Mud Logging Theory

Mud Logging Theory.

The mud logging unit is considered the information center of the rig site as the unit
participates in the monitoring of each and every rig operation.

General Purpose of mud Logging Unit.

1. Improved well site safety.

2. Optimized drilling efficiency.

3. Comprehensive formation evaluation.

1. Mud Logger Rules and Responsibilities.

1. Full Well-Site Geology service & Geological Surveillance (cutting & gas samples).
2. Well Monitoring and Data Collection (database).
3. Data Engineer Service for Pore Pressure evaluation, Hydraulics and Well Control.

Mud Logging Theory.

- The mud logging theory is based on the mud cycle principal.

- The mud is sucked from the pits (Active Pit) and pumped via the drilling string down to
the hole bottom.
- The mud is then pumped against gravity through the annulus up to the shakers which
give us information about the lithology, gases, hole condition and any up normal event
that may happen (e.g Mud loss, Gain).
- The time necessary to get the drilled samples to the surface is exactly the time required
to pump the mud volume through this passage. This is calculated and is known as Lag
time or lag strokes.

1
 Mud Logging Theory

Lag Time: is the time the mud takes to

travel inside the hole between two
specified depth points

Lag In (String Capacity): The time taken

between the surface to the bottom of the
hole.

Lag Out (Bottom Up): The time taken

between the bottom of the hole to the
surface

Complete Cycle (In/Out Time): The

surface to surface time.

2
 Mud Logging Theory

Annulus: The space between the

drill pipe and the wellbore.

Drill String: The entire length of

the drill pipe run into the hole.

Cased hole: wellbore in which

casing has been run.

Casing shoe: a short, heavy and

rounded steel section placed at
the end of the casing string.

Open hole: any wellbore in which

casing has not been set.

3
 Mud Logging Theory

Lag Equations.

Lag in (bbl):

2
(Pipe ID )  Length(ft)
Pipe. Volume (bbl) 
1029.4

Lag out (bbl):

2 2
(Hole/Casi ng ID  Pipe/Colla r OD )Length(ft)
Ann. Volume (bbl) 
1029.4

Lag in (strks):

Pipevolume ( bbl )
Lag  in strokes 
Pump Output ( bbl / stk )

Lag out (strks):

Annularvol ume ( bbl )

Lag  Out strokes 
Pump Output ( bbl / stk )

Lag in (min):

Lag  in strokes
Lag  in min utes 
Pump Rate ( spm )