Unit 1: BASIC RELATIONSHIPS OF WELL LOG INTERPRETATION

Mastery Items:

Why are well logs used?

What are the kinds of well logs used in geological exploration?

How are well logs used in developing maps?

When are well logs used to make well completion decisions?

How do well logs indicate porosity, resistivity, lithology, and permeability?

How can one develop an ideal suite of logs to run?

The petrophysical log interpretation is one of the most useful and important tools available to a
petroleum geologist. Besides their traditional use in exploration to correlate zones and to assist
with structure and isopach mapping, logs help define physical rock characteristics such as
lithology, porosity, pore geometry, and permeability. Logging data is used to identify productive
zones, to determine depth and thickness of zones, to distinguish between oil, gas, or water in a
reservoir, and to estimate hydrocarbon reserves. Also, geologic maps developed from log
interpretation help with determining facies relationships and drilling locations.
Of the various types of logs, the ones used most frequently in hydrocarbon exploration are called
open hole logs. The name open hole is applied because these logs are recorded in the uncased
portion of the well bore.
The two primary parameters determined from well logs measurements are porosity, and the
fraction of pore space filled with hydrocarbons. The parameters of log interpretation are
determined both directly or inferred indirectly, and are measured by one of three general types of
logs: (1) electrical, (2) nuclear, and (3) acoustic or Sonic. The names refer to the sources used to
obtain the measurements. The different sources create records (logs) which contain one or more
curves related to some property in the rock surrounding the well bore.
Rock properties or characteristics which affect logging measurements are :
Porosity: Is the percentage of voids to the total volume of rock. It is measured as a percent and
has the symbol .
The amount of internal space or voids in a given volume of rock is measure of the amount of
fluids a rock will hold. The amount of void space that is interconnected, and so able to transmit
fluids, is called effective porosity. Isolated pores and pore volume occupied by adsorbed water
are excluded from a definition of effective porosity.
Permeability: Is the property a rock has to transmit fluids. It is related to porosity but is not
always dependent upon it. Permeability is controlled by the size of the connecting passages (pore

throats or capillaries) between pores. It is measured in darcies or millidarcies and is represented

by the symbol Ka. the ability of a rock to transmit a single fluid when it is 100% saturated with
that fluid is called absolute permeability. Effective permeability refers to the presence of two
fluids in a rock, and is the ability of the rock to transmit a fluid in the presence of another fluid
when the two fluids are immiscible. Relative permeability is the ratio between effective
permeability of fluid at partial saturation, and the permeability at 100% saturation (absolute
permeability).
Water saturation: Is the percentage of pore volume in a rock which is occupied by formation
water. Water saturation is measured in percent and has the symbol Sw.
Water saturation represents an important log interpretation concept because you can determine
the hydrocarbon saturation of a reservoir by subtracting water saturation from the value, one
(where 1.0 = 100% water saturation). Irreducible water saturation or Sw irr is the term used to
describe the water saturation at which all the water is adsorbed on the grains in a rock, or is held
in the capillaries by capillary pressure. At irreducible water saturation, water will not move, and
the relative permeability to water equals zero.
Resistivity: Is the rock property on which the entire science of logging first developed.
Resistance is the inherent property of all materials, regardless of their shape and size, to resist the
flow of an electric current.
Resistivity is the measurement of resistance; the reciprocal of resistivity is conductivity. In log
interpretation, hydrocarbons, the rock, and freshwater all act as insulators and are, therefore, nonconductive and highly resistive to electric flow. The unit of measure used for the conductor is a
cube of the formation one meter on each edge. The measured units are ohm-meter2 / meter, and
are called ohm-meters.
Where:
R = resistivity (ohm-meter)
r = resistance (ohms)
A = cross sectional area of substance being measured(meters2)
L = length of substance being measured (meters)
Resistivity is a basic measurement of a reservoirs fluid saturation and is a function of porosity,
type of fluid (i.e. hydrocarbons, salt or fresh water), and type of rock.

Where a hole is drilled into a formation, the rock plus the fluids in it (rock-fluid system) are
altered in the vicinity of the borehole. A wells borehole and the rock surrounding it are
contaminated by the drilling mud, which affects logging measurements. Figure-1 is a schematic

illustration of a porous and permeable formation which is penetrated by a borehole filled with
drilling mud.
dh hole diameter
di diameter of invaded zone(inner boundary; flushed zone)
dj diameter of invaded zone(outer boundary; invaded zone)
rj radius of invaded zone(outer boundary)
hmc thickness of mudcake
Rm resistivity of the drilling mud
Rmc resistivity of the mudcake
Rmf resistivity of mud filtrate
Rs resistivity of shale
Rt resistivity of uninvaded zone(true resistivity)
Rw resistivity of formation water
Rxo resistivity of flushed zone
Sw water saturation of uninvaded zone
Sxo water saturation flushed zone

Invasion and resistivity profiles are diagrammatic, theoretical, cross sectional views moving
away from the borehole and into a formation. They illustrate the horizontal distributions of the
invaded zones and their corresponding relative resistivity. There are three commonly recognized
invasion profiles: (1) step, (2) transition, and (3) annulus.
The step profile has a cylindrical geometry with an invasion diameter equal to dj. Shallow
reading, resistivity logging tools read the resistivity of the invaded zone(Ri), while deeper
reading, resistivity logging tools read true resistivity of the uninvaded zone(Rt).
The transition profile also has a cylindrical geometry with two invasion diameters: di(flushed
zone) and dj(transition zone). It is probably more realistic model for true borehole conditions
than the step profile. Three resistivity devices are needed to measure a transitional profile; these
three devices measure resistivities of the flushed, transition and uninvaded zones Rxo, Ri, and Rt.

An annulus profile is only sometimes recorded on a log because it rapidly dissipates in a well.
The annulus profile is detected only by an induction log run soon after a well is drilled.
However, it is very important to a geologist because the profile can only occur in zones which
bear hydrocarbons. As the mud filtrate invades the hydrocarbon-bearing zone, hydrocarbons
move out first. Next, formation water is pushed out in front of the mud filtrate forming an
annular(circular) ring at the edge of the invaded zone. The annulus effect is detected by a higher
resistivity reading on a deep induction log than by one on a medium induction log.

Lithology: In quantitative log analysis, there are several reasons why it is important to know the
lithology of a zone(i.e. sandstone, limestone, or dolomite). Porosity logs require a lithology or a
matrix constant before a zones porosity(
) can be calculated.
Temperature of Formation: Formation temperature(Tf) is also important in log analysis because
the resistivities of the drilling mud(Rm), the mud filtrate(Rmf), and the formation water(Rw) vary
with temperature. The temperature of a formation is determined by knowing (1) formation depth;
(2) bottom hole temperature (BHT); (3) total depth of the well(TD); and (4) surface temperature.
Table 2. Fundamental Equations of Wells Log Interpretation.
Porosity: (i) Sonic Log, (ii) Density Log, (iii) Neutron-Density Log
Formation Factor:
F = a / m

General

F = 1.0 / 2

Carbonates

F = 0.81 / 2 Consolidated Sandstones

F = 0.62 / 2.15 Unconsolidated Sands
Formation Water Resistivy:
SSP = -K x log (Rmf / RW)
Water Saturations:
SWn* = F x (RW / Rt)

water saturation uninvaded zone

SXOn = F x (Rmf / RXO) water saturation flushed zone

Bulk Volume Water:
BVW = x SW

Permeability
Ke = [250 x (3 / Sw irr)]2 oil
Ke = permeability in millidarcies
Ke = [79 x (3 / Sw irr)]2 gas
Sw irr = irreductible water saturation
*n = saturation exponent which varies from 1.8 to 2.5 but most often equal 2.0
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Mastery Items:

What is an SP log?

When is it used?

What are accepted best practices in SP interpretation?

What are the advantages of an SP log?

How does the SP log work with other logs?

How can you determine resistivity with an SP log?

The spontaneous potential (SP) log is used to identify impermeable zones such as shale, and
permeable zones such as sand. The SP is a record of direct current (DC) voltage differences
between the naturally occurring potential of a moveable electrode in the well bore, and the
potential of a fixed electrode located at the surface. It is measured in millivolts.
The SP log is recorded on the left hand track of the log in track #1 and is used to: (1) detect
permeable beds, (2) detect boundaries of permeable beds, (3) determine formation water
resistivity(Rw), and (4) determine the volume of shale in permeable beds. An auxiliary use of the
SP curve is in the detection of hydrocarbons by the suppression of the SP response.
The concept of static spontaneous potential (SSP) is important because SSP represents the
maximum SP that a thick, shale free, porous and permeable formation can have for a given
ratio between Rmf / Rw. SSP is determined by formula or chart and is a necessary element of
determining accurate values of Rw and volume shale. The SP value that is measured in the
borehole is influenced by bed thickness, bed resistivity, invasion, borehole diameter, shale
content, and most important the ratio of Rmf / Rw (Fig.10a).
Bed thickness: As a formation thins (i.e. < 10 feet thick) the SP measured in the borehole will
record an SP value less than SSP (Fig. 10b). The SP curve can be corrected by chart for the

effects of bed thickness. As a general rule whenever the SP curve is narrow and pointed in shape,
the SP should be corrected for bed thickness.
Bed resistivity: Higher resistivities reduce the deflection of the SP curves.
Borehole and invasion: The effects of borehole diameter and invasion on the SP log are very
small and, in general, can be ignored.
Shale content: The presence of shale in a permeable formation reduces the SP deflection (Fig.
10b). In water-bearing zones the amount of SP reduction is proportional to the amount of shale in
the formation. In hydrocarbon-bearing zones the amount of SP reduction is greater tan the
volume of shale and is called hydrocarbon suppression.
The SP response of shales is relatively constant and follows a straight line called a shale
baseline. SP curve deflections are measured from this shale baseline.
Permeable zones are indicated where there is SP deflection from the shale baseline.
Permeable bed boundaries are detected by the point of inflection from the shale baseline.
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Figure 11 is an electric induction log with an SP curve. In this example, the SP curve is used to
find a value for Rw by the following procedure. After you determine the formation temperature,
you correct the resistivities(obtained from the log heading) of the mud filtrate (Rmf) and drilling
mud (Rm) to formation temperature (see Chapter I).
Next, to minimize for the effect of bed thickness, the SP is corrected to static SP (SSP). SP
represents the maximum SP a formation can have if unaffected by bed thickness. Figure 12 is a
chart used to correct SP to SSP.
The data necessary to use this chart are: (1) bed thickness, (2) resistivity from the shallowreading resistivity tool (Ri), and (3) the resistivity of the drilling mud (Rm) at formation
temperature.
Once the value of SSP is determined, it is used on the chart illustrated in Figure 13 to obtain a
value for the Rmf / Rwe ratio. Equivalent resistivity(Rwe) is obtained by dividing Rmf / Rwe value
from the chart.
The value of Rwe is then corrected to Rw, using the chart illustrated in Figure 14, for average
deviation from sodium chloride solutions, and for the influence of formation temperature. A
careful examination of Figures 11 14 should help you gain an understanding of the Rw from SP
procedure. But rather than using charts in the procedure, you might prefer using the
mathematical formulas listed in table 3.
It is important to remember that normally the SP curve has less deflection in hydrocarbonbearing zones; this is called hydrocarbon suppression, and results in too high a value for Rw

calculated from SSP. Therefore, to determine Rw from SP it is best, whenever possible, to use the
SP curve opposite known water-bearing zones.
Table 3. Mathematical Calculation of Rw from SSP (modified after Bateman & Konen, 1977)
Rmf at 75oF = Rmf temp* x (temp + 6.77)/81.77
Correction of Rmf to 75o
K = 60 + (0.133 x Tf)
Rmfe / Rwe = 10 SSP / K**
Rmfe = (146 x Rmf 5) / (337 x Rmf + 77)
Rmfe formula if Rmf at 75oF < 0.1
Rmfe = 0.85 x Rmf
Rmfe formula if Rmf at 75o > 0.1
Rwe = Rmfe / (Rmfe / Rwe)
Rw at 75oF = (77 x Rwe + 5) / (146 377 x Rwe)
Rw at 75o formula if Rwe < 0.12
Rw at 75oF = - [0.58 10 (0.69 x Rwe 0.24)]
Rw at 75oF formula if Rwe > 0.12
Rw at formation temperature = Rw at 75o x 81.77 / (Tf + 6.77)
*Rmftemp = Rmf at a temperature other than 75oF
**The e subscript (i.e. Rmfe) stands for equivalent resistivity.
+ *

The SP log can be used to calculate the volume of shale in a permeable zone by the following
formula:
Where:
Vsh = volume of shale
PSP = pseudo static spontaneous potential (SP of shaly formation)

SSP = static spontaneous potential of a thick clean sand or carbonate

SSP = -K x log (Rmf / Rw)
K = 60 + (0.133 x Tf)
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Mastery Items:

What are resistivity logs?

When are they used?

What are the basic equations used in analyzing resistivity logs?

What logs are generally run with resistivity logs?

How do resistivity logs help with decision-making?

Resistivity logs are electric logs which are used to: (1) determine hydrocarbon versus waterbearing zones, (2) indicate permeable zones, and (3) determine resistivity porosity. By far the
most important use of resistivity logs is the determination of hydrocarbon versus water-bearing
zones. Because the rocks matrix or grains are non-conductive, the ability of the rock to transmit
a current is almost entirely a function of water in the pores.
Hydrocarbons, like the rocks matrix, are non-conductive; therefore, as the hydrocarbon
saturation of the pores increases, the rocks resistivity also increases.
Where:
Sw = water saturation
F

= formation factor (a/

m)

= tortuosity factor

m = cementation exponent
Rw = resistivity of formation water
Rt = true formation resistivity as measured by deep reading resistivity log
n

= saturation exponent (most commonly 2.0)

The induction tool consists of one or more transmitting coils that emit a high-frequency
alternating current of constant intensity. The alternating magnetic field which is created induces
secondary currents in the formation. The multiple coils are used to focus the resistivity
measurement to minimize the effect of materials in the borehole, the invaded zone, and other
nearby formations. The two types of induction devices are the Induction Electric Log and the
Dual Induction Focused Log.

A second type of resistivity measuring device is the electrode log. Electrodes in the borehole are
connected to a power source(generator), and the current flows from the electrodes through the
borehole fluid into the formation, and then to a remote reference electrode. Examples of
electrode resistivity tools include: (1) normal, (2) lateral, (3) Laterolog*, (4) Microlaterolog*, (5)
Microlog*, (6) Proximity Log*, and (7) spherically focused logs.
Induction logs should be used in non-salt-saturated drilling muds (i.e. Rmf > 3 Rw) to obtain a
more accurate value of true resistivity (Rt). Boreholes filled with salt-saturated drilling muds
require electrode logs, such as Laterolog* or Dual Laterolog*, to determine accurate Rt values.
Induction Electric Log
The induction Electric Log (Fig. 17) is composed of three curves: (1) short normal, (2) induction,
and (3) spontaneous potential or SP. These curves are obtained simultaneously during the
logging of the well.
Short Normal: The short normal tool measures resistivity at a shallow depth of investigation
which is the resistivity of the invaded zone (Ri). The presence of invasion is important because it
indicates a formation is permeable. In addition to providing a value for Ri the short normal curve
can be used to calculate a value for resistivity porosity if a correction is made for unflushed oil in
the invaded zone. To obtain a more accurate value of Ri from the short normal curve, an
amplified short normal curve is sometimes displayed in track #2 along with the short normal
curve.
Induction: The induction device measures electrical conductivity using current generated by
coils. The transmitting coils produce an electromagnetic signal which induces currents in the
formation. These induced currents are recorded as conductivity by receivers coils. Because the
induction log does not require the transmission of electricity through drilling fluid, it can be run
in air-, oil-, or foam-filled boreholes.
Dual Induction Focused Log
This log (Fig. 18) consists of a deep-reading induction device (RIld which measures Rt), and is
similar to an Induction Electric Log. The Dual Induction Focused Log also has a mediumreading induction device (RIlm which measures Ri) and a shallow reading (Rxo) focused
Laterolog* which is similar to the short normal.
The Dual Induction Focused Log is used in formations that are deeply invaded by mud filtrate.
Because of deep invasion, a deep reading induction log (RIld) may not accurately measure the
true resistivity of the formation (Rt). Resistivity values obtained from the three curves on a Dual
Induction Focused Log are used to corret deep resistivity (RIld) to ture resistivity (Rt) from a
tornado chart (Fig. 19). This tornado chart (Fig. 19) can also help determinate the diameter of
invasion (di) and the ratio of Rxo/Rt.

Laterolog*
The Laterolog* is designed to measure true formation resistivity (Rt) in boreholes filled with
saltwater muds. A current from the surveying electrode is forced into the formation by focusing
electrodes. The focusing electrodes emit current of the same polarity as the surveying electrode
but are located above and bellow it. The focusing, or guard electrodes, prevent the surveying
current from flowing up the borehole filled with saltwater mud (Fig. 20).
Invasion can influence the Laterolog*. However, because resistivity of the mud filtrate is
approximately equal to the resistivity of formation water, when a well is drilled with saltwaterbased muds, invasion does not strongly affect Rt values derived from a Laterolog*. But, when a
well is drilled with fresh-water-based muds(where Rmf > 3Rw), the Laterolog* can be strongly
affected by invasion. Under these conditions, a Laterolog* should not be used (see Fig. 16).
Dual Laterolog-Microspherically Focused Log*
The Dual Laterolog* (Fig. 22) consists of a deep reading (Rt) resistivity device (RLLd) and a
Shallow reading (Ri) resistivity device (RLLS). Both are displayed in tracks #2 and #3 of the log
on a four cycle logarithmic scale. A natural gamma ray log is often displayed in track #1 (Fig.
22).
When a Microspherically Focused Log (MSFL*) is run with the Dual Laterolog* (Fig. 22), the
resulting three curves (i.e. deep, shallow and MSFL*) are used to correct (for invasion) the deep
resistivity (RLLd) to true formation resistivity. A tornado chart (Fig. 23) is necessary to correct
RLLd to Rt and to determine the diameter of invasion (di) and the ratio Rt/Rxo. The procedure is
illustrated in Figure 23.
Microlog (ML*)
The Microlog* (Fig. 24) is a pad type resistivity device that primarily detects mudcake. The pad
is in contact with the borehole and consists of three electrodes spaced one inch part. The
detection of mudcake by the Microlog* indicates that invasion has occurred and the formation is
permeable. Permeable zones show up on the Microlog* as positive separation when the micro
normal curves read higher resistivity than the micro inverse curves (Fig. 24). Shale zones are
indicated by no separation or negative separation. However, in enlarged boreholes, a shale
zone can exhibit minor, positive separation. In order to detect zones of erroneous positive
separation, a microcaliper log is run in track #1 (Fig. 24), so that borehole irregularities are
detected. Nonporous and impermeable zones have high resistivity values on both the micro
normal and micro inverse curves (Fig. 24).
The Microlog* does not work well in saltwater-based drilling muds or gypsum-based muds,
because the mudcake may not be strong enough to keep the pad away from the formation. Where
the pad is in contact with the formation, positive separation cannot occur.

Microlaterolog* and Proximity Log*

The Microlaterolog (MLL)* (Fig 21) and the Proximity Log (PL)* (Fig. 25), like the
Microspherically Focused Log (MSFL)*, are pad type focused electrode logs designed to
measure the resistivity in the flushed zone (Rxo). Because the Microlaterolog* is strongly
influenced by mudcake thicknesses greater than inch(Hilchie, 1978), the Microlaterolog
should be run only with saltwater-based drilling muds. The Proximity Log*, which is more
strongly focused than the Microlaterolog*, is designed to investigate deeper so it can be used
with freshwater-based drilling muds where mudcake is thicker.
Resistivity Derived Porosity
The minerals that make up the grains in the matrix of the rock and the hydrocarbons in the pores
are nonconductive. Therefore, the ability of rock to transmit an electrical current is almost
entirely the result of the water pore space. Thus resistivity measurements can be used to
determine porosity.
When a porous and permeable water-bearing formation is invaded by drilling fluid, formation
water is displaced by mud filtrate. In hydrocarbon-bearing zones, the shallow resistivity (Rxo) is
affected by the unflushed residual hydrocarbons left by the invading mud filtrate. These residual
hydrocarbons will result in a value for shallow resistivity (Rxo) which is too high because
hydrocarbons have a higher resistivity than formation water. Therefore, the calculated resistivity
porosity in hydrocarbon-bearing zones will be too low. To correct for residual hydrocarbons in
the flushed zone, water saturation of the flushed zone (Sxo) must be known or estimated.
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Mastery Items:

Which logs are used to determine porosity?

When are they used?

What are the basic equations used in analyzing porosity logs?

What logs are generally run with porosity logs?

How are sonic logs used in seismic investigations?

How do resistivity logs help with decision-making?

The sonic log is a porosity log that measures interval transit time (
t) of a compressional sound
wave traveling through one foot of formation. The sonic log device consists of one or more
sound transmitters, and tow or more receivers.
Interval transit time (
t) in microseconds per foot is the reciprocal of the velocity of a
compressional sound wave in feet per second. Interval transit time is recorded in tracks #2 and
#3 (example Fig. 26). The interval transit time (
t) is dependent upon both lithology and

porosity. Therefore, a formations matrix velocity (Table 6) must be know to derive sonic
porosity either by chart (Fig. 27) or by the following formula (Wyllie et al, 1958).
Where:
sonic = sonic derived porosity
tma = interval transit time of the matrix (table 6)
tlog = interval transit time of formation
tf

= interval transit time of the fluid in the well bore

(fresh mud = 189; salt mud = 185)

The Wyllie et al formula for calculating sonic porosity can be used to determine porosity in
consolidated sandstones and carbonates with intergranular porosity (grainstones) or
intrecrystalline porosity (sucrosic dolomites). However, when sonic porosities of carbonates with
vuggy or fracture porosity are calculated by the Wyllie formula, porosity values will be too low.
This will happen because the sonic log only records matrix porosity rather than vuggy or fracture
secondary porosity. The percentage of vuggy or fracture secondary porosity can be calculated by
subtracting sonic porosity from total porosity. Total porosity values are obtained from one of the
nuclear logs (i.e. density or neutron).
Where a sonic log is used to determine porosity in unconsolidated sands, an empirical
compaction factor or Cp should be added to the Wyllie et al equation:
Where:
sonic = sonic derived porosity
tma = interval transit time of the matrix (table 6)
tlog = interval transit time of formation
tf

= interval transit time of the fluid in the well bore

(fresh mud = 189; salt mud = 185)

Cp

= compaction factor

The compaction factor is obtained from the following formula:

Where:

Cp = compaction factor
tsh = interval transit time for adjacent shale
C

= a constant which is normally 1.0 (Hilchie, 1978)

The interval transit time (

t) of a formation is increased due to the presence of hydrocarbons
(i.e. hydrocarbon effect). If the effect of hydrocarbons is not corrected, the sonic derived
porosity will be to high. Hilchie suggests the following empirical corrections for hydrocarbon
effect:

= sonic x 0.7 (gas)

= sonic x 0.9 (oil)

/
The formation density log is a porosity log that measures electron density of a formation. It can
assist the geologist to: (1) identify evaporite minerals, (2) detect gas-bearing zones, (3) determine
hydrocarbon density, and (4) evaluate shaly sand reservoirs and complex lithologies.
The density logging device is a contact tool which consists of a medium-energy gamma ray
source that emits gamma rays into a formation. The gamma ray source is eithr Cobalt-60 or
Cesium-137.
A density derived porosity curve is sometimes present in tracks #2 and #3 along with the bulk
density (
b) and correction (
) curves. Track #1 contains a gamma ray log and caliper (example
Fig. 28).
Formulation bulk density (
b) is a function of matrix density, porosity, and density of the fluid in
the pores (salt, mud, fresh mud, or hydrocarbons). To determine density porosity, either by chart
(Fig. 29) or by calculation, the matrix density (Table7) and type of fluid in the borehole must be
know. The formula for calculating density porosity is :
Where:
den = density derived porosity
ma = matrix density (see Table 7)
b

= formation bulk density

f = fluid density (1.1 salt mud, 1.0 fresh mud, and 0.7 gas)

Where invasion of formation is shallow, low density of the formations hydrocarbon will
increase density porosity. Oil does not significant affect density porosity, bt gas does (gas affect).
Hilchie (1978) suggests using a gas density of 0.7 gm/cc for fluid density (
f) in the density
porosity formula if gas density in unknown.
Neutron Logs
Neutron logs are porosity logs that measure the hydrogen ion concentration in a formation. In
clean formations (i.e. shale-free) where the porosity is filled with water or oil, the neutron log
measures liquid-filled porosity. Whenever pores are filled with gas rather than oil or water,
neutron porosity will be lowered. This occurs because there is less concentration of hydrogen in
gas compared to oil or water. A lowering of neutron porosity by gas is called gas effect.
Neutron log responses vary, depending on: (1) differences in detector types, (2) spacing between
source and detector, and (3) lithology-i.e. sandstone, limeston, and dolomite.
)

1/

The Combination Neutron-Density Log is a combination porosity log. Besides its use a porosity
device, it is also used to determine lithology and to detect gas-bearing zones. The NeutronDensity Log consists of neutron and density curves recorded in tracks #2 and #3 (Example Fig.
32), and a caliper and gamma ray log in track #1. Both the neutron and density curves are
normally recorded in limestone porosity units with each division equal to either two percent or
three percent porosity; however, sandstone and dolomite porosity units can also be recorded.
Where an increase in density porosity occurs along with a decrease in neutron porosity in a gasbearing zone, it is called gas effect. Gas effect is created by gas in the pores. Gas in the pores
causes the density log to record too high a porosity (i.e. gas in lighter than oil or water), and
causes the neutron log to record too low a porosity (i.e. gas has a lower concentration of
hydrogen atoms than oil or water). The effect of gas on the Neutron-Density Log is a very
important log response because it helps a geologist to detect gas-bearing zones.
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Mastery Items:

What are gamma ray logs?

When are they used?

Why is it important to calculate shale volume?

What are the basic equations used in analyzing gamma ray logs?

What logs are generally run with gamma ray logs?

How do gamma ray logs help with decision-making?

Gamma ray logs measure natural radioactivity in formations and because of this measurement,
they can be used for identifying lithologies and for correlating zones. Shale-free sandstones and
carbonates have low concentrations of radioactive material, and give low gamma ray readings.
As shale content increases, the gamma ray log response increases because of the concentration of
radioactive material in shale. The Spectralog* breaks the natural radioactivity of a formation into
different types of radioactive material: (1) thorium, (2) potassium, and (3) uranium. If a zone has
a high potassium content coupled with a high gamma ray log response, the zone may not be
shale. Instead, it could be a feldspathic, glauconitic, or micaceous sandstone.
+ *

Because shale is more radioactive than sand or carbonate, gamma ray logs can be used to
calculate volume of shale in porous reservoirs. The volume of shale can then be applied for
analysis of shaly sands (see Chapter VI).
Calculation of the gamma ray index is the first step needed to determine the volume of shale
from a gamma ray log (the following formula from Schlumberger, 1974).

Where:
IGR

= gamma ray index

GRlog = gamma ray reading of formation

GRmin = minimum gamma ray (clean sand or carbonate)
GRmax = maximum gamma ray (shale)
Finally, the calculated value of the gamma ray index(IGR) is located on the chart in Figure 38,
and a corresponding value for volume of shale (Vsh) in either consolidated or unconsolidated
sands is determined.
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Mastery Items:

What is the Archie Equation and why is it important?

What can water saturation tell you about a zone?
What is an invaded zone?
What is an uninvaded zone?
How do quick look methods indicate to geologists where there may be the presence of
hydrocarbons?
What are cross-plots and why are they used?
How is permeability determined by well log analysis?

Once the porosity and true resistivity of a potential zone are determined, a geologist is ready to
calculate and use log parameters. Log parameters can help evaluate a zone and determine
whether a well completion attempt is warranted. As importantas log parameters are, however,
they should not be applied to the exclusion of other data. A geologist should always consider
every item of relevant data, such as drill stem tests, sample shows, mud log analysis, nearby
production, etc., before making a decision to set pipe.
"

5*

'

Water saturation (Sw) of reservoirs uninvaded zone is calculated by the Archie (1942) formula.
Where:
Sw = water saturation of the uninvaded zone (Archie method)
Rw = resistivity of formation water at formation temperature
Rt = true resistivity of formation (i.e. RIld or RLLd corrected for invasion)

= porosity
= tortuosity factor (Table1 ; Chapter I)

m = cementation exponent (Table 1; Chapter I)

n = saturation exponent which varies from 1.8 to 2.5 but is normally equal to 2.0

The uninvaded zones water saturation (Sw), determined by the Archie equation, is the most
fundamental parameter used in log evaluation. But, merely knowing a zones water saturation
(Sw) will not provide enough information to completely evaluate a zones potential productivity.
A geologist must also know whether: (1) water saturation is low enough for a water-free
completion, (2) hydrocarbons are moveable, (3) the zone is permeable, and (4) whether
(volumetrically) there are economic, recoverable hydrocarbon reserves.
Water saturation of a formations flushed zone (Sxo) is also based on the Archie equation, but
two variables are changed:
Where:
Sw = water saturation of the uninvaded zone (Archie method)
Rmf = resistivity of the mud filtrate at formation temperature

Rxo = shallow resistivity from Laterolog-8*, Micropherically Focused Log*, or

Microlaterolog*

= porosity
= tortuosity factor (Table1 ; Chapter I)

m = cementation exponent (Table 1; Chapter I)

n = saturation exponent which varies from 1.8 to 2.5 but is normally equal to 2.0
Water saturation of the flushed zone (Sxo) can be used as an indicator of hydrocarbon
moveability.
3
The Ratio Method identifies hydrocarbons from the difference between water saturations in the
flushed zone (Sxo) and the uninvaded zone(Sw). when water saturation of the uninvaded zone(Sw)
is divided by water saturation of the flushed zone (Sxo), the following results:
Where:
Sw = water saturation uninvaded zone
Sxo = water saturation flushed zone
Rxo = formations shallow resistivity from Laterolog-8*, Microspherically
Focused Log*, or Microlaterolog*
Rt = formations true resistivity (RIld or RLLd corrected for invasion)
Rmf = resistivity of the mud filtrate at formation temperature
Rw = resistivity of the formation water at formation temperature
Formula for calculating the moveable hydrocarbon index and water saturation by the Ratio
Method are:
Where:
Sw / Sxo = moveable hydrocarbon index
Rxo

= formations shallow resistivity from Laterolog-8*, Microspherically

Focused Log*, or Microlaterolog*

Rt

= formations true resistivity (RIld or RLLd corrected for invasion)

Rmf

= resistivity of the mud filtrate at formation temperature

Rw

= resistivity of the formation water at formation temperature

*7+ *

The product of a formations water saturation (Sw) and its porosity () is the bulk volume of
water (BVW).
BVW = Sw x
Where:
BVW = bulk volume water
Sw

= water saturation of uninvaded zone (Archie equation)

= porosity

If values for bulk volume water, calculated at several depths in a formation, are constant or very
close to constant, they indicate that the zone is homogeneous and at irreducible water saturation
(Sw irr). When a zone is at irreducible water saturation, water calculated in the uninvaded zone
(Sw) will not move because it is held on grains by capillary pressure. Therefore, hydrocarbon
production from a zone at irreducible water saturation should be water-free (Morris and Biggs,
1967). A formation not at irreducible water saturation (Sw irr) will exhibit wide variations in bulk
volume water values.
Because the amount of water a formation can hold by capillary pressure increases with
decreasing grain size, the bulk volume water also increases with decreasing grain size. Table 8
illustrates the relationship of bulk volume water values to decreasing grain size and lithology.
8* 7

73

Quick Look Methods are helpful to the geologist because they provide flags which point to
possible hydrocarbon zones requiring further investigation.
The four quick look methods which will be discussed are:
Rxo / Rt curve: The Rxo / Rt curve is presented in track #1 as an overlay to the spontaneous
potential curve (SP). From chapter II, remember that SP equation is:
SP = -K x log (Rmf / Rw)
In water zones (Sw = 1.0)

Rxo = F x Rmf and Ro = F x Rw

From the above equations, the SP equation can be rewritten as:

SP = -K x log (Rxo / Ro)

Where:
K = 60 + (0.133 x formation temperature)
Rxo = shallow resistivity from Laterolog-8*, Microspherically Focused Log*, or
Microlaterolog*
Ro = wet resistivity (Ro = Rt when Sw = 100%)
In water-bearing zones, the measured values for Rxo and Ro (Rt for Sw = 100% ; RIld or RLLd) can
be used to calculated a value for SP. This calculated value for SP should duplicate the measured
value of SP from the spontaneous potential log in a wet zone. The presence of hydrocarbons
results in Rt values which are greater than Ro. This means that when SP is calculated from Rxo
and Rt values, it will be lower than the measured value of SP.
Rwa Curve: The Rwa curve is presented in track #1 as an overlay to the SP curve, similar to the
Rxo / Rt curve. In water-bearing zones, the Archie equation for the uninvaded zone can be
rewritten as follows
Next, square both sides:
1.0 = F x ( Rw / Rt)
Now, solve for Rw:
Rwa = Ro / F
(remember: Rt = Ro when Sw = 100%)
Where:
Sw = water saturation of the uninvaded zone
Rw = resistivity of formation water at formation temperature
Rt = true formation resistivity (Rt = Ro when Sw = 100%)
F

= formation factor (a / m)

Rwa = apparent water resistivity (Rwa = Rw in water-bearing zones)

In water-bearing zones (Sw = 100%), then calculated Rwa value is equal to Rw. However, if
hydrocarbons are present, Rt will be greater than Ro, and Rwa will be greater than Rw (Fertl,
1978). The Rwa curve is plotted as a dashed line along with the SP curve. Low Rwa values are
recorded on the left-hand side of the log. The Rwa curve will deflect to the left in wet zones and
to the right in hydrocarbon-bearing zones.
Conductivity Derived Porosity Curve: The conductivity derived porosity curve is a Dresser Atlas
(1975) quick look curve, plotted in track #1 along with the SP curve. The Dresser Atlas
conductivity derived porosity curves are calculated by assuming all zones are water-bearing (i.e.
Rt = Ro). Therefore, hydrocarbon-bearing zones show up as a loss of conductivity derived
porosity because Rt is greater than Ro. A scale is constructed with higher porosity values on the
left. Water-bearing zones then show up as a deflection to the left, and hydrocarbon zones appears
as a deflection to the right, similar to deflections on Rxo / Rt and Rwa curves.
Like the Rwa curve, the conductivity derived porosity curve can be converted to a quantitative
value for water saturation (Sw). The Dresser Atlas formula is:
Where:
Sw = water saturation of the uninvaded zone
w = conductivity derived or water-filled porosity

= true porosity from a porosity log

100 = constant to convert calculated Sw to percent

Ro Curve: The Ro curve is plotted as an overlay on the resistivity log in track #2 and #3, and not
on the SP curve. Ro (wet resistivity) is derived by the following formula.
Ro = F x Rw
Where:
Ro = wet resistivity or, resistivity the formation should have when Sw = 100%
Rw = resistivity of formation water at formation temperature
F

= formation factor ( a / m ; Table 1)

Because an Ro curve represents wet resistivity (Sw = 100%), the difference between the Ro curve
and the deep resistivity curve (RIld or RLLd) indicates the presence of hydrocarbons.

An Ro curve is obtained in three ways: (1) a logging engineer can plot Ro as an overlay on the
resistivity log, (2) a geologist can calculate and plot Ro on the resistivity log, and (3) some
density logs (example Figure 28) have an F (formation factor) curve plotted with the bulk density
log. When a formations Rw is known, an Ro curve can be created by overlaying and tracing and
F curve on the resistivity log.
7

The Pickett crossplot (Picket, 1972) is one of the simplest and most effective crossplot method
in use. This technique not only gives estimates of water saturation, but can also help determine:
(1) formation water resistivity (Rw), (2) cementation factor (m), and (3) matrix parameters for
porosity logs (
tma and ma).
The Pickett method is based on the observation that true resistivity (Rt) is a function of porosity
(), water saturation (Sw), and cementation factor(m). A Pickett crossplot is developed by
plotting porosity values with deep resistivity (RIld or RLLd) values on two-by three cycle log-log
paper (Fig. 40).
)
Hingle crossplot can be used to determine water saturation (Sw), as in other corssplot techniques,
a significant benefit of Hingles technique is that, even if matrix properties (ma or tma) of a
reservoir are unknow, you can still determine a value for water saturation (Sw). This is also true if
a reservoirs water resistivity (Rw) is unknow. The procedure for constructing a Hingle crossplot
to determine water saturation is:
1.- Select the correct corssplot graph paper (Fig. 41, sandstone; Fig 42, carbonates).
2.- Scale the X axis on a linear scale
3.- Plot deep resistivity values (RIld or RLLd) on the Y axis versus the porosity log data.
4.- Construct a straight line through the most northwesterly points & extrapolate this line until it
intersects the X axis
5.- At the intersection point of the X axis and the Ro line, determine the matrix value and
scale the X axis in porosity units.
6.- Calculate a value for Rw from any corresponding set of and Ro values.
7.- Determine lines of constants Sw based on the formula :
8.- Evaluate Sw values for all the points plotted on the crossplot
The limitation imposed by evaluating a log from a corssplot is that a relatively large range of
porosity values in water zones is required to properly define the Ro line (Fig. 43) and determine

resistivity of formation water (Rw). Also, the lithology and mud filtrate must stay fairly constant
in the interval being evaluated.
0

Log-derived permeability formulas are only valid for estimating permeability in formations at
irreducible water saturation (Sw irr ; Schlumberger, 1977). When a geologist evaluates a formation
by using log-derived permeability formulas, the permeability values, if possible, should be
compared with values of nearby producing wells from the same formation.
Two methods for calculating log-derived permeability are discussed here: the Wyllie and Rose
(1950) formulas and the Coates and Dumanoir (1973) formula. Before these formulas can be
applied, a geologist must first determine whether or not a formation is at irreducible water
saturation.
Whether or not a formation is at irreducible water saturation depends upon bulk volume water
(BVW = Sw x ) values. When a formations bulk volume water values are constant (Fig. 39), a
zone is at irreducible water saturation. If the values are not constant, a zone is not at irreducible
water saturation (Fig. 39).
"
The presence of shale (i.e. clay minerals) in a reservoir can cause erroneous values for water
saturation and porosity derived from logs. These erroneous values are not limited to sandstones,
but also occur in limestones and dolomites. Whenever shale is present in a formation, all the
porosity tools (sonic, density, and neutron) will record too high a porosity. Also, the presence of
shale in a formation will cause the resistivity log to record too low a resistivity. Hilchie (1978)
notes that the most significant effect of shale in a formation is to reduce the resistivity contrast
between oil or gas, and water.
Reme,ber that all shaly sandstone formulas reduce the water saturation value from the value that
would be calculated if shale effect was ignored. However, this lowering of water saturation can
be a problem in log evaluation, because, if a geologist overestimates shale content, a waterbearing zone may calculate like a hydrocarbon zone.
The first step in shaly sand analysis is to determine the volume of shale from a gamma ray log
(see Chapter V).
After the volume of shale (Vsh) is determined, it can then be used to correct the porosity log for
shale effect.
Next, after the volume of shale has been determined and the log derived porosity has been
corrected for volume of shale, the water saturation can be calculated.
In shaly sand analysis, a geologist must make an assumption that resistivity of an adjacent shale
(Rsh) is the same as resistivity of shale in the formation. This assumption is not always correct.

! !#- !##

# " / 3"

Mastery Items:

What are the most common combinations of well logs to run after reaching total depth?

What logs are run for production purposes?

How are well logs used in mapping?

How are correlations made?

How are lithologies determined using well logs?

How is facies mapping possible using well logs?

Well logs which measure the physical properties of the geological formations and fluids provide
most of the subsurface data available to an exploration geologist. Besides their importance in
completion decisions, they are also invaluable tools for mapping and identifying lithologies. The
techniques presented here can assist geologists with lithologic determination and mapping. These
techniques are especially important to a geologist when lithologic data from cores or samples are
unavailable.
)

1/

The gamma ray log (Chapter V) measures the natural radiation of a formation, and primarily
functions as a lithology log. It helps differentiate shales (high radioactivity) form sands,
carbonates, and anhydrites (low radioactivity). The neutron log is a porosity device that is used
to measure the amount of hydrogen in a formation (Chapter IV). The density log is a porosity
device that measures electron density (Chapter IV). When these three logs are used together (i.e.
Combination Gamma Ray Neutron-Density log), lithologies can be determined.
31

The M-N* plot requires a sonic log along with neutron and density logs. The sonic log is a
porosity log (Chapter IV) that measures interval transit time. A sonic log, neutron log, and
density log are all necessary to calculate the lithology dependent variables M* and N*. M* and N*
values are essentially independent of matrix porosity (sucrosic and intergranular).
3 /:
The MID* (Matrix Identification) plot, like the M-N* is a crossplot technique which helps
identify lithology and secondary porosity. Also, like M-N* plot, the MID* plot requires data from
neutron, density, and sonic logs.
The first step in constructing a MID* plot is to determine values for the apparent matrix
parameters (ma) and (tma).
Once obtained, apparent matrix parameters (ma) and (tma) are plotted on the MID* plot (Fig.
47). The data points form a cluster defined by the end-members: anhydrite, dolomite, and

limestone. The lithology is an anhydritic limey dolomite. The three points that plot above the
dolomite-limestone line indicate secondary porosity.

"

The spontaneous potential (SP) log (Chapter II) can be used to map clean sands (shale-free)
versus shaly sands. The technique is called Alpha mapping ( ; Dresser Atlas, 1974), and is
based on the observation that the presence of shale in a formation decreases the SP response.
The alpha method can be extremely valuable in mapping because it can allow you to more
narrowly define desirable zones. Alpha values from nearby wells can be used to construct clean
sand (high energy) maps.
To construct an Alpha map, first calculate the static spontaneous potential (SSP) that a sand
would have, if it was 100% shale-free and unaffected by bed thickness.
Next, determine alpha values by the method shown in Figure 48.
The resulting alpha () map delineates clean sand environments. In the above example (in Fig.
48), the greater alpha thickness for a given alpha cut-off indicates a greater thickness of higher
energy, low-shale sandstone. Also, because the presence of shale in a sandstone can cause a loss
of permeability, an alpha map is indicative of better reservoir conditions.
The problem with alpha mapping from an SP log is that SP response is decreased, not only by
shale, but also by thin beds (<10 feet) and the presence of hydrocarbons (Chapter II). Bed
thickness problems are minimized by making an SP log bed thickness correction (Chapter II).
But, the SP log cant be corrected for hydrocarbons.
)

The gamma ray log can be used to map clean (shale-free) sandstones or carbonates versus shaly
sandstones and carbonates. Because shales are more radioactive than clean sandstones or
carbonates (Chapter V), when the percentage of shale increases in these rock types, the gamma
ray reading also increases. Because the bioherm facies is composed of clean carbonate relative to
the non-bioherm facies, the gamma ray log can be used to map the bioherm facies.
A gamma ray API value of 20 on the gamma ray log (Fig. 49) will represent clean carbonate
with a volume of shale (Vsh) equal to or less than 5%. By drawing a vertical line on the gamma
ray log equal to 20 API units (Fig. 49), the geologist can be identify and map the clean carbonate
(or sand).
7

An important contribution to subsurface analysis of carbonate rocks has been the attempt to
establish relationships between log responses and carbonate facies. The crossplots have been

used to establish log versus lithology relationships only when petrographic data is available from
cores or cuttings in selected wells. Petrographic analysis from selected wells is essential to firmly
establish rock type.
When establishing log/lithology relationships, log responses from control wells (i.e. wells with
petrographic analysis) are crossplotted. Next, areas that delineate rock-type clusters are outlined
(see Fig. 51) on the corssplot. Finally, log responses from wells without cores or cutting are
added to the crossplot. The carbonate rock type and depositional environment of wells without
petrographic analysis can be determined by the cluster in which each occurs on the crossplot hart
(see Fig. 51).
The advantage of log crossplot techniques is that they maximize use of available information.
Cores and cuttings are required from only a few control wells rather than all wells. This is very
important in subsurface facies mapping because of the difficulty in obtaining cores and cuttings
from every well in an area. Also, because petrographic analysis of every well is unnecessary.
However, it should be emphasized that petrographic analysis of cores or cutting from control
wells is an essential first step to firmly establish the rock-type cluster used in the crossplots.