline operations.

2.3.5. Transmission of urgent data

• During the logging operations there is certain data that must be sent to the CII Jakarta office ASAP.
The most important is an on-depth version of the main resistivity/sonic/porosity/density logs. The
wireline engineer should be informed before the logging that it is considered urgent to get this data to
CII Jakarta office. He should prepare his software so that within a few minutes after the main log has
been completed; files and prints are available for transmission/fax.

• Problems during the logging operation may make the creation of a perfect on-depth product impossible
before extensive merging and splicing of data by the wireline engineer. In this case having 2 engineers
with 2 logging computers becomes important, as one can work on creating the on-depth data urgently
required whilst the other can continue with logging operations. One well trained, able and fresh
wireline engineer should be able to handle this, but once he has gone 24 hours with no sleep, his ability
to multi-task SAFELY and efficiently will be reduced drastically.

• If merging and splicing operations are proceeding very slowly, it is better to transmit off-depth logs
and data to CII Jakarta office than make everybody wait 3 hours for the finished product. If off-depth
logs are sent to Jakarta they must be very clearly labeled as being off-depth, or if some other data

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problem exists (bad caliper calibration, bad data due to tool failure over a certain zone etc) these
problems must be labeled clearly and the operations geologist must be informed.

•
• Email transmission of the on-depth main log graphics file.
Typically, the data required from the first ‘super-combo’ logging run is as follows:

• Email transmission of an ASCII file with the main log curves data in it.
• Email transmission of the latest witness report on the operation, including accurate header
information, and bottom hole temperatures (if known).

• Whilst the ‘super-combo’ information is typically the most urgently required by CII Jakarta office,
other data will also need to be sent as and when available. Pressure data from reservoir evaluation tools
(e.g. MDT from Schlumberger), core recovery information and perhaps even borehole images may
have to be sent. Fast and efficient communications are therefore essential, and data transmission
requirements should be discussed with the wireline contractor well in advance of logging – so that any
technical problems can be addressed. For example, transmitting a simple ASCII file and transmitting
an image log are not the same – one can be done over a phone line from a laptop, the other needs a
high speed network connection connected directly to the logging computer.

2.3.6. Sticky hole and fishing operations

Sometimes the hole condition will be described as ‘sticky’ by the wireline engineer. By this he means the
tool string is getting repeatedly stuck (and hopefully unstuck). This can be due to many reasons, including
clay swelling, high mud over balance with permeable zones (differential sticking), doglegs and getting
mechanically stuck due to, key-seating, caves or even rocks falling on top of the tool.
If a logging tool becomes so stuck that it cannot be pulled free using the logging cable, then an operation
known as ‘fishing’ must be undertaken. This involves using the drill pipe to retrieve the stuck tool and is a
hazardous operation that is to be avoided if at all possible. In the interests of avoiding fishing jobs,
information concerning sticky hole conditions must be passed onto promptly to the drilling superintendent.

• A wiper trip
There are several options that may improve matters:

• Reconfiguring the tool string standoffs and bow spring (perhaps remove the bow spring completely)
• Reconfiguring the tool string so that it is shorter
• Reconfiguring the tool string so that eccentered tools are removed.
• Investigating whether the wireline crew is using the maximum strength weak point in their cable head

• Reducing mud weight – very unlikely this will be possible, after-all the mud weight is usually chosen
– perhaps they can us a stronger one and hence be able to pull more?

for very good reasons, but still worth discussing with the drilling supervisor.

If fishing operations cannot be avoided, then the wireline supervisor/witness has no involvement other than
to follow up on the log data product delivery. The fishing operation is an operation run by the drilling
department, in cooperation with the wireline contractor. Usually it involves the wireline crew continuing
work for long hours in a hazardous operation, and there may be little in the way of product delivery or help
a wireline engineer can give to the wireline supervisor/witness at this time.

2.3.7. Depth Control

All logs need a reference to ensure that they are on-depth with other logs run over the same interval.
Usually this reference will be the first run log down (i.e. the ‘super-combo’ log down).
The proper depth control procedures to be used on a floating rig are as follows (on land or on a non-floating
offshore rig all references to the compensator can be ignored):

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2.3.7.1. First run in hole:

• For the first run in hole in a well it is vitally important that the tool zero is accurately set, taking
into account the tide height (sometimes finding this information is not easy, although most floating
rigs have some sort of tide meter).

• When the tool zero is set the compensator should be OFF.

• The tool string will be run in hole several hundred feet and the compensator turned on by the
driller. When the compensator is turned on it will move the upper sheave wheel by an unknown
distance, so the wireline crew must mark the cable (with chalk for example) at the level of the
rotary table, so that once the compensator has been turned on they can move the wireline winch to
position the cable back at a known position (i.e. where the chalk mark matches up with the rotary
table) and set the depth back to the value they will have noted down when the mark was made
before the compensator was turned on.

• At this stage, whilst the logging tool is stationary, the wireline engineer will usually check what
the weight of the tool string in mud is, this is important information for determining how much
tension the winch can pull on a stuck tool without breaking the weak point in the logging head.

• Once the compensator has been turned on the tool string can continue to be run in hole. For the
first run in hole service (usually the ‘quadcombo’) a log down is made. The log down is made at
the maximum speed where the data is still useful. The purpose of the log down is not only to
provide a depth reference, but also to acquire useful logging data that ideally can be used in the
case of a failure of any of the logging tools during the main log up.

• Note that for the first run in hole, from which we will make the depth reference for all subsequent
runs, it is vital that the block doesn’t move during the logging operation. One way to ensure the
setup has not changed is to measure the length of cable between the unit and drill floor (by use of
tape or chalk marks) after the compensator is turned on, and once again as the tool approaches TD.
There should be no difference, if there is a difference then something has moved in the rig up and
it needs to be investigated.

• The log down is made until TD (or near to TD). The reason the log down is considered accurately
on depth is because although stretch does occur as the logging cable is unspooled into the well,
putting more and more tension on the cable unspooling from the drum – this stretch occurs
BEFORE the depth measurement system of the logging unit measures the cable going past it. By
the time the depth measurement system measures the cable unspooling past it, all stretch has
occurred and hence no further correction for stretch effects is required to a down log. This is true
for vertical wells, in the case of deviated or ‘S’ shaped wells it is not strictly correct, however we
still use the log down as a reference, even in deviated wells, since it is still likely to be the most
accurate reference available.

• Note that some oil companies will ask the logging contractor to use another reference, such as the
drillers’ depth of the casing shoe. This is acceptable, although in theory the log down should be
more accurate. What is important however, is that all logs run in a well are tied into the same
reference, and it is highly recommended that all wells drilled within a particular field use the same
method of depth reference.

• The main log is usually recorded from TD until into the casing. As the tool string is picked up
from TD the tension on the logging cable will increase to some value higher than when the tool
string was run in hole, because now we have the drag of the tool string and the drag/friction of
several thousand feet of cable to content with, and gravity is no longer on our side. This extra
tension causes the cable to stretch as an elastic band would stretch in a similar situation. It is
important to remember that although the cable is steel, over several thousand feet it is very elastic

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and ‘stretchy’. The stretch that occurs causes the cable that is in the hole to get longer, and this
increase in length has not been measured by the logging unit depth measurement system.

The effect of this is to make the main log shallow when compared with the log down, and the log
down is our depth reference as already discussed. Why is the main log shallow?
Imagine the tool string is touching TD (10,000 ft for example) after being run in hole. Then we
start the wireline winch pulling upwards on the cable. The winch pulls upwards and starts spooling
cable onto the drum. However, for the first 10 ft (for example) the tension on the cable is
increasing up and up (due to previously mentioned tool drag, cable friction etc) and the cable is
stretching. For the first 10 ft all that has been spooled onto the drum is cable stretch and the tool
string hasn’t even started moving yet – it’s still at 10,000 ft! The tool string is still at 10,000 ft but
the logging computer system has measured 10 ft of cable being spooled onto the drum, so the
logging computer thinks the depth is 9990 ft. Hence a resistivity feature that the tool string
measures gets recorded on the main log as being at 9990 ft, where-as really its physically at
10,000 ft in the well. When this feature and others are compared with the log down, the main log
will have the same features, but they will all be recorded at depths 10 ft shallower than the log
down features.

Hence the main log is expected to be shallow compared with the log down, and the appropriate
correction has to be made by the wireline engineer. Usually by playing back the main log data
later on, where he adds the appropriate number of feet to the entire main log data to put it on depth
with the log down.

• The amount of depth correction required, in a vertical hole, is equal to the stretch that has occurred
in the cable once a steady tension has been reached pulling the tool string up the hole. A simple
formula can check this stretch:
Stretch = (Tup – Tdown) X Length X Stretch Coefficient

Where Tup = Steady tension (near TD) whilst pulling the tool string up
Tdown = Tension (near TD) whilst tool was being run in hole
Length = length of cable in the hole (i.e. TD)
Stretch Coefficient = a number that gives how many ft stretch is expected per ft
of cable, when 1 lbs. of tension is applied to it. This number varies depending on
the cable, and the wireline engineer should be able to supply it.

In a vertical well the calculated stretch is expected to be close to the actual measured stretch (i.e.
the difference between the main log and log down).

• After stretch correction the TD and casing shoe are hopefully within a few feet of the drillers
depths. A loggers TD that is deeper than the drillers TD can be explained to some extent by the
fact that drillers measure the pipe in the derrick whilst it is under compression due to its own
weight. When the driller tags TD it is possible that the drill pipe has itself is in a state of stretch
and hence is longer than what is measured in the derrick, so its possible that hole drilled appears
slightly deeper with wireline logging than what is measured in the derrick.

• A loggers TD shallower than drillers TD can be possibly explained by hole fill, or some other
obstruction preventing the tool string reaching TD.

• In any case, the wireline engineer should be pro-active in considering all possibilities, including
the possibility that the logging unit depth measurement systems have some problem. Typical

• The cable may have slipped out of the measuring wheels.

problems can include the following:

• The cable may be slipping past the wheels due to excessive speed or excessive angles (due to
poor unit to rig floor alignment) and hence due to this slip the system is under measuring the
cable passing it.

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• The depth system measure wheels may be excessively worn, and hence over measuring of
depth can occur – if this is suspected (physically look at them and see what mechanical
condition they are in, are they pitted and very worn looking?) Ensure the wheels are either

•
new or ask to see evidence of a recent calibration of these wheels.
Usually the software will make a small correction to the depth system output, the correction is
different for different types of cables, ensure the engineer has entered the correct correction
factor for the actual cable in use (note this correction should be very small, of the order of 2 ft

•
in every 10,000 ft).
The electronic portion of the depth system may fail, in some unclear and erratic manner. If it
is suspected the engineer should able to replace it with backup hardware.

• It is the wireline engineers’ job to ensure accurate depth measurement. If the depth measurement is in
question then all logs are in question, since great quality data is useless if we don’t know accurately
what depth it came from. A difference between drillers TD and casing shoe is not unusual, but this
difference should not be excessive and it should be reasonably consistent for each logging run.
Features should line up to within 1-2 ft between different logging runs.

• If there is no compensator, and the engineer puts the cable on depth by re-adjusting the depth system,
then when the tool string comes to surface the tool zero point, when at the drill floor, should cause the
depth system to read close to zero. If the engineer doesn’t bother to adjust the depth system (since with
modern logging systems he/she can easily play back the data to put it on depth with the log down),
then when the tool zero is at the drill floor the depth system would be expected to read a value
corresponding to the stretch that occurred (i.e. the difference between the main log and log down).
Note that if a compensator is used these checks will not work, since the compensating system, when
turned off before the tool string comes to surface, will move the tool string by an unknown amount.

• Note that the use of magnetic marks, referred to by some documentation, is now quite uncommon in
the field.

2.3.7.2. Subsequent runs in hole:

• The main log of the first run in hole is depth matched to the log down, so this main log can now be
used as our depth reference for all subsequent runs. It is of course desirable to have an accurate tool
zero and to avoid slipped cable and other problems that could cause the depth to be wrong. However,
the log will be depth matched to the first run-in-hole main log, so taking the time to make extremely
accurate tool zero, or taking 15 minutes to correct the depth after the compensating system has been
turned on is not a high priority. Small errors in the absolute depth will be quickly corrected by
correlating the log with the first run-in-hole log.

• The GR log for subsequent logs should (after depth matching) match closely the reference log. If there
is a difference then it may indicate a problem with the depth measurement system, or possibly a GR
tool failure. Major beds and features should line up with the same events on the reference log. If they
don’t then it should be investigated, a possible error is that the wireline engineer may have entered tool
string information to the logging computer that does not exactly represent what is physically in the
hole. Tools can be entered into the software in the wrong order, or adapter heads may have been
forgotten.

• If there has already been a logging operation in a higher section of the borehole (intermediate logging
in a 12 ¼” hole for example) then it is usual to use the previous logging suites GR logs as a depth
reference. In this case the first run in hole of the current logging suite is depth matched to the GR from
the previous logging suite. To be able to do this the GR must have sufficient character to enable
correlation. Normally 200ft overlap is required, but more overlap is required if the GR has little
character. If correlation is not possible due to a featureless GR then the current logging suite will have
to use its first run in hole log down as the depth reference, as described in the ‘first run in hole’ section
above.

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2.3.8. Logging Sequence of Events

For a conventional logging run the sequence of events should be as follows:

1 - Rig up

• Ideally all calibrations should be complete before the rig up starts, so saving rig time.
2 - Calibrations and tool checks

• Tool checks will still need to be done in the derrick, but if the tool string has been thoroughly
checked before rig up (as should be the case) these checks should not take many minutes.

• Ensure that radioactive safety precautions are taken, as described in the safety section.
3 - Loading of radioactive sources

• With a long tool string, it may not be possible to set the depth system to zero with the bottom of
4 - Tool zero and run in hole

the tool string (usually the zero reference point) at the drill floor. In this case the engineer will
place the tool string with a specific point lined up with the drill floor, and set the depth system to

• Run in hole
the correct depth (i.e. the distance from the bottom of the tool string to the drill floor).

5 - Engage compensator if rig is so equipped

6 - Continue run in hole to above casing shoe

7 - If a log down is required (usually for resistivity, sonic & nuclear logs) start log down from above casing

• Some documents recommend checking the caliper in the casing at this point, however there is a
shoe

small risk of tool failure whereby the caliper cannot be closed once open. To minimize such risks

• Ensure the casing shoe is close to drillers depth, and if not consider possible reasons why this is
it is better to only open the caliper once the tool is at TD and ready to start the main log up.

• The log down speed should be the maximum that is safely possible, as recommended by the
not the case.

wireline engineer, and taking into account hole conditions.

• TD

• Inform the drilling representative that the tool string is approaching TD; he may wish to witness

•
this.
Ensure the engineer slows down well before TD as hole fill may result in a stuck tool if hit at

•
excessive speed.

•
Tag TD, as indicated by the cable tension.
Minimize the time spent at TD, the engineer should be ready to just tag TD briefly and
immediately start logging up. If he is not ready, and is busy preparing software then he should
keep the tool string moving up and down until he is fully prepared. The reason for this is that the

•
risk of getting stuck is high at TD; a moving tool is far less likely to become stuck.
If the BHT is available from a down-hole tool then note the temperature.

• The main log speed depends on what services are being run.
8 - Main Log

• If high-resolution data is required over selected intervals then these zones may have to be relogged
at a slower speed.

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•
•
Ensure the correct standard log presentations are being used.
Quality control the log curves by ensuring that the correct response in known formations (as
detailed in the services section of this manual) is exhibited, and any unusual response or anomalies
are fully understood. If there are zones with suspect data then these may need to be relogged,
however the decision to re-log zone after zone of known shale should not be taken lightly, as rig

•
time is involved.

•
Ensure any calipers are fully open

•
Ensure all sonic waveforms are active and look like waveforms (rather than random noise).

•
Check depths of known markers.

•
Verify the first readings of each tool are as expected.
Be aware of hole ‘stickiness’ by monitoring the tension curve and discussing hole condition with

•
the engineer.

•
Check features against offset logs (if available).
Check all curves are on depth with each other. If the curves appear to not be lining up for major
features then something somewhere is wrong – most likely a simple case of the engineer declaring
to the software a tool-string slightly different from what is in the hole.

• The main log is usually recorded into the casing. At this point the caliper can be checked against
9 - Casing Checks

the known I.D. of the casing, and the expected sonic DT of 57 us/ft can be checked. If the caliper
reading is slightly too high or low then it can be fixed by playing back the data with an appropriate
offset.

• The repeat section can be run over a zone close to the casing shoe that has some character. This is
10 - Repeat Section

usually 200t long and the curves should repeat as specified in the QC section for each service in
this manual, or as stated in the contractor QC/tool specifications manual. If they don’t repeat well
it needs to be discussed with the wireline engineer. If a satisfactory explanation is not available
then a re-log of the curves in question for the entire main log may be required. Note that this is a
very rare occurrence, since tool failures are normally obvious and are clear before the repeat
section. The repeat section is more a final proof and confirmation that everything is working well
rather than a main method for detecting tool failures.

• For the first run in the hole it is usual to record the gamma ray through casing all the way to
11 - Gamma Ray to surface

surface. This can be done at the highest GR logging speed possible speed and all other data is not
required over this interval – sonic tools can be turned off for example.

12 - Turn off compensating system

13 - Pull tool out to surface.

14 - Remove any radioactive sources.

15 - Perform any after calibrations

16 - Rig the tool string down.

2.4. Post logging

2.4.1. Data delivery – prints, data, cores, samples

The engineer should try to make as much progress as possible during the logging operation towards
creating final versions of the log prints. If the operation has experienced problems then maybe she/he will

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not have a final version of the prints ready for review, and it may be necessary for him/her to sleep for a
few hours before he can work effectively. Hopefully there will be 2 engineers in this case so that work can
progress without interruption.

Once a final version of each logging print is available, the witness/supervisor should review it. Once this is
approved, the engineer can go ahead and make the final sets of prints and films, plus tapes and ASCII
disks. Note that ideally the prints will be transmitted electronically to Jakarta and made there. When

• Check that all the header information is correct and complete

reviewing the final version of the print the following should be checked:

• Check that the remarks on the header are as required. Any anomalies or relogs of zones or any other

• Verify the curve presentations are as per standard CII presentations (shown in the appendix) and that
non-standard procedure should be documented in the remarks.

• Ensure that any data splices or merged data is documented in the remarks section.
they are labeled with first reading, TD, Casing shoe and curve identifiers.

• Check that the before, after and master calibrations are presented. Any calibration that is out of
tolerance should be explained in the remarks section.

The log scales should not be changed from previous wells logged unless requested by the operations group.

The exact number of prints, films, tapes and floppy disks required varies for each drilling campaign.

Sidewall cores and rotary cores can be hand carried on the CII chopper and charter flight, and should be
delivered to Jakarta office ASAP. Such cores should be clearly labeled and marked for the attention of the
operations geologist.
Down-hole fluid samples may contain gas under pressure, and due to CII safety rules cannot be shipped via
helicopter, but can be shipped via a cargo-only fixed wing charter flight from Matak to Jakarta. Hence from
the rig to Matak the samples need to be shipped via boat, and them from Matak to Jakarta via the first
available cargo-only fixed wing flight. All such samples should be very clearly labeled as containing (or
potentially containing) high-pressure gas, what depth they are from, and packaged to protect them from
damage if dropped, banged or if anything drops on them.

2.4.2. Logging tool maintenance

After the logging operation is complete the wireline contractor should complete all standard post job
maintenance on their equipment. This includes cleaning equipment, checking fluid levels, changing of ‘O’
rings and worn pads, tool operational checks and visual inspections. Generally speaking, reservoir sampling
tools and mechanical core taking cores require extensive post job maintenance with a specialist technician
spending several days working in a clean environment with the equipment. If this time/space is not
available on the rig then the logistics of shipping the tools to Matak has to be considered, bearing in mind
the need to get them back in a timely manner before the next logging operation commences. Also it is
common that the logging crew will have further cased hole operations to complete, such as cement bond
logs or plugs to set, so this also may slow down their post open-hole-logging tool maintenance.

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