RESISTIVITY
Resistivity
• The voltage required to cause current of one
amp to pass through a cube having a face
area of one square meter
2
• Units are ohm-m / m; usually ohm-m (Ω.m)
1
Resistivit y =
Conductivi ty
RESISTIVITY – DEFINITION OF THE
OHM-METER
From Halliburton (EL 1007)
DRILLING DISTURBS
FORMATION
• Drilling and rock crushing
– Damage zone
• Mud systems and invasion
– Oil-based mud
Mudcake
• low conductivity mud Damaged zone
• Shallow invasion
• Thin mud cake
– Water-based mud
• Moderate to very conductive mud Invading filtrate
• Shallow to deep invasion
• Thin to thick mud cake
A resistivity tool is affected by
• The invasion of mud filtrate
• Mud in the borehole.
• The resistivity of the shoulder
beds
• Mud cake
All resistivity readings have to
be compensated for these
effects.
From Halliburton, EL 1007)
EFFECTS OF DRILLING AND
MUD FILTRATE INVASION
MUD FILTRATE INVASION
Uninvaded
Zone
(Rt)
Invaded
Zone (Rxo)
Wellbore
Mud
(Rm)
Uninvaded Mud Cake
Zone (Rmc)
(Rt)
Modified from J. Jensen, PETE 321 Lecture Notes
SYMBOLS USED Mud
IN LOG Rm
Adjacent bed
INTERPRETATION
Rs
Uninvaded
zone
hmc Flushed
zone Zone of
Rmc transition R1
or
(Bed dh annulus Rw
thickness)
Mudcake Rxd
Sw
h Rm1
Sxo
Rs
di
dj
Adjacent bed
Resistivity of zone (Invasion diameters)
Resistivity of the water in the zone
Water saturation in the zone Δrj
dh
Hole From NExT, 1999, after Schlumberger
diameter
COMMON TERMINOLOGY
Borehole
Rm : Borehole mud resistivity
Rmc : Mudcake resistivity
Invaded zone
Rmf : Mud filtrate resistivity
Rxo : Invaded zone resistivity
Sxo : Invaded zone water saturation
Uninvaded zone
Rw : Interstitial water resistivity
Rt : Uninvaded zone resistivity
Sw : Uninvaded zone water saturation
RESISTIVITY TOOL APPLICATIONS
• Well to well correlation
• Sxo and Sw computation
• Presence and depth of hydrocarbons
• Estimate moveable hydrocarbon
• Invasion profile analysis / Imaging
RESISTIVITY TOOL FAMILIES
• Electrode tools: electrical current sent by
electrodes into formation
- Requires water-base muds
• Induction tools: generate a magnetic field
that induces a current in the formation
- Oil-base, air, or fresh-water muds
ELECTRODE TOOLS
• Wireline
– Dual Laterolog (LLD & LLS)
– Azimuthal tool (deep and shallow)
– Spherically-focused
– Micro-resistivity
• LWD
– Resistivity at bit
– Side-scanning electrodes
Schlumberger
ELECTRODE TOOL PRINCIPLE
• Electrode emits current, I
– Electrode A
– Green lines give current flow
• Electrodes sense voltage, V
– Electrodes M and N
– Red lines show equipotentials
• Formation resistivity, R
– R = KV/I
– K is tool constant
• Simple model ignores
– Current flows up borehole
– Radial changes in R (invasion)
• View animation file
Dual Laterolog
Deep and Shallow Current Patterns
• Multiple currents
– Measure
– Bucking or guard
• Objectives - to
measure
– Rt - deep msmt LLD
– Rxo & Rt - shallow
LLS
– Without borehole
effect
– Without shoulder
effect
RECENT TOOL
AZIMUTHAL
RESISTIVITY
Features
• Thin bed analysis:
VR < 1 ft
• Various depths of
investigation
• Azimuthal
resistivity
• Applications
• Fracture detection
• Rt in dipping beds
SPHERICALLY FOCUSED
RESISTIVITY MEASUREMENT
• SFL gives shallow
resistivity
• Usually run with
induction
• Good for thin-bed
detection
• Different order of
electrodes than
laterolog
FLUSHED ZONE MEASUREMENTS - 1
• Pad-type tools
– Pads reduce borehole
effects
– Mud cake may still be
problem
• Very shallow
resistivity
– 2 to 5 cm typical
• Several types...
FLUSHED ZONE MEASUREMENTS - 2
• Microlog
• Two msmts, R1x1
and R2
• No current
focusing
• Not for Rxo
• High resolution
• Mudcake detector
– R1x1 < R2
– Shows permeable
zones
FLUSHED ZONE MEASUREMENTS - 3
• MicroSFL
• One msmt, RMSFL
• Current focusing
• Rxo
• Good resolution
• Small mud cake
effect
FLUSHED ZONE MEASUREMENTS - 4
• Other types of focused Rxo
– Microlaterolog
– Microguard
– Proximity
• Electromagnetic propagation
– Uses EM waves
– Measures conductivity and propagation
– Ultra-high frequencies
• Borehole scanners
– Multi-pad
– Image of borehole wall
MICRORESISTIVITY TOOLS
• Have a very high vertical resolution
(~ 2 in. )
• Have a very small depth of
investigation (a few inches)
• Mostly pad mounted
• Measurements are in the invaded
zone only
• Affected by mudcake on the borehole
wall
MICRORESISTIVITY TOOLS
The microresistivity
tool is the Short
Guard on this log.
Most
microresistivity
logs are very spiky
because they have
a very high vertical
resolution (~ 2 in.)
Good for thin-bed
identification
From Halliburton, EL 1007)
MICRORESISTIVITY
TOOLS
Microresistivity log is the
Micro SFL on this log
Microresistivity tools read only
flushed/invaded zones with a
depth of investigation of a few
inches
Note how the MSFL log
reading is nearly constant
even though the LLD and LLS
logs have a profile inversion
This due to the fact that the
MSFL reads only mud filtrate
saturated formation
From Halliburton, EL 1007)
INDUCTION LOGS
• Induction log was originally developed to
measure formation resistivity in
boreholes containing oil-based muds
• Electrode devices (conventional electric
logs) do not work in non-conductive
muds
• The induction log had many advantages;
thus, it is now run in OBM and fresh
WBM wells
INDUCTION LOGS
• Induction logging devices are focused to
minimize influence of borehole and
surrounding formations
• Designed for deep investigation to
determine Rt
• New induction log devices are being
developed using improved electronics,
telemetry, and computer processing
INDUCTION LOGS
• Several types
– Dual Induction - ILD and ILM
– Phasor/High Resolution Induction
• HRD, HRM (H)
• IDPH, IMPH (S)
– Dielectric induction
– Array Induction
– EWR/CDR
• All have similar physical principle...
INDUCTION PRINCIPLE - 1
• Basic transformer
• Transmitter coils
3 eR
RECEIVER
COIL
HL
– Current, IT
– Creates mag. Field, 2
HT UNIT
GROUND LOOP
It
• Formation
currents, It
– Caused by HT
– Create mag. Field, HL TRANSMITTER HT
IT
COIL
1
• Receiver coils
– Sense HL
– Output voltage eR
INDUCTION PRINCIPLE - 2
• Voltage, eR, proportional to C
• Resistivity computed as
1000
R(ohm − m ) =
C (mmho m )
• Similar to laterolog tools, induction tools are
focused
• Depth of measurement depends on
– Frequency
• Older tools, one freq – approx. 20 kHz
• Newer tools, multiple frequencies
– Number, position of coils
Induction-Electrical
Log Presentation-
Old Style
• Linear scales
• Conductivity track 3
• Resistivity track 2
• Short normal
– Unfocused shallow
– Bed definition
• Induction Rt
DUAL
INDUCTION
PRESENTATION
- NEWER STYLE -
• Logarithmic scale
• Resistivity track 2/3
• Deep Induction Rt
• Med induction Rxo & Rt
INDUCTION
PRESENTATION-
NEWEST STYLE
• Logarithmic scale
• Five induction msmts
• Allows for transition
zone
INDUCTION
SFL TOOL
WIRELINE vs LWD TOOLS
• Environment critical
Steel Resistivity vs Freq.
• LWD
2.00E-03
– Borehole and formation
Resistivity, ohm-m
1.50E-03
• Little invasion
• Small borehole effect 1.00E-03
5.00E-04
– Equipment 0.00E+00
0 2 4 6 8 10
• Steel collars, bit
Freq, MHz
• Few/no electrodes
– Shallow (20-60 in.), high-
freq.
WIRELINE vs LWD TOOLS
• Wireline
– Borehole and formation
• Moderate to deep invasion
• Moderate to significant borehole effect
– Equipment
• Fiberglass/plastic tools
• Many electrodes
• Variable DOI (10-90 in.)
• Various frequencies
• Pad or mandrel
• Tool development
– Early LWD copied wireline
– Different environment required new designs
INDUCTION PRINCIPLE - 1
• Basic transformer
• Transmitter coils
– 20 kHz fed to
transmitter coil
3 eR
RECEIVER
COIL
• Generates alternating HL
magnetic field that causes
circular current that flows 2
UNIT
in formation GROUND LOOP
• creates magnetic field It
• Induces voltage
• Receiver coils
– Induced voltage from
TRANSMITTER HT
magnetic field
– Output voltage eR
IT
COIL
1
• Induced voltage
proportional to
conductivity
Dual Laterolog
Deep and Shallow Current Patterns
• Multiple currents
– Measure
– Bucking or guard
• Objectives - to
measure
– Rt - deep msmt LLD
– Rxo & Rt - shallow
LLS
– Without borehole
effect
– Without shoulder
effect
Laterlolog vs. Induction Log
• When to Use Laterolog
– Seawater or brine mud is in hole
– Rmf/Rw ratio less than 3
– Formation resistivities > 200 ohm-m
– Bed thickness less than 10 ft.
SYMBOLS USED Mud
IN LOG Rm
Adjacent bed
INTERPRETATION
Rs
Uninvaded
zone
hmc Flushed
zone Zone of
Rmc transition R1
or
(Bed dh annulus Rw
thickness)
Mudcake Rxd
Sw
h Rm1
Sxo
Rs
di
dj
Adjacent bed
Resistivity of zone (Invasion diameters)
Resistivity of the water in the zone
Water saturation in the zone Δrj
dh
Hole From NExT, 1999, after Schlumberger
diameter
COMMON TERMINOLOGY
Borehole
Rm : Borehole mud resistivity
Rmc : Mudcake resistivity
Invaded zone
Rmf : Mud filtrate resistivity
Rxo : Invaded zone resistivity
Sxo : Invaded zone water saturation
Uninvaded zone
Rw : Interstitial water resistivity
Rt : Uninvaded zone resistivity
Sw : Uninvaded zone water saturation
RESISTIVITY PROFILES
• Separation of deep and shallow resistivity curves
suggests presence of a permeable formation
• If the formation pore fluid is more resistive than
the mud filtrate, then Rdeep > Rshallow, irrespective
of the type of tool (e.g., the profile in hydrocarbon
bearing layers, with a saline water-based mud in
the borehole)
• If the mud filtrate is more resistive, the Rshallow is
greater than Rdeep (e.g., logging a fresh water
bearing formation with an OBM in the wellbore)
• Across shale zones, there is no separation,
because there is no permeability and hence, no
invasion. All resistivity readings STACK in shales
DUAL INDUCTION LOG
Here, the deep
resistivity reads
lower than the
shallow, indicating
a lower pore fluid
resistivity
Rw<Rmf
Also note a slight
separation
between the deep
and shallow
profiles, indicating
invasion
From Halliburton, EL 1007)
Note separation
between the shallow
and deep resistivity.
The deep resistivity is
mostly affected by the
virgin/uninvaded
zone.
The shallow is
affected most by the
flushed zone.
A separation between
the resistivity curves
indicates invasion and
hence shows that the
formation is
permeable.
From Halliburton, EL 1007)
DUAL LATEROLOG PROFILE
Deep is reading higher than
the shallow laterolog.
Suggests the presence of
hydrocarbons ( or a more
resistive pore fluid as
compared to the mud filtrate)
O/WC Here, deep resistivity reading
is lower than shallow
Laterolog or Micro SFL. This
is due to the mud filtrate
being more resistive than the
formation pore fluid.
From Halliburton, EL 1007)
Typical resistivity profile, resistivity pore fluid > resistivity mud filtrate
From Halliburton, EL 1007)
THE EFFECTS OF INVASION ON FLUID
SATURATION
BOREHOLE
SHALE
100
Oil
Sxo
Filtrate
(Rmf)
Sw Formation Water (Rw)
0
Distance
Borehole
Wall SHALE
Difference between Sxo and Sw indicates movable hydrocarbons
From Halliburton, EL 1007)
Original After
Conditions
1.00
Invasion • Change in pore
fluid saturations
Residual Residual after invasion.
Sxo = 70%
Oil Oil
• A difference in Sxo
0.70 and Sw indicates
movable
Moveable (Sxo – Sw)= Mud hydrocarbon.
40% Filtrate
Oil
0.30
40% moveable HC
Connate Sw = 30%
Mud
Water Filtrate
0.0
From Halliburton, EL 1007)
SUMMARY
• Two families of resistivity devices
– Electrode tools
– Induction tools
• Resistivity devices
– Latero/Guard logs
– Spherically focused
– Microresistivity
– Resistivity at bit (MWD)
• Induction
– Older dual induction
– Newer multi-frequency, signal enhanced
devices
– EWR/CDR LWD
SUMMARY
Resistivity devices Used to
– Determine permeable zones
– Discriminate HC vs water saturated zones
– Determine Sw
– Estimate moveable hydrocarbons
– Determine resistivity porosity
– Correlate strata
Induction Logs
– Should be run in non-salt saturated mud where Rmf > 3
Rw
– Run where resistivity < 200 ohm-m
– Run with oil-based drilling mud
Laterolog or Dual Laterologs
– Should be run in salt-saturated drilling mud where Rmf ~
Rw
– Run where resistivity > 200 ohm-m
– Run where thin beds are present
E.T. O’Daniel 28 (1U interval – Horizontal log section)
E.T. O’Daniel 28 (1U interval – Horizontal core section 1)
7390 ft
E.T. O’Daniel 28 (1U interval – Horizontal core section 2)
7407 ft
E.T. O’Daniel 28 (1U interval – Horizontal core section 3)
7417 ft
UBI FMI
UBI
vs.
FMI
UBI Shows
Topography
FMI Shows
Resistivity
Courtesy of Steve Hansen, Schlumberger
Quantitative Fracture Analysis
BOREHOLE 0 90 180 270 360
N E S W N
Planar features are expressed
by ellipses on borehole walls
which are expressed as sine
waves
Steepness of ellipses reflect
the dip magnitude and
orientation
Apparent strike and dip For straight hole:
relate to amplitudes and •Dip magnitude is proportional
inflections in sine waves to amplitude of sine wave
•Dip azimuth is located at
minimum of sine wave
TD: 530 / 2700 W
David Spain (1998)
Fracture
Aperture
Courtesy of Steve Hansen, Schlumberger
Faults
on Fracture
FMI Trace
TD: 62/304
Normal fault
Striking:
N25E-S25W
Down to WNW
Courtesy of Steve Hansen, Schlumberger
Rock Island 4-H, Horizontal Core
Mike Dempsey and John Lorenz Describing Core
HORIZONTAL CORE / FMI
HORIZONTAL CORE / FMI
FMI Log of 15,290’-15,330’ Horizontal Section
TOP OF REPEAT CONDUCTIVE
FAULT
MARINE SECTION NATURAL
SAND FRACTURES
SHALE
