SPWLA 63rd Annual Logging Symposium, June 10-15, 2022
NEW DEVELOPMENT IN PULSED NEUTRON TECHNOLOGIES TO
ENHANCE FASTER DATA RECOVERY AND REDUCE OPERATION
LOGGING TIME FOR THREE-PHASE SATURATION ANALYSIS
Roberto Nardiello1, David Chace1, Ian McGlynn1, Pius Akagbosu1, Salim Ouadah1, Vijay Ramaswamy1,
Emmanuel Toumelin2, Ajibola Oduwole2, Matthew E. Ogofa2, Oyie Maureen Ekeng2
(1: Baker Hughes Nigeria, 2: Chevron Nigeria Limited)
Copyright 2022, held jointly by the Society of Petrophysicists and Well Log
Analysts (SPWLA) and the submitting authors.
This paper was prepared for presentation at the SPWLA 63rd Annual Logging
Symposium held in Stavanger, Norway, June 10-15, 2022.
ABSTRACT
A new wireline pulsed neutron technology has
recently been introduced in the offshore area of the
Niger Delta to improve service and data quality with a
faster speed and a simultaneous acquisition of multiple
measurement modes, resulting in substantial reduction
of rig and operational time.
The scope of this application was to qualify this new
technology and to demonstrate the capability to log up
to three times faster than previous-generation tools
with the same precision and accuracy, while providing
simultaneous pulsed neutron capture (PNC)
measurements for gas saturation, and inelastic carbon
oxygen (C/O) ratio-based modes for oil saturation
from the same logging pass. Two wells were logged
with both existing and new technologies for
comparison purposes in mature fields that have been
in active production since the 1960’s and which are
still under development. A third well was logged with
only the new tool after the benefits of the new
technology were proven, but this paper will focus on
the results from the wells in which both legacy and
new tools were directly compared.
The key features of the new instrument include: 1)
three Lanthanum Bromide (LaBr3) detectors with high
density, high count-rate and high-resolution
characteristics, 2) an enhanced pulsed neutron source
with higher output, 3) and digital electronics capable
of processing the increased gamma ray count rate. The
new instrument allows faster logging speed and time
savings with the same precision as previous generation
tools with either a single pass at legacy slower speeds,
or logging in multiple passes at up to three times faster
speeds. In addition, a new logging mode has been
introduced that allows simultaneous acquisition of
C/O and PNC (e.g. Sigma ∑ and gas indicators) ratio-
based gas saturation measurements from three
1
detectors for simultaneous 3-phase saturation
determination. Nuclear modeling is used to predict
various measurement responses over a wide range of
borehole, casing, formation, and fluid conditions. The
combination of these models with actual field
measurements determines the fluid saturation profile
with high accuracy.
Results confirmed the same or higher saturation
evaluation quality with 65 percent savings in logging
time and 40-55 percent savings in total operation time.
This paper presents field examples, and reports on
results and data quality from this technical
development.
INTRODUCTION
Following the development of the first pulsed neutron
source in the 1950’s, pulsed neutron logging and
interpretation methods have become essential for
reservoir monitoring and management throughout the
life of a field: from initial production, through
primary, secondary and enhanced recovery, to plug
and abandonment.
A range of measurements and interpretation
methodologies have been developed, including Sigma
for saline formation water reservoirs, C/O for fresh,
mixed, or unknown water salinities (Gilchrist et al,
1997), salinity-independent ratio-based gas saturation
(Trcka et al, 2006; Ansari et al., 2009; Inanc et al.,
2009), gas pressure behind casing (Bartelucci et al.,
2017; Nardiello et al., 2017), ratio-based light oil
saturation (Brackenridge et al., 2011), and
simultaneous 3-phase saturation methods using
triangulation methodology (Kim and Chace, 2016;
Kim et al., 2017). In addition to formation evaluation,
production logging methods utilizing pulsed neutron
logging were developed including 3-phase phase
holdups in horizontal wells, and water velocity
measurements in simple and complex completions.
Pulsed neutron logging measurements and methods
have proven to be reliable and accurate when used in
SPWLA 63rd Annual Logging Symposium, June 10-15, 2022
the proper conditions. A goal in recent years has been
to extend the range of pulsed neutron applications and
modify its components for optimal operations. Two
important areas for improvement include achieving
faster logging speeds and improvements in precision.
Better precision can help improve performance in
lower porosity environments. Faster logging speed, as
well as simultaneous acquisition of multiple
measurements, can have a noticeable impact on
reducing operating time and associated costs.
This paper presents an improved pulsed neutron
instrument that provides multiple acquisition modes at
faster logging speeds and a new logging mode that
acquires all measurements simultaneously for reduced
operating time and greater efficiency.
TOOL DESCRIPTION AND COMPONENTS
One of the primary design goals for the new
instrument was to improve the logging speeds or
precision for all acquisition modes, but particularly for
the historically slow C/O logging mode. This required
higher neutron source output, higher density
scintillation detector material and digital electronics,
which will be described below.
The legacy and new tools both incorporate a pulsed
neutron source producing 14.2 MeV neutrons with
three scintillation detectors and processing electronics.
The key design improvements include:
1) Increased pulsed neutron source output
An improved pulsed neutron source has been
developed that produces twice the neutron output
compared to legacy sources.
2) New Detector Material
High-density, high-resolution Lanthanum Bromide
(LaBr3) crystals are utilized for better energy
resolution and higher efficiency. The detectors
produce 1.5 times as many gamma-ray counts as the
legacy NaI detectors at comparable neutron output.
The combination of 2X source output and 1.5X
detector efficiency yields 3X gamma ray count rate
compared to the previous generation tool (C/O
mode).
2
3) New electronics for higher count capability
New digital electronics were developed to handle the
higher count rates generated with the new source and
detectors combination, with reduced system
deadtime.
4) Boron coating
Another feature of the new instrument is a boron
coating which reduces creation of internal radiation in
the LaBr3 detector due to thermal neutron activity.
While this is not critical for inelastic C/O
measurements, the boron coating improves the
resolution of capture gamma ray spectral data.
At the same time, it was important to maintain
consistency between the new and legacy tools in
terms of measurement responses to allow a seamless
technology transition in the scope of existing
reservoir monitoring programs. For that reason, the
new instrument detector sizes and positions are
identical to the legacy instrument layout (Gilchrist et
al., 1999). The result is that all measurements made
with the new instrument are congruent with legacy
tool measurements (except for a shift in raw C/O
responses due to the LaBr3 crystal characteristics).
Monte Carlo N-Particle (MNCP) modeling
workflows for C/O (Mickael et al., 1999, Werner et
al., 2018) have been modified to reflect the LaBr3
detector material and accurately predict the new
instrument response, while ratio-based gas saturation
measurements are unaffected by the detector material
change. Sigma diffusion correction algorithms
(Mickael, 1999) and porosity algorithms remain
unchanged. The interpretation and algorithms are the
same for both legacy and new instruments.
Production logging applications such as oxygen
activation water velocity and 3-phase holdup
measurements are implemented in the same manner
for both legacy and new instruments. The new
instrument provides all pulsed neutron
measurements, but at faster logging speeds or with
better precision. A new logging mode, called the
mixed mode (MM), has also been introduced which
allows simultaneous logging of all pulsed neutron
measurements, providing additional efficiency and
reduced logging time.
 SPWLA 63rd Annual Logging Symposium, June 10-15, 2022

Validation and Verification Testing

Various tests were performed with the new

instrument to verify system performance and
stability. Figure 1 shows a comparison of inelastic
gamma ray spectra recorded by the legacy and new
pulsed neutron tools. The main chart shows that
LaBr3 spectrum is 3 times the magnitude of the NaI
spectrum. A comparison of the carbon peaks is
shown in the inset with LaBr3 providing significantly
higher peak height and resolution (spectral count-
rates are normalized in the carbon energy range to
remove the 3X count rate difference). Fig. 3 - Logging repeatability with 4.0 to 4.3 ft/min speed in
a limestone interval

Figure 3 shows a comparison of cumulative spectra

acquired in 4 separate passes with one individual
instrument over a 400 ft limestone formation interval.
Logging speed averaged 4 ft/min, which is 2 times
faster than legacy logging speeds. In the field
examples that follow, comparisons of legacy tool
precision logged at 2 ft/min will be compared with the
new tool precision logged at 6 ft/min demonstrating
similar statistical performance at faster logging
speeds.

Fig.1- Count rate and resolution comparison NaI vs LaBr3

Like NaI, LaBr3 exhibits excellent spectral stability

over a wide temperature range. This is demonstrated
in Figure 2 showing overlays of short and long-
spaced detector spectra recorded at 25, 75, 125 and
175C.

Fig. 4 - Overlay of inelastic energy spectra from short

space and long space detectors from five tools in calibration
barrel.

Figure 4 shows a comparison of inelastic spectra

acquired using five different instruments in a
calibration barrel showing good spectral
repeatability. This is key for large scale and long-
term reservoir monitoring programs where multiple
Fig. 2 - Temperature stability of LaBr3 inelastic energy instruments may be employed.
spectral measurements

Repeatability of the new instrument was tested in

different ways: repeatability of a single tool and
repeatability of multiple passes in the field and
repeatability of multiple tools in a laboratory fixture.
3
SPWLA 63rd Annual Logging Symposium, June 10-15, 2022

SPECIFICATIONS AND PERFORMANCE precision. Alternatively, a single pass with the new
IMPROVEMENTS instrument at 2 ft/min is equivalent to the average of 3
passes at 2 ft/min with the legacy tool. This can reduce
A comparison of the legacy and new instrument uncertainties introduced due to depth matching of
specifications is shown in Table 1. multiple passes.

Description Specifications Specifications If faster logging speed is not required, the new
Legacy Tool New Tool instrument can provide improved statistical precision
Crystals NaI LaBr3
at legacy logging speeds.
1.80 in (w/ Boron
Tool diameter 1.70 in
coating)
MIXED MODE: New simultaneous acquisition of
19 ft 19 ft
pulsed neutron capture (PNC3D) and inelastic
29.75 ft (w/ 29.75 ft (w/
Tool length Carbon/Oxygen (C/O) data
Telemetry, GR & Telemetry, GR &
CCL) CCL)
The introduction of new digital electronics with a
Temperature 350 degF 350 degF
programmable pulsed neutron source allowed the
Pressure 20,000 psi 20,000 psi
implementation of a new acquisition mode in which
Minimum
1.80 in 1.90 in C/O and PNC measurements can be made
restriction
simultaneously in a single pass, including C/O, Sigma,
Maximum hole
12.25 in 12.25 in ratio-based gas saturation measurements, porosity and
size
oxygen activation measurements.
Tool compressive
570 lb 570 lb
strength The system is programmed to alternately pulse the
Tool tensile source in C/O mode (at 10 kHz) and PNC mode (at 1
22,000 lb 22,000 lb
strength kHz) while logging. C/O is acquired 76%, PNC is
Maximum bend acquired 20% and background 4% of the time. This
30°/100 ft 30°/100 ft
rate so-called “mixed mode (MM)” is optimized for C/O
Mode Speed Speed and inelastic ratio-based gas saturation measurements
PNC2D 20 fpm 30 fpm (RIN13) for use in simultaneous 3-phase triangulated
C/O 2 fpm 2-6 fpm saturation analysis. Capture measurements (Sigma
PNC3D 10 fpm 20 fpm and capture ratios for gas measurements) have slightly
3-Phase Holdup 10 fpm 20 fpm higher uncertainty than stand-alone PNC2D or
OA Water Flow 2-150 fpm 2-150 fpm PNC3D modes. Optimum logging speed is 2 ft/min
New Mixed Mode - 2-6 fpm for this mode so that PNC Sigma measurements can be
simultaneously acquired with C/O data. This mode is
Table 1- Comparison of legacy and new tool specifications typically used when salinity-independent inelastic
measurements are needed in low or fresh environment.
The most significant improvements are in terms of The mixed mode acquisition has been acquired at up
faster logging speeds for all acquisition modes: to 6 ft/min and was used in the field examples
described below.
- C/O increases from 2fpm to 6fpm = 3X faster
- PNC3D (Sigma, gas saturation) increases from FIELD APPLICATION
10fpm to 20fpm = 2X faster
- PNC2D (Sigma) increases from 20fpm to 30fpm = A field demonstration of this new technology was
1.5X faster performed in producing wells in the Niger Delta area,
- 3-phase holdup logging increases from 10 fpm to where fluid contacts need to be accurately determined
20 fpm = 2X faster and monitored. Reservoirs in the Niger Delta basin
- Oxygen activation-based water velocity logging – consist of sands with high porosity and permeability,
same logging speeds with better precision sometimes unconsolidated, often requiring complex
completion configuration for sand control such as dual
For example, the new instrument can be logged in C/O tubing strings, gravel packs or blast joints in front of
mode 3 times faster than legacy tools with the same multi-sequence perforated intervals.
4
 SPWLA 63rd Annual Logging Symposium, June 10-15, 2022

The new tool and legacy tool were logged with the mixed mode, so that all required data could be
goal of demonstrating the new technology acquired simultaneously in each logging pass.
improvements and showing the effective time savings
in total operations. Two wells were selected to test the WELL A
reliability of the new tool, with direct comparisons of
the legacy and new tools. Well A penetrates three main sand intervals. Logging
was performed using the legacy tool followed by
 Well A was logged with the legacy tool as the logging with the new tool.
main log followed by the new tool across all
hydrocarbon-bearing sands using the same The logging program included:
acquisition sequence of one PNC pass and four
C/O passes across a common interval.  For the legacy tool, a single PNC pass and
repeat section at 10 ft/min, with four standard
 Well B was logged with the new tool as the main C/O passes at 2 ft/min.
log and the legacy tool as the repeat log across
the two major sands of interest.  For the new tool, a single PNC pass and repeat
at 20 ft/min, with four standard C/O passes at 6
In both wells, data precision from the new tool logged ft/min. In addition, the new tool was also
at faster speeds was comparable or better than data logged in the mixed mode to acquire C/O and
precision from the legacy tool logged at slower speeds. all other pulsed neutron measurements
simultaneously (C/O, Sigma, RIN13,
Saturation analyses for the two wells are detailed RATO13, Porosity, Oxygen Activation).
below. Well A did not show significant hydrocarbon
volumes; however, the data allowed an important Reduced Logging and Operating Time
assessment of measurement quality and repeatability
as well as the potential for reduction in logging and Logging intervals in Well A were nearly identical for
total operating time. the legacy and new instruments, so a comparison of
the logging and total operating time can be made to
SATURATION ANALYSIS METHODOLOGY demonstrate the improved performance and reduction
in logging and operating time possible using the new
Three-phase saturation profiles are determined using technology. The logging intervals for the new
triangulation of C/O and RIN13 measurements. technology were normalized to the legacy tool logging
Application of this method using the legacy tool in the intervals. For logging alone, the new technology
Niger Delta has been previously documented in detail allowed data acquisition with a 64 percent reduction in
(Kim et al., 2017). logging time. When the total operation is considered,
including rig-up, run in hole, depth correlation,
Historically, this method required logging in two logging, pull out of hole and rig down, the reduction
different modes – C/O measurements to differentiate in time would be 43 percent. A summary of the
and quantify oil and water, and inelastic gamma ray comparison in Well A is shown in Table 2 and Well B
ratio between detector 1 and 3 (RIN13) measurements is shown in Table 3.
to differentiate and quantify gas and liquid phases.
MNCP modeling (Werner et al., 2018) is used to Well A
LEGACY NEW TIME
INSTRUMENT INSTRUMENT REDUCTION
predict the responses of the two measurements and
MODE PNC C/O PNC C/O
create triangles delineating the water, oil and gas Speed (ft/min) 10 2 20 6
response points at each depth in the logged interval Total Logged Interval (ft) 1535 1672 1113 1600
Normalized Logging Interval (ft) 1535 1672 1535 1672
(e.g. Inanc et al, 2009; Inanc et al., 2014). C/O and Normalized Logging TIme (hrs) 2.6 13.9 1.3 4.6
RIN13 are then cross-plotted and will fall within the Total Logging Time (hours) 16.5 5.9 64%
Rig Up 0.9 0.9
triangle when properly normalized. Simultaneous RIH + Correlation + Moves 5.2 5.2
water, oil and gas saturations can then be determined Pooh to surface 0.9 0.9

using the principle of triangulation (Kim and Chace, Rig down 1.0 1.0
Total Operating Time (hours) 24.5 13.9 43%
2016; Kim et al., 2017).
Table 2 - Comparison of logging and operating time in Well A
In these examples, the new tool was logged in the using legacy and new technology

5
SPWLA 63rd Annual Logging Symposium, June 10-15, 2022

A more substantial time savings would be realized for WELL B

barge jobs that take multiple days to complete, for
example operations on barges, especially when only The second well in this case study was in a different
daylight operations are viable. In some cases, legacy field and structural position where both gas and oil
tools required one day per logging pass amounting to were expected, and a particular focus was on detecting
4 days of operations, plus an additional PNC pass. The new GOC and OWC positions together with an
new instrument would be able to acquire all data in a understanding of the waterflood pattern. The new
single day. instrument was logged first, with one full main PNC
pass in a 1234-ft interval with a 620-ft repeat section
Standard C/O vs Mixed Mode Acquisition and four mixed mode C/O passes of 1190 ft across a
sequence of ten main sand bodies. The legacy tool was
C/O acquisition data was performed in selected logged over a much shorter interval where one PNC
intervals across the sands of interest using both the pass was of 180-ft only while the 4 standard C/O
legacy and new tools. The new technology was tested passes covered 2 reservoir sands in a 300-ft section.
in standard C/O mode and in the mixed mode. A The saturation analysis comparison between the two
comparison of legacy and new tool logging speeds and tools was then only possible in a common interval of
C/O measurement precision in sands A and B for the 300-ft so that a three-phase triangulation analysis from
standard C/O acquisition is summarized in Table 4. the two technologies is shown for only two main
The precision of the four main passes acquired with reservoirs by use of the gas quantification from the
the new instrument was remarkable at three times the new instrument only being the only gas analysis
legacy tool logging speed. Overlays comparing available.
continuous C/O passes, with averages and standard
deviations for first and second detectors for each tool, Reduced Logging and Operating Time
are shown in Figures 5, 6, and 7. The results show that
the data quality and precision obtained with the new In Well B, the new tool was used as the main log and
tool at 6 ft/min is comparable or better than data the legacy tool was logged to verify performance in
acquired with the legacy tool at 2 ft/min. Similar selected intervals. The new tool logging interval was
results for the mixed mode acquisition are shown in 4 times as long as the interval logged with the legacy
Table 5, and overlays comparing continuous mixed tool, so to estimate the potential reduction in logging
mode passes, with averages and standard deviations and total operating time the new technology would
first and second detectors for each tool, are shown in provide, the legacy logging intervals have been
Figures 8, 9 and 10. normalized to the intervals logged with the new
technology (Table 3).
The results demonstrate that the mixed mode
acquisition provides equivalent C/O measurements Well B
LEGACY NEW TIME
INSTRUMENT INSTRUMENT REDUCTION
with the benefit of simultaneous acquisition of gas
MODE PNC C/O PNC C/O
saturation measurements. Speed (ft/min) 10 2 20 6
Total Logged Interval (ft) 180 1200 1854 4736
Normalized Logging Interval (ft) 1854 4736 1854 4736
Saturation Analysis Normalized Logging TIme (hrs) 3.1 39.5 1.5 13.2
Total Logging Time (hours) 42.6 14.7 65%
Rig Up 1.0 1.0
Three-phase saturation analysis using triangulation of RIH + Correlation + Moves 5.0 5.0
C/O and RIN13 is illustrated in Figures 11, 12, and 13 Pooh to surface 1.0 1.0

and shows that the reservoir fluid saturations appear Rig down 1.0 1.0
Total Operating Time (hours) 50.6 22.7 55%
relatively unchanged compared to original openhole
saturations. Oil was detected in both A and B sands, Table 3 - Comparison of logging and operating time in Well B
and the C sand appears to be a wet zone. No gas was using legacy and new technology
detected in any of the intervals.

Saturation profiles determined from both legacy and
new tools are in good agreement, but profiles
determined using the new technology show slightly
better agreement with openhole profiles.
6
Mixed Mode Acquisition
The new instrument was only tested in mixed mode
and compared with legacy standard C/O mode. Table
6 provides a comparison of logging speeds, C/O values
 SPWLA 63rd Annual Logging Symposium, June 10-15, 2022
and standard deviations for both tools and show that
the repeatability was again better with the new tool
acquiring mixed mode C/O measurements at faster
logging speeds. Overlays of continuous C/O passes
with standard deviations for both tools are shown in
Figure 14. Again, the mixed mode acquisition
provides equivalent C/O measurements with the
benefit of simultaneous acquisition of gas saturation
measurements.
Saturation Analysis
The three-phase saturation analysis using triangulation
of C/O and RIN13, shown in Figure 15, indicates that
total hydrocarbon saturations are high in both sands in
line with original conditions.
However, while Sand A shows no effective change in
gas saturation, Sand B exhibits a change in the GOC
from original conditions. The GOC has moved up in
the interval (compared to the original neutron-density
log). This behavior has been observed and
documented in other wells in the Niger Delta (Kim et
al., 2017) and was attributed to a contraction in the gas
cap due to the reservoir pressure increase by water
injection. Residual gas saturation can be seen between
the new and original GOCs.
CONCLUSIONS
A new pulsed neutron technology has been
successfully demonstrated in two wells in the Niger
Delta area in complex completion strings and mixed
fluid reservoirs for the evaluation of three-phase
saturations and fluid-contact changes. Two wells were
presented showing direct comparisons of the new
technology with legacy tools. Based on the success of
the first two wells, a third well was logged using only
the new technology to provide three-phase saturation
analysis.
One of the main benefits derived from this new
technology is the ability to log C/O measurements
three times faster and PNC measurements two times
faster than legacy instruments resulting in
considerable operating time reduction. In one field
example, it was demonstrated that the new technology
could provide equivalent data and quality with a 64
percent reduction in logging time and 42 percent
reduction in total operation time compared to legacy
tools. In the second well time reduction was estimated
to be 65 percent reduction in logging time and 55
7
percent in total operation time. If faster logging is not
required, measurements can be acquired at legacy
speeds for better precision.
To provide further reduction in logging time, a
simultaneous “mixed mode” combining C/O and PNC
data in a single pass, minimizes the number of passes
required for three phase saturation analysis.
Simultaneous acquisition also removes uncertainties
that can be introduced when depth matching separate
logging passes.
These improvements were possible due to a new
instrument design incorporating LaBr3 detectors with
higher efficiency and resolution, higher pulsed neutron
source output and digital electronics to handle higher
gamma ray count rates. Detector sizes and spacings
remain the same for legacy and new instruments so
that measurement responses and environmental
corrections (such as diffusion) are unchanged.
Interpretation workflows are consistent, integrating
measurements and MCNP modeling to provide
accurate saturation analysis. This makes transition
from the legacy to new technology seamless, which is
important in long-term reservoir monitoring programs
for effective well intervention and production
enhancement plans.
At the time of this publication, several hundred jobs
have been performed worldwide in different well
completion scenarios, formation lithologies and fluid
properties with an operating efficiency in excess of
99.8%. The service has been successfully delivered to
over 20 E&P companies thus far.
AKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Authors would like to warmly thank the
NNPC/Chevron Nigeria Ltd. Joint Venture and Baker
Hughes for supporting the publication of this paper.
NOMENCLATURE
Here is a list of all abbreviations and descriptions used
in this publication referenced to the pulsed neutron
technology
Abbreviations
C/O = carbon oxygen acquisition mode
GOC = Gas-Oil contact
MM = mixed mode (simultaneous PNC-C/O)
PNC = pulsed neutron capture mode
SPWLA 63rd Annual Logging Symposium, June 10-15, 2022
PNC2D = pulsed neutron capture mode, 2 detectors
PNC3D = pulsed neutron capture mode, 3 detectors
MCNP = Monte Carlo N-Particle emulation
OA = oxygen activation mode
RIN13 = short/extralong detector inelastic ratio
RATO13 = short/extralong detector capture ratio
DOI = depth of investigation
TTLC = total carbon count rate source output
(C/O)
ISS = total carbon output to short detector
(PNC)
Symbols
∑ = Formation Sigma
LaBr3 = Lanthanum Bromide
NaI = Sodium iodide
REFERENCES
Ansari, R., Mekic, N., Chace, D., Rust, M., and Starr,
M., 2009, Field Applications of a New Cased Hole
Gas Saturation Measurement in Tight Gas Reservoirs,
Paper 68146, Transactions, SPWLA 50th Annual
Logging Symposium, The Woodlands, Texas, USA,
21-24 June.
Bartelucci, P., Borghi, M., Crottini, A., Galli, G.,
Pirrone, M., Rizzo, G., Nardiello, R., Chace, D., Kim,
Y., and Zhang, Q., 2017, Pressure Depletion
Evaluation Behind Casing Using Pulsed Neutron
Technology: An Application in a Multi-Layer Gas
Reservoir in Eastern “Pianura Padana” Basin, Paper
613, Offshore Mediterranean Conference and
Exhibition, Ravenna, Italy, 29-31 March.
Brackenridge, R., Ansari, R., Chace, D., Zett, A.,
Webster, M., and Itter, D., 2011, Evaluation of New
Multi-Detector Pulsed Neutron Logging Techniques
to Monitor Mature North Sea Reservoir Saturations,
Paper AAA, Transactions, SPWLA 52nd Annual
Logging Symposium, Colorado Springs, Colorado,
USA, 14-18 May.
Gilchrist, W.A. Jr., Prati, E., Pemper, R., Mickael,
M.W., and Trcka, D., 1999, Introduction of a New
Through-Tubing Multifunction Pulsed Neutron
Instrument, Paper SPE-56803, SPE Annual Technical
Conference and Exhibition, Houston, Texas, USA, 3-
6 October. DOI: 10.2118/56803-MS.
Inanc, F., Gilchrist, W.A., and Chace, D., 2009,
Physical Basis, Modeling, and Interpretation of a New
Gas Saturation Measurement for Cased Wells, Paper
8
42298, Transactions, SPWLA 50th Annual Logging
Symposium, The Woodlands, Texas, USA, 21-24 June.
Inanc, F., Gilchrist, W.A., Ansari, R., and Chace, D.,
2014, Physical Basis for a Cased-Well Quantitative
Gas-Saturation Analysis Method, Petrophysics, 55(6),
598-617.
Kim, Y., and Chace, D., 2016, Simultaneous Solution
of Three-Phase Formation Fluid Saturations Using
Triangulation of Multidetector Pulsed Neutron
Measurements, International Petroleum Technology
Conference, Bangkok, Thailand, 14-16 November.
DOI: 10.2523/IPTC-18687-MS.
Kim, Y., Boyle, K., Chace, D., Akagbosu, P., Oyegwa,
A., Wyatt, D., Okowi, V., and Gade, S., 2017,
Innovative Triangulation Technique Enables
Simultaneous Determination of Three-Phase
Formation Fluid Saturations Using Pulsed Neutron
Logging, Paper GG, Transactions, SPWLA 58th
Annual Logging Symposium, Oklahoma City,
Oklahoma, USA, 17-21 June.
Mickael, M.W., 1999, A New Algorithm for
Correcting Neutron Decay Logs for Borehole and
Diffusion Effects, Paper M, Transactions, SPWLA
40th Annual Logging Symposium, Houston, Texas,
USA, 30 May-3 June.
Mickael, M., Trcka, D., and Pemper, R., 1999,
Dynamic Multi-parameter Interpretation of Dual-
Detector Carbon/Oxygen Measurements, Paper SPE-
56649, SPE Annual Technical Conference and
Exhibition, Houston, Texas, USA, 3-6 October. DOI:
10.2118/56649-MS.
Nardiello, R., Kim, Y., Chace, D., Zhang, Q., Galli,
G., Pirrone, M., and Borghi, M., 2017, Cased Hole
Reservoir Pressure Analysis Using Pulsed Neutron
Log Measurements in Challenging Mature
Environments: Physics, Modeling, Uncertainty
Assessment and Application, Paper TTT,
Transactions, SPWLA 58th Annual Logging
Symposium, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA, 17-21
June.
Trcka, D.E., Gilchrist, W.A., Riley, S., Bruner, M.,
Esfandiari, T., Ly, T., Shearin, D., Patino, T., Murray,
H., Potter, J., Rose, R., Chen, J., Olsen, S., Lovera, O.,
McCants, D., Berger, A., Ellsworth, K.A., Barolak, G.,
Martain, R., McFall, A.L., and Guo, P., 2006, Field
Trials of a new Method for the Measurement of
Formation Gas using Pulsed Neutron Instrumentation,
Paper SPE-102350, SPE Annual Technical
 SPWLA 63rd Annual Logging Symposium, June 10-15, 2022

Conference and Exhibition, San Antonio, Texas, USA, Pius Akagbosu is currently an Area-Country Product
24-27 September. DOI: 10.2118/102350-MS. line Technical Sales Support Representative in Baker
Hughes based in Port Harcourt, Nigeria. He is a
Werner, C.J., Bull, J.S., Solomon, C.J., Brown, F.B., Petrophysicist with 13 years of experience in open
McKinney, G.W., Rising, M.E., Dixon, D.A., Martz, hole logs, Pulsed Neutron Saturation logs, PLT and
R.L., Hughes, H.G., Cox, L.J., Zukaitis, A.J., Cement evaluation analysis and interpretation in both
Armstrong, J.C., Forster, R.A., and Casswell, L. 2018, lands, shallow and deep-water environments. Pius’
MCNP6.2 Release Notes, Los Alamos National previous experience includes work at the Centre for
Laboratory, report LA-UR-18-20808. Petroleum Geoscience, University of Port Harcourt as
a Reservoir Modelling Instructor, Laser Engineering
as Petrophycist Trainee. He earned M.Sc. degree in
Geophysics from the University of Benin and B.Sc.
Physics (Geophysics Option) from Delta State
University, Abraka
ABOUT THE MAIN AUTHORS
Salim Ouadah is currently Cased Hole geoscientist
Roberto Nardiello is currently Cased Hole discipline
working for Eastern Hemisphere, with 13 years of
leader for South Sahara Africa Geoscience team. He
experience in the oilfield starting as Seismic Field
has 32 years of experience through different
Engineer then moving to geoscience department. He
evaluation services between drilling and wireline with
held various position as subsurface Engineer
more recent qualification and expertise in pulsed
processing acoustic data and petrophysics then
neutron technologies, production logging and well
working in cased hole environment in cement
integrity interpretation. He published 4 technical
evaluation, production logging, well integrity and
papers and held frequent lectures in different SPE and
pulsed neutron technology in different location around
conferences. He received degree in Geological
the world. He received degree in Geophysics at
Science at University of Milan, 1990
University of Algiers in 2008.
David Chace is Global Discipline Lead for Well
Vijay Ramaswami is currently RTS-Lead for India,
Production & Integrity in Baker Hughes’ Reservoir
with 28 years of experience in the oilfield starting as
Technical Services (RTS) group based in Houston,
Log Analyst for geoscience department. He held
Texas. He has over 41 years of industry experience,
various positions in the department and primarily
specializing in cased hole logging technologies. He
working in cased hole environment in cement
has held various positions in research, engineering,
evaluation, perforations modelling, well integrity and
operations, geoscience and marketing, including
pulsed neutron technology. He received degree in
international assignments in the Middle East and
Physics at University of Bombay in 1989.
Southeast Asia. He has written over 25 professional
technical papers and holds 26 US patents. He received
Emmanuel Toumelin is currently Unit Lead and
a BS degree in Physics from University of Rhode
Petrophysics Advisor for Chevron Nigeria Limited.
Island in 1980.
He has about 20 years of petrophysics experience
spanning research to operations from pore scale to
Ian McGlynn is a Global Advisor for mineralogy and
field studies. Before Nigeria, he was assigned to
petrophysics. He received a MS in environmental
Chevron’s Energy Technology company and the pre-
science from the University of Virginia and PhD in
shale US Midcontinent-Alaska Business Unit. He has
geology from the University of Tennessee. He serves
published or contributed to over 20 papers in various
as Global SME for mineralogy and geochemistry, with
areas of formation evaluation. He received an
research interests in chemical weathering and
engineering degree from Ecole Centrale, Lille, France,
petrogenesis of siliciclastic sediments and reservoir
and PhD in Petroleum Engineering from the
quality. He is involved with development of neutron-
University of Texas at Austin, USA.
induced gamma-ray spectroscopy applications and
provides laboratory core analysis including
Ajibola Oduwole is currently Senior Petroleum
mineralogy, petrography, inorganic geochemistry,
Engineer for Chevron Nigeria Limited. He has 17
organic geochemistry.
years of experience spread between Nigeria and USA
in the areas of reservoir engineering, reservoir
9
SPWLA 63rd Annual Logging Symposium, June 10-15, 2022
simulation and production engineering (well
intervention). He has presented severally in Chevron
Technical fora and published 1 technical paper in SPE.
He received an M.Sc. degree in Petroleum
Engineering from Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh,
U.K. in 2007.
Matthew Ogofa is currently senior Petrophysicist for
Chevron Nigeria Limited. He has 20 years industry
experience, 12 of which is in petrophysics spread
between Nigeria and USA in area spanning operations
and reservoir characterization in the Onshore, offshore
and Deepwater environments. He has presented in
10
Chevron Technical forum and co-authored 1 technical
paper in the Arabian Journal of Geosciences. He
received an M.Sc. degree in Geosciences from the
University of Lagos, Lagos State, Nigeria. in 2011.
Oyie Ekeng is currently the Manager, Field
Development and Production Engineering Support for
JV Asset Development group, Chevron Nigeria Ltd.
She has 23 years of industry practice with experience
in Development Geology and Business Planning. She
received a degree in Geology at the University of Port
Harcourt, Nigeria in 1999.
 SPWLA 63rd Annual Logging Symposium, June 10-15, 2022

APPENDIX

WELL A
Legacy Tool C//O values and standard deviation NEW tool C/O values and standard deviation
SAND TTLC SPD CO1 STD CO2 STD TTLC SPD CO1 STD CO2 SD
A 4200 2 1.79 0.0065 1.77 0.006 9540 5.55 1.72 0.0053 1.68 0.004
B 4130 1.97 1.79 0.0064 1.75 0.015 9500 5.8 1.717 0.0060 1.655 0.015
C 4150 1.93 1.78 0.0059 1.75 0.017 9200 5.9 1.71 0.0060 1.655 0.018

Table 4 – Summary of Well A C/O responses from short and long detectors comparing legacy and new data in standard C/O mode.
Standard deviation of the average of passes shows good repeatability with slightly better precision at higher speed

Fig. 5 – Well A, Sand A - comparison of C/O raw data and standard deviations for legacy and new technology in STANDARD mode

11
SPWLA 63rd Annual Logging Symposium, June 10-15, 2022

Fig. 6 - Well A, Sand B - comparison of C/O raw data and standard deviations for legacy and new technology in STANDARD mode
(see Fig. 5 header)

Fig. 7- Well A, Sand C - comparison of C/O raw data and standard deviations for legacy and new technology in STANDARD mode
(see Fig. 5 header)

Legacy tool CO values and standard deviation NEW tool C/O MIXED Mode standard deviation

SAND TTLC Spd CO1 STD CO2 STD TTLC Spd CO1 STD CO2 SD

A 4200 1.98 1.796 0.0063 1.745 0.016 10500 6.1 1.715 0.0050 1.655 0.016
B 4130 1.97 1.79 0.0065 1.75 0.015 9500 5.8 1.707 0.0052 1.655 0.016
C 4150 1.93 1.78 0.0057 1.75 0.0165 9600 6.3 1.69 0.0057 1.65 0.0158

Table 5 – Summary of Well A C/O responses from short and long detectors comparing legacy and new data in NEW MIXED mode.

12
 SPWLA 63rd Annual Logging Symposium, June 10-15, 2022

Fig. 8 – Well A, Sand A – comparison of raw C/O data and standard deviations for legacy and new technology in MIXED MODE

Fig. 9 – Well A, Sand B – comparison of raw C/O data and standard deviations for legacy and new technology in MIXED MODE (see
Fig. 8 header)

13
SPWLA 63rd Annual Logging Symposium, June 10-15, 2022

Fig. 10 - Well A, Sand C – comparison of raw C/O data and standard deviations for legacy and new technology in MIXED MODE (see
Fig. 8 header)

Fig. 11 – Well A Sand A resulting 3-phase triangulation saturation in dual tubing section.

14
 SPWLA 63rd Annual Logging Symposium, June 10-15, 2022

Fig. 12 - Well A Sand B resulting 3-phase triangulation saturation in dual tubing section (see Header in figure11).

Fig. 13 - Well A Sand C resulting 3-phase triangulation saturation in dual tubing section (see Log Header in Figure 11)

WELL B

Legacy tool C/O values and standard deviation NEW tool C/O MIXED Mode standard deviation

SAND TTLC Spd CO1 STD CO2 STD TTLC Spd CO1 STD CO2 SD

A 4400 2.0 1.85 0.0094 1.79 0.019 10900 5.7 1.794 0.0047 1.655 0.016

B 4450 2.02 1.855 0.0095 1.80 0.024 11000 6.1 1.773 0.0052 1.705 0.017

Table 6 – summary of Well B C/O responses from short and long detectors comparing legacy and new data in MIXED mode.
Standard deviation shows better precision at higher speed in both short and long detectors for new technology.

15
SPWLA 63rd Annual Logging Symposium, June 10-15, 2022

Fig. 14 – WELL B - comparison of raw C/O data and standard deviations for legacy and new technology in MIXED MODE.

16
 SPWLA 63rd Annual Logging Symposium, June 10-15, 2022

Fig. 15 – WELL B Comparison Saturation analysis between legacy and new technology: tracks 1 & 2 show the open hole data
correlation and original gas in place, track 3 indicates the current Gas saturation volume used in triangulation combination with Carbon
Oxygen legacy tool analysis (track 5, 6 & 7) and MIXED MODE Carbon Oxygen from new tool (track 10, 11 & 12) tools. Legacy tool
data and gas analysis were not available in this interval, so the new tool gas analysis was used for both three-phase analyses.

17