Well Logging

 Known as borehole logging.

 Making a detailed record (a well log) of
the geologic formations penetrated by a borehole.

Well log

Geological Geophysical
 Well Logging
Mud Logging Electric Logging

Data out put Mud log Composite e- log

Logging time Prepared during drilling Recorded after drilling

• VSP formation top confirmation

• Cuttings
• RFT Fluid sampling, Pressure
Geochemistry, Lithology,
determination, Oil/Water/Gas gradients
Correlation, Density, Calcimetry,
• GR,Sp, Caliper
Hydrocarbons, Shale Factor
• Resistivity Water Saturation, Porosity,
(C.E.C.), Hole Stability, Bit
Hydrocarbon evaluation
Condition
• Density / Neutron Lithology confirmation,
Type of data • Hydrocarbons Correlation, Porosity.
Total gas, Chromatograph, Gas
• Sonic Porosity, Mechanical properties
Ratios, Connection gases, Trip
• Dipmeters Structure, Facies analysis,
gases, Oil shows
Sedimentology
• Gases CO2, H2S
• Sidewall Cores Biostratigraphy,
• Engineering Torque, Drill
Geochemistry, Lithology confirmation
Rate, Formation Pressures
Hydrocarbon evaluation
Well Logging
Well Logging
 Geological Well Logging

 Geological Well logging is the practice

of making a detailed record (a well log)
of the geologic formations penetrated by
a borehole depending on visual
inspection of samples brought to the
surface.
 Mud logging unit
 The mud logging unit is considered as the
information centre of the rig site as the unit
participates in the monitoring of each and
every rig operation. It serves both
exploration & drilling.
MUD LOGGING UNIT
 Mud logging unit team
 SAMPLE CATCHER.
• Collect and prepare sample for mudlogging geologist
 MUDLOGGING GEOLOGIST.
• Cutting & Core Description, Hydrocarbon Show.
 Data Engineer, PRESSURE Engineer.
• Record, monitor & analyse the drilling parameters such as ROP,
RPM, WOB, Torque,
• Mud data: mud tank level (mud loos & gain)
• Mud weight in/out, temperature in/out
• Mud pump data : capacity, eficiency, volume in
 MUD LOGGING UNIT
1. Collection, description & examination of the rock cuttings & then packing it
according to the exploration company requirements.
2. Detection & Analysis of the Hydrocarbon gas .
3. Detection of the Hydrogen sulphide (H2S) gas while drilling which is very
dangerous if it is not detected in the very early stage.
4. Monitoring the drill fluid volume second by second and to immediately inform
the personnel in charge about any change in that volume (Loss/Gain).
5. Monitoring of the drilling parameters such as : WOB, RPM, TRQ...etc.
6. Trip monitoring & preparing the trip sheet. The trip sheet includes the
calculated hole fill-up or string displacement along with remarks on string
overpull, tight spots and running speed.
7. Generation of mud logs and graphs during the drilling of the well.
8. Confirming with the driller about any drilling breaks
9. Detection and evaluation of the formation pressure.
1.Detection & Analysis of the Hydrocarbon gas
The Gas System
%

Gas Total Gas

Delivery
Trap System
Chromatograph
(PPM)

Methan Ethan Propan Butan Pentan

CH4 C2H6 C3H8 C4H10 C5H12
The Quantitative gas measurement
Q.G.M
 Flame Ionization Detector
 The flame ionization detector (FID) is the
most sensitive gas chromatographic
detector for hydrocarbons.
 When many organic compounds are burned
in a hydrogen flame, charged particles or
ions are given off.
 The released ions are forced to travel as a
small current into an amplifier called the
electrometer.
 The current flow is extremely small on the
order of 10-9 to 10-12 amperes and the
electrometer produces a voltage
proportional to this current. In this way the
voltage generated is proportional to the
amount of hydrocarbons present in the
sample.
 Types of Recorded Gases
 Cuttings gas (formation gas).
It is the gas liberated from the drilled cuttings enters the wellbore mud.
Factors affecting the size of the gas show:
 Rate of penetration (ROP)
 Differential pressure & Porosity
 Hole size.
 Depth.
 Background Gas.
This is the gas recorded while drilling through a consistent lithology. Often it will
remain constant; however, in over-pressured formations this value may show
considerable variation.
 Gas Show:
This is a gas reading that varies in magnitude or composition from the established
background. It is an observed response on the gas detector and requires interpretation
as to the cause. Not all gas peaks are from drilled formation, some may occur as post-
drilling peaks.
 Types of Recorded Gases
 True Zero Gas:
The value recorded by the gas detectors when pure air is passed over the detection
block (generally done during calibration). To ensure a stable zero mark, the detectors
should be zeroed prior to drilling, at casing points, logging points, etc.
 Background Zero Gas:
The value recorded by the gas detectors when circulating, off-bottom, in a clean,
balanced bore hole. Any gases monitored will be from contaminants in the mud or
from gas recycling. This value is the baseline from which all gas readings are
referenced for the mud log, but not plotted on the logs. This value will change with
respect to changes in the mud system (adding diesel) and whole size, and should be re-
established periodically.
 Connection Gas.
A brief influx of gas that is introduced into the drilling fluid when a pipe connection
is made. Before making a connection, the driller stops the mud pumps, thereby
allowing gas to enter the wellbore at depth.
 Trip Gas
Gas entrained in the drilling fluid during a pipe trip, which typically results in a
significant increase in gas that is circulated to surface.
 2. Detection of the Hydrogen sulphide (H2S)
 Hydrogen sulfide is a colorless gas that is known by its characteristic rotten egg like odor. It appears naturally
as a byproduct of decomposition of protein containing substances.

 Hydrogen sulfide is a highly toxic gas. It reacts with the enzymes in the blood stream which inhibit cell
respiration. in other words, high concentrations of hydrogen sulfide can shut off the lungs. Low concentration
exposure to the gas can burn the respiratory tract and cause swelling around the eyes.
Effects of Various H2S Levels
Resulting Conditions on Humans
Hydrogen Sulfide Level (PPM)

Minimal perceptible odor

0.13

4.60 Easily detected, moderate odor

10 Beginning eye irritation.
Strong, unpleasant odor, but not intolerable.
27

Coughing, eye irritation, loss of sense of smell after 2 to 5 minutes.

100

Marked conjunctivitis (eye inflammation) and respiratory tract irritation after

200-300 one hour of exposure

Loss of consciousness, cessation (stopping or pausing) of respiration, and

500-700
death.
Unconsciousness at once, with early cessation of respiration and death in a
few minutes. Death may occur even if individual is removed to fresh air at
1000-2000
once.
 H2S should be anticipated in all areas of the rig where drilling fluid and associated
equipment is present.
 Those areas include the rig floor, substructure, shale shakers, mud cleaners, mud pit room,
mud pump room and well test equipment.
 Being heavier than air, H2S will settle in low-lying and poorly ventilated areas and will
dissolve in oil and water present in those areas.
3. Monitoring the RIG operations

Sensors

PUMP STROCK SEN.

FLOW OUT SEN
TORQUE SEN.
PIT VOLUME SEN.
DEPTH SENSOR
ROTARY SPEED SEN
HOOK LOAD SEN
 Sensors (computers).
DEPTH SENSOR

HOOK LOAD SEN

TORQUE SEN

FLOW OUT SEN

ROTARY SPEED SEN

PUMP STROCK SEN

PIT VOLUME SEN

 Sensors (computers).
DEPTH SENSOR

HOOK LOAD SEN

TORQUE SEN

FLOW OUT SEN

ROTARY SPEED SEN

PUMP STROCK SEN

PIT VOLUME SEN

 Sensors (computers).
DEPTH SENSOR

HOOK LOAD SEN

TORQUE SEN

FLOW OUT SEN

ROTARY SPEED SEN

PUMP STROCK SEN

PIT VOLUME SEN

 Hook Load
Total hookload represents the weight suspended in the derrick.
This weight includes; the drillstring, kelly (if used), elevators, traveling block and drill line.

Since all components, except the drill string maintain a constant

weight, a value can be obtained for the drill string weight, whenever
necessary. This value is of prime importance during trips and connections.

When tripping out of the hole, the total hook load should decrease by the
buoyed weight of the stand removed from the drill string.
During a connection or when tripping in, the total hook load should increase by the
buoyed weight of the single/stand added to the drill string.

Fluctuations in this drillstring weight will be due to the interaction between the drillstring and the borehole.
This interaction may indicate:
• Swelling or sloughing clays/shales. This will cause increased overpull
(drag) and can impede pipe movement.
• Excessive filter cake build-up on permeable formations
• The drillstring becoming differentially stuck on a permeable
formation.
• Junk in the hole, preventing the bit from reaching bottom
• Dog-legs causing the bit to hang up or drag in the borehole
• A hole washout preventing the drillstring from finding the true
borehole or the drillstring is hanging up on a ledge.
• A smaller borehole causing the drill collars and stabilizers to
come into contact with the borehole
 Hook Load
Weight-On-Bit
The amount of weight that may be added on any bit is provided by and limited by bit size and the drill string (especially the drill collars).

To determine the weight that can be placed on the bit, four factors are taken into consideration:
1. The weight that can be carried by the collars.
This is governed by the length of the collar section and the weight of the collars (lbs/ ft).
Normally, about 80-90 percent of the buoyed weight of the collars is used as the “maximum WOB”.

2. The weight necessary to keep the hole within the degree of

deviation (vertical, directional, horizontal) required for the well.
Governing factors for deviation control are bit type, the
formations, rotary speed, the number and location of stabilizers,
and the outside diameter of the Bottom-Hole-Assembly.

3. The weight carrying capacity of the drill bit. This will vary withthe size and type of bit. Fixed cutter bits tend to handle more weight-per-inch than do roller
cone bits.

4. The weight at which the borehole is drilled most rapidly. This is most often determined through “drill-off” tests. Once the weight carrying capacity of the drill bit
has been determined, and the other drilling parameters taken into account (safety factors, hole deviation, etc.), the maximum weight-on-bit for optimum rate of
penetration can be determined. For a specified WOB, a certain number of drill collars will be required. This is determined using:
where:
No. of D.C. single required = Maximum W.O.B
D.C.max X B.F. X L XWT
WOB = weight-on-bit (lbs)
D.C.max = maximum drill collar weight used (%)
B.F. = buoyancy factor of the mud
L = average length of one drill collar (ft)
WT = average drill collar weight (lbs/ft)
Changes in the WOB, when not intentionally changed by the driller, often
indicate changes in the formations. The WOB will normally vary
proportionally to the hardness or compressive strength of the formation.
Soft or unconsolidated formations require little WOB, while hard
formations require the maximum amount of WOB.
 Hook Load
Changes in the WOB, when not intentionally changed by the driller, often
indicate changes in the formations. The WOB will normally vary
proportionally to the hardness or compressive strength of the formation.
Soft or unconsolidated formations require little WOB, while hard
formations require the maximum amount of WOB.

Formation Hardness Bit Type WOB (lbs/in) Rotary Speed

Soft PDC 500 - 2500 80 - 1400

Medium Soft PDC 1000 - 3000 80 - 600
Medium PDC 1500 - 3500 80 - 1400
Diamond 2000 - 4500 80 - 350
TSP 2000 - 4500 80 - 350
Medium Hard Diamond 2000 - 4500 60 - 350
TSP 2000 - 4500 60 - 350
Hard Diamond 2000 - 4000 60 - 350
 Sensors (computers).
DEPTH SENSOR

HOOK LOAD SEN

TORQUE SEN

FLOW OUT SEN

ROTARY SPEED SEN

PUMP STROCK SEN

PIT VOLUME SEN

 Sensors (computers).
DEPTH SENSOR

HOOK LOAD SEN

TORQUE SEN

FLOW OUT SEN

ROTARY SPEED SEN

Flow

No Flow PUMP STROCK SEN

PIT VOLUME SEN

 Sensors (computers).
DEPTH SENSOR

HOOK LOAD SEN

TORQUE SEN

FLOW OUT SEN

ROTARY SPEED SEN

PUMP STROCK SEN

PIT VOLUME SEN

 Sensors (computers).
DEPTH SENSOR

HOOK LOAD SEN

TORQUE SEN

FLOW OUT SEN

ROTARY SPEED SEN

PUMP STROCK SEN

PIT VOLUME SEN

 Sensors (computers).
DEPTH SENSOR

HOOK LOAD SEN

TORQUE SEN

FLOW OUT SEN

ROTARY SPEED SEN

PUMP STROCK SEN

PIT VOLUME SEN

Standpipe Pressure
This is the drilling fluid circulating pressure which is necessary to maintain
efficient drill rates. It is measured at the standpipe using a pressure gauge.
Inconsistent standpipe pressures, when using fixed cutter bits, may
indicate:
Confirming with the driller about any drilling
breaks
The rate of penetration (ROP), is the speed at which a drill bit breaks
the rock under it to deepen the borehole. Also known as penetration rate ordrill rate.
It is normally measured in feet per minute or meters per hour, but sometimes it is
expressed in minutes per foot.

A sudden increase in the rate of penetration during drilling. When this increase is
significant (two or more times the normal speed, depending on local conditions), it
may indicate a formation change, a change in the pore pressure of the formation
fluids, or both.
4. Generation of mud logs and graphs during the
drilling of the well.
4. Generation of mud logs and graphs during the
drilling of the well.
Formation pressure

Formation pressure is the pressure of the fluid within the pore spaces of the formation rock.
This pressure can be affected by the weight of the overburden (rock layers) above the formation, which exerts pressure on
both the grains and pore fluids
normal, abnormal or subnormal.
Normal pore pressure or formation pressure is equal to the hydrostatic pressure of formation fluid extending from the
surface to the surface formation being considered. In other words, if the formation was opened up and allowed to fill a
column whose length is equal to the depth of the formation, then the pressure at the bottom of the column will be equal to
the formation pressure and the pressure at surface is equal to zero. Normal pore pressure is not a constant. Its magnitude
varies with the concentration of dissolved salts, type of fluid, gases present and temperature gradient.

Pressure may be less than normal, called sub-normal or greater than normal pressure which has been termed geo-
pressured, super pressured or simply abnormal pressure.

F P = F P gradient x TVD
HP = C x MD x TVD

where:
FP= Formation pressure
HP= Hydrostatic pressure TVD=10,000 ft
C = Conversion constant
MD = Mud Density
TVD = True Vertical Depth
 1. Collection, description & examination of the rock cuttings & then packing it
according to the exploration company requirements.
 Types of samples:
1.Wet samples.
2.Dry samples.
3.Geochemical Samples.
4.Coring.
 Several reasons for sample collection and shipping are:
1.Paleontological/ Palynological analysis.
2.Geochemical analysis.
3.Oil company partners.
4.Governmental requirements.
5.Future reference/library samples.
 The sampling interval is usually set by the client, and is normally:
every 10 feet (3 meters) OR
every 30 feet (10 meters)
 Wet samples
 Collected at the shale shaker.
 Normally the drilling fluid is not rinsed off.
 This is bulk sample material used mainly for
paleontology.
 Dry samples
 Obtained from the washed samples collected from the 80-mesh sieve.
 A heat source is used for drying purposes.
 Do not oven dry oil-based mud samples
 Do not over-dry samples, because they will burn (the burning can
be mistaken for oil staining)
 Clay samples should not be oven dried - only air dried
 Cutting Collections
Samples can be obtained from several sources at the
rig site:
• Shale Shakers.
• Desanders, Desilters and Mud-Cleaners (not lagged).
• Flowline and Possum Belly (Gas detection & mud
properties).
At the shale shaker, it is essential that the geologist
know the shaker screen sizes, and the grain-size of the
cuttings that can be recovered from each screen.
In case of Water Base Mud; samples should be
washed by water.
In case of Oil Base Mud; samples should be washed
by
1.Diesel to remove the OBM, then by
2.Detergent “liquid soap” to remove the diesel, then by
3.Water to remove the soap.
 Cutting Description
 Samples are examined under a microscope for:
1) Lithology 2) Oil Staining 3) Porosity
The objective is to depict changes of lithology and appearance of new formations:
 Determine the different types and percentages of each rock type in the sample.
 Describe the most abundant rock type at first, then the lesser one.
A cuttings description has two major functions:
1. It allows to understand the components and structure of the rock and to draw
conclusions as to the source, depositional environment, and subsequent history
of the formation.

 The description format should be followed as:

1. Rock type and classification 5. Cement or matrix
2. Color 6. Fossils and accessory minerals
3. Texture, including size, shape, sorting 7. Sedimentary structures
8. Porosity
4. Hardness
9. Oil shows
 Cutting Description
 Color:
• Color can be a useful indicator of depositional environment:
Red, Yellow & Brown:
Ferric iron, an oxidizing environment
Green & Grey:
Ferrous iron, a reducing environment
Dark Brown:
Organic material, possible source rock
Black:
An anaerobic environment
• When describing color, distinguish between:
a) Rock Particles c) Matrix & Cement.
b) Staining d) Accessories.
Common colours:
CLSS, WH, OFF WH, GYSH WH. GNSH WH, YLSH WH, TNSH WH, BNSH WH, CRMY WH, MLKY
WH, SNOW WH, SMKY WH.
BNSH GY, GNSH GY. (DK- M- LT) BN (OIL SHOWS)
(DK, M, LT) GY. BRKSH RD.
OLV GN COFFE BN.
HNY BN.
 Cutting Description
 Grain Texture (Size, Shape & Sorting):
They give clues to several important geologic parameters:
1. Mode and distance of transport.
2. Porosity and permeability.
 Grain size ranges from:
V C - C – F – V F GR
 Grain shape:
 Cutting Description
• Grain Texture (Size, Shape & Sorting):
• Sorting:
Sorting is a measure of dispersion of the size frequency distribution of grains in a
sediment or rock.
WELL SRTD: 90% in 1 or 2 size classes
MOD SRTD: 90% in 3 or 4 size classes
ILL SRTD: 90% in 5 or more size classes
• The grain size & sorting cannot be determined for rocks of very fine grain size (SH
& SLTST).
• The grain shape of SH:
FLKY– SBFLKY– SBBLKY – BLKYCLAY
• The grain shape of SLTST:
• BLKY- SBBLKY- SBFLKY.
• In case of Non- clastic rocks, only the crystalline shape (texture) can be
determined.
F XLN – MICXLN – CRPXLN
SUCC TXT
 Cutting Description
 Hardness:
 It is the amount of force required to break apart the cutting, using a sample
probe.
 Sandstone:
FRI – SEMI CONS – CONS
 Shale:
SFT – MOD FIRM – FIRM
 Siltstone:
HD – MOD HD – SFT
 Non- Clastics:
HD – MOD HD – SFT
 Cutting Description
Cement or Matrix:
 Cement: is a chemical precipitate deposited around the grains and in the interstices
of sediment as aggregates of crystals or as growths on grains of the same
composition.
 Matrix: consists of small individual grains that fill intersections between the larger
grains.
 Cement is deposited chemically and matrix mechanically.
 The difference between cement & matrix cannot be recognized easily in the sample.
 Sandstone:
SIL, CALC, DOL, ARG, RR HEMATITIC
 Siltstone: (Contamination)
CALC, DOLC, SIL
 Shale: (Contamination)
CALC
 Limestone: (Contamination)
DOLC, ARG
 Dolomite: (Contamination)
ARG
 Cutting Description
Fossils and accessory minerals
 It is a significant indicators of the environment of deposition, as
well as clues to correlation.
 The most common accessories are glauconite, pyrite, feldspar,
mica, siderite, carbonized plant remains (coal), chert &
kaolinite.
 This accessories may be free or disseminated.
Sedimentary Structure:
 Most sedimentary structures are not discernible in cuttings. On the
other hand; one or more of them can be found in the core sample
and they should be reported in the description.
 Cutting Description
Porosity:
 Porosity is a measure of the volume of void spaces in a rock.
 Although the magnification of about 10x is adequate to detect
porosity, higher magnification is often necessary.
 Pores are easier to recognize in dry samples than in wet ones.
 In siliclastics; The intergranular porosity is the most common type
and most rapidly seen in cuttings.
P, F, G POR
 In carbonate rocks, vuggy porosity is the most common one.
P, F, G INTXLN POR
N VIS POR (COMMON)
VUGGY POR
 Cutting Description
 Evaporate sections drilled with water based mud will dissolve
completely in the mud. It can be recognized by:
1. Evaporates generally have consistent drill rates.
2. Gas value through evaporates will be very low.
3. Poor or no returns on the shale shaker.
4. Limestone and Dolomite are frequently found in association with
evaporates.
5. The Cl “Chloride” content of the drilling fluid will increase significantly.
 Important tests for lithology identification:
1. Calcimetry test :
This test is designed to provide the geologist with the percentage of calcite
and dolomite in carbonate samples.
2. Barium chloride test :
Anhydrite sections can be identified by BaCl2 solution which produces
BaSo4 precipitate (white ppt).
 Cutting Description Forms
B. Read this descriptions carefully & notice the description arrangement:
1. LST: OFF WH, TNSH WH, MIC -CRPXLN, MOD HD, FOSS, N VIS POR, NS.
2. SLTST: BNSH GY, OFF WH, SBBLKY- BLKY, SFT- MOD HD, OCC PSTD,
ARG, W/ TR OF FREE PYR.
3. SH: M- DK GY, OCC BNSH GY, SBFLKY- FLKY, MOD FRM- FRM, W/ TR OF
FREE & DISM PYR, N CALC.
4. SST: GYSH WH, BNSH WH, F-V F GR, SB RD-SB ANG, MOD CONSL, W/
ARG CMT, SLTY, OCC SIL CMT, GLAUC, W/ TR PATCHY-SPOTY LT BN
OSTN, PAL YL FLU, V SLW-N STMG CUT, N CRUSH CUT, NRR.
5. DOL: OFF WH, GYSH WH, MICXLN, MOD HD- SFT, SUCC TXT, PR
INTRXLN POR, NS.
6. SD: CLSS, TRNSP, F- M GR, SBANG- SBRD, MOD SRTD, PARTIALY CONSL
TO SST: OFF WH, M- F GR, MOD SRTD, SBRD- SBANG, MOD CONSL, W/
SIL CMT, P POR, NS.
7. SH: GNSH GY, BNSH GY, SBBLKY- SBFLKY, FRM- MOD FRM, OCC SLTY,
W/ TR OF FREE PYR, N CLAC.
 Cutting Description Forms
B.Read this descriptions carefully & notice the description arrangement:

9.SST: LT- M BN, TNSH WH, F- M GR, OCC V F GR, MOD SRTD, SBRD, MOD CONSL, P
POR, W/ TR OF LT BN SPOTY- UNIF OSTN, V PL YL FLU, SLW YLSH WH STMG CUT, N
CR CUT, NRR.
10. LST: GYSH WH, OCC BN, OFF WH, CRPXLN, MOD HD- SFT, HI ARG, N VIS POR, NS.
11.DOL: LT- M BN, CRPTXLN, MOD HD- HD, P INTXLN POR, NS.
12.SD: CLSS, TRNSP, RR TRNSL, F- M GR, MOD SRTD, SBRD- SBANG, RR CONSL TO
SST: TNSH WH, OCC OFF WH, M GR, RR C GR, MOD SRTD, SBANG- SBRD, W/ SIL
CMT, RR CALC, KAOLC, MOD CONSL- SEMI FRI, W/ TR OF FREE PYR & DISM GLAU,
P POR, NS.
13.LST: COFF BN, BNSH WH, OCC OFF WH, CRP- MICXLN, MOD HD- SFT, N VIS POR,
NS.
14. SST: OFF WH, OCC BNSH WH, V F GR, MOD SRTD, SBANG- SBRD, MOD CONSL-
SEMI FRI, OCC CONSL, W/ SIL CMT, OCC SLTY, F POR, W/ BNSH WH, PTCHY- UNIF
OSTN, PL YL FLU, CLOUDY BLUSH WH, V SLW STRMG CUT, F CRUSH CUT, NRR.
LOSEND T/ SD: CLSS, TRANSP- TRANSL, M- F GR, C GR I/P, MOD SRTD, SBRD-
SBANG, W/ TR OF FREE KAO.
 Cutting Examination
• There are many potential sources of contamination when undertaking
estimates of lithology percentages:
1. Caving: Cuttings from previously drilled intervals rather than from the
bottom of the hole. It has two types:
a) Mechanical caving: due to drill string collision with
the hole during drilling, and usually being blocky in shape.

a) Pressurized
caving: due to the difference in pressure between the mud
column and the formation pore pressure.

2. Recycled cuttings: are recognized as being small, abraded, rounded

rocks fragments in the sample.
 Cutting Examination
3. Mud chemicals: such as L.C.M. “Lost Circulation Material”,
Bentonite, asphaltic matter & calcium carbonate.
4. Cement: may be mistaken for Siltstone, but is readily identified by
testing with Phenolphthalein solution, its high PH will give a
purple color.
5. Metal: originates from wearing the inside of the casing by the drill
string, so we use rubber drill pipe protectors . Other sources of metal
fragments are bits.
 Geochemical Sampling
 Taken over larger intervals and are composites of unwashed wet samples.
 When collected in a metal or plastic container, fresh water and the bacteriocide
are added, leaving approximately 3 cm of air-space for gases to collect.
 Once sealed, they are best stored upside down in their shipping containers. Fast
transport to town is indicated
 The geochemist in town will first punch a small hole in the cans to take the
headspace gas for chromatographic analysis.
 The cutting material is used to extract organic compounds for chromatography
and kerogen determination.
 Coring
 A core sample is a piece of rock that is carved, using a piece of equipment that works a
lot like an apple-corer.
 Primarily a core allows quantitative measurements of the following:
• Porosity - The volume of voids within a unit volume of rock.
• Permeability - The quality of the connections between the voids.
• Saturation - The composition of the fluids filling the voids.
 Secondary importance is the additional information relating to
formation boundaries, sedimentary structures, undisturbed
paleontological data, and uncontaminated geochemical sampling.

Coring

Conventional Sidewall
coring coring
 Conventional coring
 An assembly called a "core barrel" is made up on the
drill string with a special type of bits called "Core
Head” and run to the bottom of the hole. As the core
barrel is rotated, it cuts a cylindrical core a few
inches in diameter that is received in a tube above the
core cutting bit.
 Conventional coring
 Core Point Selection:
 Coring points are usually selected through correlation with known marker horizons.
 From seismic data and correlation wireline and mud logs, the approximate top of the reservoir will be known, and at the
wellsite, correlation with offset logs is used to pick a point as close as possible to the top of the selected formation.
 When using the drill rate, it is advisable to keep in mind that the drill rate will vary if the drilling parameters are altered. These
variations will have to be taken in account. With this in mind, it is best to have the drillers agree to maintain steady drilling
parameters when approaching the potential core point.
 When the core point is reached, the usual routine is to stop drilling, flow check, circulate bottoms up and evaluate all the data
available (cuttings for lithology, porosity, oil shows, gas shows, drilling exponents, ROP, torque, etc.) prior to making the
decision to trip out of hole.
 Macroscopic Examination of Cores
1. The lithology, thickness & dip of major lithological units
2. The size and dip of bedding, sedimentary and digenetic structures
3. Type, amount and distribution of secondary porosity
4. Surface condition of natural fracture surfaces
5. Any hydrocarbon staining or odor
6. An estimation of permeability
a. Excellent: The core will be poorly consolidated and may fall apart during recovery
b. Very Good: Fluid will be bubbling from the core.
c. Good: It will be impossible to wipe the core dry. Any fluid wiped off will be
replaced from within.
d. Fair: The core can be wiped dry, but after a period of time it will become wet
again.
e. Tight: The drilling fluid on the surface will dry in air without wiping.
 Sidewall Coring
A core taken from the side of the borehole by a wireline tool.
Advantages:
1. Lithology and mineralogy of sections are readily obtained, and
2. Oil shows from cuttings analysis can be confirmed.
Disadvantages:
1. Detonation often induces fractures in the sample and strata,
2. The small volume of rock is not highly representative of the strata, unless
multiple shots are taken, and
3. Sidewall cores are easily broken when handled after collection