IMAGE LOGS

Produced by FDD046C, 26 May 2011

 The Importance of Image logs
• Directional data comes from up/down tools (2 sectors) at the basic level or from
image logs (4-120 sectors) at a more advanced level. Gamma, density and resistivity
image logs exist. We use 16 sector density image.

• We can toggle standard triple combo logs to a 2-D or 3-D well trajectory model but
these give no directional data and no/limited sense as to whether a layer was
crossed/scraped and it may not even be clear if we moved up or down stratigraphy.

• Image logs or directional data are a huge aid in understanding whether we pass
through a layer, scrape a layer and whether we are scraping the top or the bottom
or cutting up or down stratigraphy. They remove any doubt, where doubt existed.
Image logs also allow calculation of apparent bedding inclination and recognition of
faulted contacts.

• In a horizontal section, image logs are of very high value in interpreting the past
and present stratigraphic position. They should never be overlooked in an
interpretation. A danger exists that, for example, gamma and porosity are toggled
against a well path in Petrel and the image log data, with all the answers, is not
included in the interpretation. This may lead to mis-interpretation of the well path.
Going up-stratigraphy
Going down-stratigraphy
 Interpretation
Going through a Going up into a Going down into Going down into Scraping a layer
layer (in this layer and then a layer and then a layer and then below then back
case down back out the back out the top back out the top out the top
through a layer) bottom
 Bedding Inclination Calculation
Gather these data:
1) Actual hole size – view caliper (actual hole size is usually marginally larger than bit). For a 6 1/8" hole
in limestone we can assume 6.2".
2) Effective Penetration Length (EPL) – how far into the formation is the tool measuring? Discuss with
LWD provider. Using an average number shouldn’t hugely effect results.
3) Feet taken to cross same horizon – top to bottom of image log or vice versa. Later we convert this to
inches (x 12).
4) The angle of the hole (see near bit inclination or surveys)
5) Whether you are cutting up or down through the stratigraphy.
1) Caliper hole size = 6.2"
2) EPL = 3.5" (x 2)
3) Feet taken to cross same
horizon = 17 ft (17 x 12) =
17 ft 204"
4) The angle of the hole =
92.5 deg
5) Cutting up through
stratigraphy 

1) Caliper hole size = 6.2"

2) EPL = 3.5 " (x 2)
3) Feet taken to cross same
horizon = 54 ft (54 x 12) =
54 ft 648"
4) The angle of the hole =
89.2 deg
5) Cutting down through
stratigraphy 
A note on Effective Penetration Length
Effective Penetration Length (EPL) is also known as Depth of Investigation (DOI) and is the depth
into the formation that the tool is measuring (a distance at which an imaging sensor reads half it’s
sensitive volume). This EPL or DOI needs to be added to the caliper hole size on each side (so two
times).

EPL/DOI
EPL/DOI
Tool
Hole Diam

The data to the left is for the BHI

LithoTrak Density Tool an average
EPL of 3.5 inches (average density
in a well typically c. 2.5g/cc). So,
that’s 7 inches to a caliper hole of
6.2 inches, making 13.2 inches total
for the equation.

Different tools will have different

EPL/DOI values – consult your LWD
provider.
 Calculation when Going Up-Stratigraphy
1) Caliper hole size = 6.2"
2) EPL = 3.5 " (x 2)
3) Feet taken to cross same
17 ft horizon = 17 ft (17 x 12) =
204"
4) The angle of the hole =
92.5 deg
5) Cutting up through
stratigraphy 

Tan -1 (13.2/204) = 3.70 deg

92.5 – 3.70 deg = 88.80 degrees apparent bedding inclination
Tan -1 ((Caliper hole diameter inches + (2 x effective penetration lengths))/(feet taken to cross layer x 12 to convert to inches)) = Relative angle
Angle of the hole - Relative angle = Apparent bedding inclination
(SUBRACT if going up-stratigraphy)

Note that the dip calculated is an apparent bedding inclination along the azimuth of the well path
Calculation when Going Down-Stratigraphy
1) Caliper hole size = 6.2"
2) EPL = 3.5 " (x 2)
3) Feet taken to cross same
horizon = 54 ft (54 x 12) =
54 ft 648"
4) The angle of the hole =
89.2 deg
5) Cutting down through
stratigraphy 

Tan -1 (13.2/648) = 1.17 deg

89.2 + 1.17 deg = 90.37 degrees apparent bedding inclination
Tan -1 ((Caliper hole diameter inches + (2 x effective penetration lengths))/(feet taken to cross layer x 12 to convert to inches)) = Relative angle
Angle of the hole + Relative angle = Apparent bedding inclination
(ADD if going down-stratigraphy)

Note that the dip calculated is an apparent bedding inclination along the azimuth of the well path
 Faulting
Faulting, with the exception of low
angle thrust faulting, assuming
faulting into a layer of different
density/log characteristics, should
form a sharp and nearly straight line.

The sharp, nearly straight line in a

horizontal section is because the fault
will be at a relatively high angle
compared to the bedding dip.

If there is no significant difference

Fault
between the density either side of
the fault, the density image log may
be poorly defined, but one may be
able to see the brecciated fault zone
itself as a straight line and observe
evidence of faulting on other LWD
data.
Source: Weatherford, LWD System - Azimuthal Density AZDTM and Thermal Neutron
Porosity TNPTM Sensors, Document No. 2969.05