SPWLA 44 th Annual Logging Symposium, June 22-25, 2003

C L U S T E R I N G RESISTIVITY RATIOS FOR SATURATION E V A L U A T I O N AND IMPROVED P E R M E A B I L I T Y AND FACIES PREDICTIONS Philippe Rabiller, Consultant, Hugues Thevoux-Chabuel, Paradigm

ABSTRACT So far, whatever the increasing importance of the NMR role, the reserve evaluation process is mostly based upon the interpretation of Rt and Rxo values derived from resistivity logs. For many geoscientists lacking strong petrophysical experience, this task often appears daunting and tedious, despite most of them intuitively interpret the separation of the resistivity curves to delineate Hc impregnated zones and qualitatively characterize their porous network. In the method we describe here, the ratios of Resistivity measurements (conventional and/or array) of different depth of investigation are clustered and ordered using MRGC to obtain what we term "invasion profiles". A simple cross-plots reconnaissance technique, extrapolated from the familiar "tornado chart", is proposed to interpret the "invasion profile log" and relate it to saturation and permeability. In best case, Capillary Pressure may also be addressed by the method. The "invasion profile log" can easily be combined with nuclear, sonic and NMR logs to characterize reservoir in a synthetic way associating mineralogy and texture to fluid flow properties and saturation. Thus it provides the geoscientist with a direct detection of hydrocarbon and a ranking of the reservoir by porosity, permeability and capillary pressure. Delineation of zones for pay summary computation is made easily and without any operator bias because all the information available to petrophysicists is algorithmically processed without any a priori parameter. Permeability prediction and geologic facies characterization by clustering technique benefit from this new method. Indeed: the use of the invasion profile log as an interpolator not only eliminates the need to build different models for water and hydrocarbon impregnated zones but also incorporate information directly documenting the invasion process and hence the flow dynamic.

Invasion profiles are related to permeability which is controlled by grain size and rock texture and thus reflect depositional energy: an important parameter for the sedimentologists. The method is illustrated using field examples. 1. INTRODUCTION The results presented here stem from our investigation on how to use Resistivity logs for reservoir characterization in term of sedimentary bodies and flow units. It is a contribution to the efforts meant at providing reservoir geologists with an objective and accurate description of geologic formations, based on log data and pertinent in term of rock mineralogy, porous network and fluid content. Our investigation heavily relies on the use of partitioning methods and pattern recognition techniques to process all available log or core data whatever their type: continuous variables (curves, array or images) or discrete (usually ordinal) variables. We use the terms of "electrofacies" (Serra & Abbot, 1981) or "log types" to refer to the elements of such partitions. Should our objective be met, the methodology would not only improve electrofacies description but too will allow a better permeability prediction. This by providing unbiased criteria and a consistent delineation method to define pay summary, sedimentary bodies and flow units The interpretation method of resistivity ratio clustering exposed below is based on the consistency of patterns observed on a large number of examples from all type of lithology and depositional environment. It has been tested on several field surveys, and provided with geologically meaningful information. However we admit that it can be improved. In this view, we propose it to other geoscientists as an invitation to further explore this field of work. Petrophysicists are primarily concerned by porosity and saturation estimate, to this purpose they designed advanced probabilistic methods requiring computation of mineral proportions in order to correct mineralogic side

SPWLA 44 th Annual Logging Symposium, June 22-25, 2003

effects on porosity logs. However the mineralogic composition is usually given in terms of weight percentage of a few "pseudo-minerals". More than often, not only it fails to capture the essence of actual lithology but too its practical relevance for sedimentary bodies' characterization is somewhat limited. As far as geologic characterization is concerned, their main limitations can be summarized as follows: Mineralogic composition is insufficient to characterize a sediment. Results display does not fit sedimentologist's needs. Beds are not delineated Saturation computation is based solely on the Rt/Ro ratio and the geologic information possibly contained in the patterns of resistivity curves separation, is left unexplored. The parameters required being set and the several log responses equations and saturation equation to choose from appear almost unrelated to sedimentologist's scope of work. As a consequence their use is not really appealing to geologists and somehow restricted to petrophysicists at the expense of the so much needed synergy between the two professions. Geologists use logs for stratigraphic correlations and facies mapping. They primarily focus their attention on curves shape to diagnose evolutions of sedimentary environment. Most usually, because fluid effects on logs are considered as a nuisance, resistivity logs are not used for facies characterization. Among the many excuses invoked by geologists, the following are the most commonly offered: Resistivity logs are chiefly sensitive to electrolyte content and complex invasion phenomena which are also controlled by mud properties, time, and hydrostatic equilibrium between mud column and formation fluids. Permeability or capillary pressure curves are not the sedimentologists' preferred information to characterize facies.

processes through grain size and pore size distribution (partly reflected by "Vsh"). Therefore, value of resistivity logs for geologists is exemplified. As the relevance and efficiency of any reservoir model is contingent upon consistency between geology and petrophysic, the need for a facies description methodology integrating resistivity logs must be fulfilled. Defining facies bearing information on porous network requires permeability to be taken into account. Further, finding a mean to attach Capillary Pressure information to each electrofacies is most desired. In conventional methods, permeability is derived from logs by means of deterministic models involving successive computation of shaliness, porosity and saturation; relevance of results obtained at each step is conditioned by the choices made on equations and parameters used in the previous step. Permeability computed this way can be clustered with other logs to obtain electrofacies that can be labeled in term of porous network properties. Here, we propose to directly combine, with other logs, the information on permeability born by resistivity logs. Such approach drastically reduces time and expertise devoted to an electrofacies survey. The method is presented in the light of currently available methods for resistivity log interpretation. Both its benefits and what makes it fail to provide solution are reviewed. 2. INVASION P R O F I L E S
2.1. Invasion Profiles and resistivity overlay method

By disregarding logs most subject to fluid effects, geologists tend to produce "subdivisions of formations based upon solely lithostratigraphic criteria [which] frequently fail to capture the petrophysical variability of the rock adequately" (B.P. MOSS 1997). However, it is worth noting that a petrophysicist, using permeability measurements to control saturation computations (in silici-clastic formations), implicitly acknowledges that saturation is primarily controlled by sedimentary

In this paper we will use the term of "proximal" to refer to the resistivity curve which reading is most representative of the formation closest to the borehole wall, yet not too affected by mudcake; in most cases "proximal" is the curve providing with "Rxo" in reservoir formations. The term "medium" refers to a resistivity curve with a depth of investigation intermediate between the deep and proximal curves, typically the Laterolog "shallow". Whenever working on a field-scale multi-well analysis, curves most appropriate to represent "proximal" and "medium" must be chosen on the basis of the similarity of their respective geometric factors. Before computational power became easily available, the quick look "resistivity overlay" as a widespread method, exemplifying the effectiveness of pattern recognition technique for resistivity curves interpretation. Indeed, the graphic separation between "deep" and "proximal" resistivity curves, printed on logarithmic scale, provides with immediate clue on the importance of the invasion phenomenon, hence on the capability of a porous network to let fluids flow through

SPWLA 44 th Annual Logging Symposium, June 22-25, 2003

it. Curves separation is intuitively interpreted in term of hydrocarbons saturation. With a "clean" aquifer zone identified, an assumed m and n values, and knowledge of Rmf, Sw is readily approximated in clean layers by means of a simple logarithmic transparent scale. Many geologists were familiar to the resistivity overlay method and used it to delineate beds and pay zones. More than often they also used it to characterize depositional sequences. Due to limitations inherent to 2D graphic representation, resistivity overlay method does not use the shallow resistivity reading. The latter only provides guidance on how much needed it is to correct deep resistivity for invasion, prior solving saturation equations. The assumption that hydrostatic conditions, mudcake properties, hydrocarbon viscosity, mud filtrate and formation water salinities are constant in a homogeneous reservoir over a limited depth interval, leads to consider time elapsed between drilling and logging operations (Breitmeier & al., 1989) and porous network characteristics of the formation as the main variables controlling the invasion phenomenon shown by the evolution of formation electrolyte content away from borehole wall. Because effect of time is cancelled by recording simultaneously all resistivity measurements, porous network characteristics can be viewed as the remaining sole control of disparity observed in formation resistivity distribution. For the sake of convenience we will use the term of "invasion profile" to refer to such a distribution of resistivity values (whatever their number) ordered by increasing depth of investigation. Resistivity overlay method evidences that description of invasion profiles by resistivity ratios lends itself to easy interpretation. Indeed the ratios document the shape of the profile independently of its absolute position on resistivity scale. The profile shape is controlled by porous network characteristics; the profile position along the resistivity scale, is controlled by mud filtrate and formation water salinities. Resistivity overlay method relies on "deep/proximal" ratio only (on depth display) and "Tomado" charts use 2 ratios to correct for invasion and define Rt/Rxo. Here we use 3 ratios, "deep/proximal", "deep/shallow" and "shallow /proximal" to describe invasion profiles. This allows: Canceling the effect of porosity and cementation factor on resistivity readings to focus on saturation only. The porosity and cementation factor independency of the ratio Rt/Rxo is demonstrated using Archie equation: Sw n = F * (Rw / Rt) and Sxo n F * (Rmf / Rxo) where F = af(I )m Rt/Rxo can be rewritten as Rt/Rxo =
=

(Rw/Rmf)*(Sxo/Sw) n The same apply to two other ratios. Partly offsetting environmental effects (hole diameter smaller than 16 inches and beds thicker than 4 feet) but in the depth intervals with caves or rugosity. Taking full advantage of the different vertical resolution and depth of investigation of the tools to infer information on rock texture at the scale of the largest investigated volume, i.e.: define whether beds are resolved or not by medium or deep proximity reading, and consequently by any other logs having a similar resolution power. Overcoming the "resistivity overlay" limitations originating from its 2D (resistivity ratio and depth) graphic representation. The possibility to bypass environmental correction if Rm, Rmf information is lost.

Invasion profiles can be defined in much the same way from Array Resistivity readings. Experience gained at the current stage of our investigation supports the idea that using the ratios with proximal curve a s denominator suffices. Indeed our ability to fully exploit information brought out by increasing number of resistivity does not grow as fast as the number of possible log ratios and, as a consequence, no specific chart is available to exploit all such ratios taken severally.
2.2. Using inductive method

Ensuring consistency of facies description can only be achieved if the data structure of characteristics of interest is recognized and fully accounted for, which can be obtained by clustering simultaneously all available log data. On these premises we based the methodology described here, on an inductive, naturalistic and observational approach relying on the combined use of clustering method and pattern recognition techniques whose value for petrophysic has already been advocated by Pickett (1973). In this approach, the perception of patterns emerging in log space and in stratigraphic evolution of one or more variables is the key for their understanding in terms of geology which may not directly reflect the physical principle of the sensors used for the measurements. The possibility to distinguish laminated, conglomeratic and homogeneous textures in turbiditic formation, through the examination of NMR T2 amplitude distribution, illustrates this assertion (Rabiller & al., 2001). However, the sheer size and complexity of the data sets offered to the examination often preclude the perception of patterns. Thus, partitioning the data sets in natural groups of measurements and ordering them is

SPWLA 44 th Annual Logging Symposium, June 22-25, 2003

required somehow or other. However the apparent complexity must be simplified while retaining all possible clues for further understanding. [0]The Multi Resolution Graph Clustering method or MRGC (Ye & Rabiller, 2000) was proposed to perform that task. Because MRGC is non parametric and devoid of random or operator controlled initialization processes, the partition obtained is only constrained by data structure. As a result, the image of data structure yield by MRGC sharply reflects the natural ordering of geological system at its origin and facilitates its identification by means of stratigraphic concepts developed by geologists. 3. DEFINING INVASION P R O F I L E S AND CLUSTERING INVASION P R O F I L E S W I T H O T H E R LOGS Computing the resistivity ratio, "deep/proximal", "deep/shallow" and "shallow /proximal", is the first processing step of the method. It is useful to display these ratios with respect to depth. The second step consists in clustering the resistivity ratios using MRGC. Each cluster is assigned an indicial number automatically ordered (Ye & Rabiller, submitted to "Petrophysics") according to the cluster position within the 3 dimensions log space defined by resistivity ratios. Due to this ordering, when plotted as a discrete ordinal curves with depth (Fig 3, track 7), the indices display pattems as much compelling to search for understanding as those evidenced by the resistivity overlay method. For the sake of brevity, we will use the " R R - C I L " acronym (Resistivity Ratio Cluster Index Log) to refer to this suite of indices. Experience indicates that interpretation is made easier if at least 2 clustering models are available: a low resolution model with a minimum of 10 partitions and a higher resolution model with a minimum of 20 partitions. The low resolution model is used as starting point in the interpretative step. The higher resolution model is interpreted in the light of the lower resolution model and used in the third processing step. Labeling each cluster of invasion profiles is performed by iterative visual examination of depth display and interpretation of its position on multivariate cross-plots color coded for RR-CIL, including those involving core data. The third step of data processing consists in clustering the RR-CIL together with logs such as GR, Neutron Density Separation, Density or Sonic "Dt", to name only the most common and simple log combination. Whenever such logs are available, it is also worth clustering NMR T2 distribution (Ye & Rabiller, 2000)

or spectral GR (U, K, Th logs), and incorporate the corresponding cluster index logs to this 3rd step of processing. In so doing all logs are partitioned simultaneously without any operator bias or constrain other than the data structure itself; henceforth the final partition is consistent in term of all logs responses (Fig 3, track 8 and 9). Eventually each cluster is assigned a group of petrophysic characteristics deduced from its position on cross plots or possibly calibrated on available core data. This group of characteristics can be summarized by a geological label such as "clean medium porosity, low permeability, thinly laminated sandstone". A more detailed labeling in term of sedimentology can be made if the cluster is found to be systematically associated to a given position in the stratigraphic suite of facies; as an example, if the interpreter notices that a "ankeritic compact sandstone" is always found on top of a rapid variation from high to low GR values occurring at the base of a GR increasing upward suite of values, then he might refer to it as a "channel lag". An example of such a 3 steps processing of log data recorded in North Sea Mid Jurassic formations, presented in fig 3 (depth display) and fig 4 (Cross plots), is used to present the method and demonstrate its relevance by comparing the obtained results with core porosity and permeability measurements. Track headers of Fig. 3 are detailed in table 1. Refer to table 2 for facies description corresponding to color coding displayed on bottom of Fig 3. Whenever displayed on Cross plots defined by axis being a combination of any 2 of the 3 resistivity ratios, and color coded for RR-CIL, data points will appear to form color clouds with clear frontiers. If resistivity ratio clusters are plotted, for example on an Nphi-Rhob crossplot their frontier will appear diffuse. Diffusiveness is contingent on at least two factors. First factor is the aptitude of the clustering method to reveal data structure. Second factor is the relationship between the information born by the clustered logs and the logs defining the projection plane. If one or more of the clustered logs inform on rock properties supposedly unrelated to the logs defining the projection plane then color clouds may appear diffuse. Note also that data points forming diffuse color clouds on a given cross plots may appear distributed with a simple stratigraphic logic on a depth display. In any case the consistency of the pattems observed on cross plots and depth displays substantiate both the efficiency of a clustering method to account for data structure and the strength of the interrelationship evidenced between information born by different logs. On figure 4, 6 cross plots are displayed involving 10 dimensions (8 logs and 2 cores measurements) with a color coding for clusters defined

SPWLA 44 th Annual Logging Symposium, June 22-25, 2003

from 7 logs. Pattern consistency between all cross plots and depth display of fig 3 and 4 is left to the appreciation of the reader. 4. I N T E R P R E T A T I O N PROFILES OF THE INVASION

4.1. The "modified tornado chart" or "MT plot"

To help interpreting Resistivity Ratio clusters, we introduce here a new Cross-plot formed by plotting on logarithmic scale the ratios "deep/proximal" and "deep/shallow" on X and Y axis respectively, each point being color coded for RR-CIL (See fig :la). Geoscientists proficient with the environmental correction of resistivity are likely to find this cross plot familiar. Indeed its Y axis is the inverse of (Laterolog) tornado chart X axis and its X axis is comparable to the inverse of tomado chart Y axis, the sole difference being that "deep/proximal" ratio is used instead of Rt/Rxo. The "tomado" proper, subjected to a 90 clockwise rotation and symmetry around a horizontal axis, may be transferred on the new cross-plot. Due to the resemblance with Tomado Chart we will refer to the new cross plot as the "modified Tornado chart" or "MT Plot". Ergonomics suggested that the graphic representation of invasion profile conforms to the convention used for pseudo 3D depth display of resistivity array, NMR or other histogram, as illustrated in fig.2a. (Rabiller & al., 2001). The change of axis does not affect the interpretation of "MT plot" by means of rules developed for the conventional tornado chart. MT plot proved itself to be the most informative of the 3 cross plots that can be formed with the 3 resistivity ratios taken 2 by 2. The interpretative rules proposed below for MT plot apply to data recorded in wells drilled perpendicularly to the bedding. So far we have not investigated on how they could be applied and further developed for data recorded in highly deviated wells.
4.1.1. Resistivity ratios recorded in W B M

When the resistivity ratios recorded in a well drilled with water based mud are plotted on the MT plot, (see Fig lb, and refer to fig 3 and table 1 and 2 for facies color coding and description; fig 3 is a depth display of same data set), it is possible to identify clusters representative of:
Water productive clean zones (Electrofacies 30). Provided they are thick enough to be resolved by logs, water productive clean zone appear as tight cluster(s) having low and identical "Deep/Med" and "Deep/Prox" ratio. Wherever they do exist in a

well, iterative examination of both color coded depth display and cross-plots makes their identification a quick and easy task.. Aquifers with disparate salinity would form different clusters. Rw/Rmf value for such aquifer(s) is indicated by "Deep/Prox" ratio value of the(it) cluster(s). MT plot interpretation is made easier if by a simple graphic overlay the "tomado" apex is located on the cluster's kernel representative of a productive aquifer. This cancels effect of disparate salinity between mud filtrate and formation water. Although the complete interpretation process described here can be performed on resistivity ratios proper, it is suggested to recalibrate resistivity ratio so that ratios read in the water bearing reservoir are all set to 1. For multi-well application this is mandatory, see chapter 6. Tight beds (Electrofacies 3), compact beds (Electrofacies 21 - " c h a n n e l lag") and shale (Electrofacies 4 to 13 and 17 to 20). They appear as clusters with the three ratios "Deep/Med" and "Deep/Prox" and "Med/Prox" ratio equal to or slightly scattered around 1. Shaly facies may plot in different area of MT plot according to shale hydrocarbon content. Indeed wherever shale is undergoing abnormal pressure, hydraulic microfractures may develop and be impregnated by hydrocarbons dismigrating from the encased hydrocarbons reservoirs. Such a phenomenon is exemplified here. MT plot is able to separate two groups of shaly facies, the first group (4 to 13) is only found below the hydrocarbon reservoir at irreducible saturation, meanwhile the second group (17 to 20) is found inter-bedded with oil bearing reservoir with resistivity ratios indicative of Hc. impregnation. This observation is consistent with those made through the common practice of monitoring hydrocarbon shows in cap rock above hydrocarbon reservoir. Thus MT plot is a valuable tool to characterize waste zone. Intervals made of laminations with strong permeability contrasts and thinner than the depth resolution of medium and deep resistivity. We use the term of "unresolved beds" to refer to such formation which appear as clusters more or less widely scattered around one. Their ratios Deep/prox and Med/prox are usually similar and very different from 1. The ratio Deep/Prox reflects both the contrast of permeability and the proportion of tight beds within the volume investigated by the deep reading. Wherever the laminations thicknesses or the permeability contrast of the latter decrease, all 3 ratios tend towards 1. In such situation porosity logs will help differentiate them from shale or compact beds. An example of such

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SPWLA 44 th Annual Logging Symposium, June 22-25, 2003

unresolved beds is shown on fig l a and on fig 2b (facies 2 and 3 exhibiting large dispersion of MSFL reading). Unresolved beds may signal poor vertical connectivity between layers. In these laminated formations, close examination of how porosity evolves with respect to resistivity provides the sequence stratigrapher with valuable information. Wherever neither NMR nor Borehole imaging data are available, Resistivity Ratio clustering may be the sole indication that over some depth intervals, formation layering is not resolved by nuclear and sonic logs which consequently comprise biased readings. Then facies "calibration on core", porosity permeability relationship surveys and data modeling or calibration by cores data, should only be performed after the core data set has been partitioned in two subsets corresponding to resolved or unresolved beds. Should the data set be partitioned into a number of clusters large enough, bed shoulder will form separate cluster or be attributed to unresolved beds. Clustering is not the most appropriate way to characterize shoulder effect since it is performed in log space and depth is not taken into account. Caves. (Electrofacies 14 to 16) Caves and rugosity may strongly affect tool contact with borehole and proximal resistivity may read mud resistivity Rm. A rugose borehole will be identified by resistivity ratio clusters plotting on the plane defined by the Deep/Prox and Med/Prox axis. Wherever the caves are large enough the resistivity ratio cluster will plot in same area than Hydrocarbon reservoir. The larger the resistivity contrasts between Rm and formation resistivity the greater the ratios Deep/Prox and Med/Prox. Transition zones. (Electrofacies 29) They appear as clusters in the upper left part of MT plot in the close vicinity of the tornado chart apex if the latter is appropriately located on facies kemel representative of water productive zones. Hydrocarbon productive resolved beds. (Electrofacies 24 to 28) They appear as clusters spread on the upper left quarter of the MT plot. We urge the reader to keep in mind that the primary objective of our investigation is to integrate resistivity logs information for improved reservoir characterization and permeability modeling. By no means have we intended to propose a substitute to saturation computation methods. However we do intend to benefit from and rely on existing rules for resistivity interpretation. According to the "flushed Zone Method" and "Invaded Zone Method", the projection of these

clusters onto the MT plot can be ranked in terms of." o Saturation (Sw), according to their positions with respect to the apex of the tornado chart along the deep/prox axis. A "clustered averaged" estimate of their saturation can be read on the MT plot if its Rt/Rxo axis is rescaled using appropriate m and n values, derived from Pickett Plot. o Diameter of invasion, according to their position on tornado curves fanning out from tomado apex and towards increasing deep/med values. One can intuitively understand that for a given saturation or Deep/Prox ratio value the flushing efficiency will increase with increasing invasion diameter.
4.1.2. Resistivity ratios recorded in OBM

In case the resistivity were recorded with induction tools in a well drilled with oil based mud, the same interpretation rules apply, provided the appropriate tomado chart is used and cross plots axis are changed accordingly. However, because it relies on the invasion of the formation by a filtrate whose resistivity contrasts with that of the formation, this method does not bring any substantial improvement over existing methods for interpretation of resistivity.
4.2. Pickett Plot and MT plot

Plotting the resistivity ratio clusters on Pickett plots (PICKETT G.R.; 1973) with RR-CIL color coding is another way to gain insights on how the 3D data structure of resistivity ratio is imaged by the suite of 1D values forming the RR-CIL. Fig. 4c displays a Pickett plot color coded for facies defined in the third step of processing. For sake of clarity shaly facies have been filtered out. Pickett plot and MT plot (fig. 4d) display patterns of facies index that can be understood in very much the same way. Identification of cluster representative of water bearing reservoir is straightforward. Further, data belonging to tight zones, shaly intervals and more particularly unresolved beds being filtered out by means of their facies index, uncertainties on Sw, Rw, a, m and n can be reduced. Indeed, the estimate of the 100% Sw line slope is strongly influenced by measurements recorded in less porous beds, which are often found to be a stack of unresolved altemating compact and porous beds, with biased porosity log readings. Thus defining a single 100% Sw line trough points belonging to two disparate populations, unresolved and resolved beds, is inappropriate to yield Rw, a, m and n values applicable to the latter population. Conversely, in "resolved" beds,

SPWLA 44 th Annual Logging Symposium, June 22-25, 2003

it is possible in a first step to sort out groups of facies corresponding to classes of pore size distribution and in a second step to accurately estimate or calibrate on core data their respective a, m and n values. It is also worth noting that identification of clusters representing different aquifers is made easier since they would definitely plot separately on the Pickett plot.
5. PERMEABILITY, CAPILLARY PRESSURE CURVES AND ELECTROFACIES WITH RR-CIL

Deep/Prox, color coding is for facies, the clear separation between facies demonstrate the strength of relationship between facies, permeability and Deep/Prox ratio indicative of saturation. Thus it shows the consistency between electrofacies and properties of interest to conventional petrophysic. Our observations, results and method are consistent with the conclusions offered by Cheng & al., who proposed the method of "Normalized Resistivity Ratio" (Rn = log {(Rt/Rw)/(Rxo/Rmf)} to characterize reservoir fluid mobility, and predict well productivity indices (PIs). Both methods are "a natural extension of the conventional moved-oil plot method in log analysis that is used to infer zones of maximum permeability and movable hydrocarbon" (Cheng. & al.). Our method makes the use of the concepts developed by Cheng easier. However its main advantage stems from the fact that because all the information contained in the "deep/proximal", "deep/shallow" and "shallow /proximal" ratios being kept separate, the ratio can be interpreted both jointly and severally, thus it provides more details on how the fluids move into the porous network. Indeed all our observations support the idea that the 3 resistivity ratios, by which flushing efficiency and saturation are defined, can be empirically related to the shape of pore-throat size distribution. Further, a greater flushing efficiency signals a pore size distribution comprising at least 2 modes, at the scale investigated by the tool with the shorter spacing; indeed in such case mud-filtrate propagate farther into the formation through largest pores while smaller pores are left uninvaded. Obviously above statements assume that formation was not damaged by "solid blocking" (FERTL, 1981). Wherever pore size distribution is not too complex, identical RR-CIL values characterize depth intervals where RR-CIL can be calibrated on lab measurements and correlated with distinct sets of coefficients and parameters of the relationship P~=A(k/~) -B, (LEVERETT, 1941; Kwon & PICKETT, 1975) or Winland R35 values (KOLODZIE, 1980; PITTMAN, 1992; AGUILERA, 2002). Wherever the pore size distribution is more complex, RR-CIL can help sort out observations for a better understanding of scatter in the Pc - Sw - k/~correlations examined at the scale investigated by logs. Said in other words, RR-CIL values can be used to signal comparable depth intervals wherein the pore size distributions at scale investigated by logs are similar and complex enough to cause difficulties in identifying most appropriate Pc vs. Sw vs. k/~ correlations. Further work is required to fully explore this subject, and particularly to confirm that a sharper image of pore size distribution can be obtained by means of clustering

Several authors have proposed methods to derive permeability from porosity and saturation or irreducible saturation (Tixier, 1949; Wyllie & Rose, 1950; Timur, 1968; Coates & Dumanoir, 1974) interrelationship. Because saturation and residual saturation are information born by the three resistivity curves they are comprised by their ratios and quite expectedly, their ordered clusters reflect the porosity permeability relationship observed on core. Fig. 4e displays core porosity plotted versus Deep/Prox ratio indicative of Sw, color coding is for electrofacies. Note that facies 22-23 (deep purple) exhibit a large scatter of core porosity measurements not reflected by log measurements (see Pickett plot on fig. 4c). A trend can be visually defined through the hydrocarbons reservoir bearing points. As expected, facies 29 (transition zone) and 30 (water bearing reservoir) depart from this trend It is worth noting that facies 26, 27 and 28 scatter around this trend, this denotes they are different rock types. Fig 4f displays core permeability plotted against core porosity and color coded for electrofacies. Fitting a single trend through all these data to define a porosity-permeability law appears a satisfying solution; however it is conflicting with the interpretation of fig 4e. A detailed examination of fig 4f could help define a trend specific to each facies. Our favorite solution to permeability prediction rely on modeling core permeability by means of KNN technique and logs (all logs, including RRC-CIL) as extrapolators; to this purpose forming RR-CIL by partitioning resistivity ratios in a large number of clusters is preferable. Clustering RR-CIL with other logs not only improves prediction in Hydrocarbon zones, it also separates core data corresponding to water and oil bearing zones, thus it is no longer needed to define a specific model for each zone in order to compensate for hydrocarbon effects on neutron and density logs. Track 10 of fig 3 displays permeability modeled using GR, NDS, Dt, Rhob and RR-CIL as extrapolators of core measurements, color coding is for electrofacies; core measurements are displayed as dots. Prediction accounts for core representativity, using STM method (Thevoux-Chabuel & al., 1997), shaly facies are filtered out. Fig. 4d displays predicted permeability versus

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SPWLA 44 th Annual Logging Symposium, June 22-25, 2003

the more finely detailed invasion profiles provided by array resistivity tools. 6. PROCESSING M U L T I W E L L Log typing (electrofacies analysis) is often used in a "multi-well" mode to provide with a consistent image of facies distribution at field scale. Such application calls for a preliminary phase of data homogenization. In case the resistivity of the water formation does not change significantly over the field or at least varies in an identifiable pattem over the field, this task can be easily performed provided a clean water bearing reservoir is identified in each well to serve as a reference. First step of homogenization requires that, for each well, the three resistivity ratios curves are clustered in order to select for each one, the most representative reading in the water bearing reservoir, should the latter exists in the well. Then the values of each resistivity ratio curve are divided respectively by value most representative of water bearing reservoir. In so doing, the ratios Rw/Rmf, which most likely differ from one well to another, are all set to 1, and most of the environmental effects are offset. Thus, if the assumption made on Rw holds true, the change in the "homogenized" resistivity reading only reflect the resistivity changes due to displaced hydrocarbon. The normalization we propose here is a generalization of the method proposed by Cheng & al., to normalize resistivity ratio. 7. APPLICATION TO POROSITY-SATURATION AND PAY SUMMARY So far, two applications have been successfully investigated. First application consists in using the electrofacies to constrain probabilistic methods for porosity and saturation estimate. To this purpose, facies are regrouped according to their mineralogy, shale type, and porous network behavior. Defining a specific probabilistic model for each group has proved faster and easier than fitting a single model to the whole surveyed interval or several models to zones defined by trial and error. Second application consists in defining the "Pay Summary" layering by clustering all available logs including RR-CIL, independently and ahead of the porosity saturation computation. Thus the pay summary is constrained by data structure which has been shown to reveal porous network characteristic not directly available through porosity saturation methods. It is devoid of operator bias, vertical connection between layers and definition of bed thickness threshold being the only exception.

8. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS Our investigation on resistivity ratio addresses one of the many aspects of formation characterization, at field or basin scale, by means of log data, in term of mineralogy, texture and porous network characteristics. It was carried out by means of MRGC clustering which made possible the exploration of the data structure of resistivity ratio without any operator bias. Results obtained so far support the idea that Invasion profile defined from resistivity curves can be partitioned to derive RR-CIL which in mm is partitioned with other available logs. Because they comprise the permeability, and possibly capillary pressure information born by resistivity logs, the electrofacies obtained are consistent in term of lithology and petrophysic. The interpretation technique encompasses well proven concepts: namely the "tornado chart", the resistivity overlay, the "ratio methods" and the Pickett plot. The concept of invasion profile has been made familiar to petrophysicists and geologists through the use of resistivity overlay method. Clustering the 3 resistivity ratios can be viewed as a generalization of the resistivity overlay method. The "MT plot" presents the tomado chart concept in a way consistent with resistivity overlay method and display of array logs such as NMR, Grain Size distribution, or logs resulting from the "histogram up-scaling" method. The method allows sorting out reservoir by their content: water, "transition" and hydrocarbon at irreducible saturation. In hydrocarbon reservoir at irreducible saturation, clusters position on the MT plot is interpreted in term of saturation and invasion diameter. Calibration on core measurements can be used to match RR-CIL with appropriately depth matched pore size distribution representative of the rock volume investigated by resistivity logs. The methods allows identification of unresolved beds signaling possible poor vertical connectivity between layers and pointing out biased nuclear and sonic logs readings inappropriate for formation characterization. Wherever diagenesis is not the main control of porous network, stratigraphic evolution of permeability and cap pressure revealed in the obtained electrofacies column can be interpreted in term of grain size and sorting and related to sedimentary processes. The proposed method is robust with respect to environment corrections and not contingent on knowledge of Rw, Sw or even Rmf and Rm. It does not require any calibration on core material. A simple homogenization technique is proposed for application to multi-well projects.

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Applications of this method to computation of porosity saturation and pay summary and to permeability modeling are proposed.
REFERENCES CITED

Aguilera, R., Incorporating capillary pressure, pore throat aperture radii, height above free water table, and Winland r35 values on Pickett plots, AAPG Bulletin, pp. 605 624, V 86, N4 april 2002, Breitmeier, J.M., Tosch W.C., Adewumi M.A., Miller, M.N, 1989, Investigation of Radial Invasion of Mud Filtrate in Porous Media" paper S, SPWLA 30 th Annual Symposium, Cheng, M. L., Leal, M.A., McNaughton, D., 1999, Productivity Prediction from Well Logs in Variable Grain Size Reservoirs Cretaceaous, Qishn Formation, Republic of Yemen. The Log Analyst, V. 40 N 41 Coates, G.R. & Dumanoir, J.L. A New Approach to Improved Log Derived Permeability, The Log Analyst (Jan.-Feb. 1974) 15, NI. Fertl, W.H., Openhole Crossplot C o n d e p t s - A Powerful Technique in Well Log Analysis, Journal of Petroleum Technology, March 1981 pp. 535-549. Kolodzie Jr, S., 1980, Analysis of pore throat size and the use of the Waxmans-Smits equation to determine OOIP in the Spindle Field, Colorado, SPE 55 th Annual Technology Conference, SPE paper 9382, Kwon. B.S. & Pickett, G.R., A New Pore Structure Model and Pore Structure interrelationships, 1975, paper P, SPWLA 16th Annual Logging Symposium. Leverett, M.C., Capillary Behavior in Porous Solids, pp 152-169 V 142, Transactions of the AIME, 1941 Moss, B.P., 1997, The Partitioning of Petrophysical Data: a Review, in "Developments in Petrophysics" Geological Society Special Publication N122, pp. 181-252 Pickett G.R.; 1973, Pattem Recognition as a Mean of Formation Evaluation: paper A, SPWLA 14th Annual Logging Symposium. Pittman, E., 1992, Relationship of Porosity and Permeability to Various Parameters Derived from Mercury Injection-Capillary Pressure Curves for Sandstone. AAPG Bulletin, pp. 191-198, V 76, N2 February 1992, Rabiller, Ph., Leduc, J.P., Ye, S.J., 2001, The Iterative Use of Clustering and Modeling to Improve Permeability Prediction paper E, SPWLA 42 nd Annual Logging Symposium. Serra, O. & Abbot, H., 1981, The Contribution of Logging Data to Sedimentology and Stratigraphy. SPE of AIME, Transactions 55 th Annual Fall Technology Conference, paper SPE 9270 Thevoux-Chabuel, H., Rabiller, Ph., Veillerette, A., 1997, Multiwell log data coherence characterization

using similarity threshold method, SPWLA 38 th Annual Logging Symposium. Timur, A., An Investigation of Permeability, Porosity, and Residual Water Saturation Relationships, 1968, paper J, SPWLA 9 th Annual Logging Symposium. Tixier, M.P., 1949, Evaluation of Permeability from Electric Log resistivity Gradients, Oil and Gas Journal. (June 16, 1949) Wyllie, M.R.J. & Rose, W.D., 1950, Some Theoretical Considerations Related to the Quantitative Evaluation of the Physical Characteristics of Reservoir Rocks from Electrical Log Data, Journal of Petroleum Technology (April 195), 189. Ye, S.J. & Rabiller, Ph., 2000, A New Tool for Electrofacies Analysis: Multi-Resolution Graph-Based Clustering, paper PP, SPWLA 41 th Annual Logging Symposium. Ye, S.J. & Rabiller, Ph., 2002, Automated Electrofacies Ordering, submitted to "Petrophysics"
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

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The authors are greatly indebted to Paradigm for support received in preparing this paper. In addition the authors gratefully acknowledge Loic Richard and Obren Djordjevic from Paradigm for their advices.
ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Philippe Rabiller graduated from ENSPM (Institut Frangais du P6trole). He joined Elf in 1976, spent 13 years on assignments abroad and led R/D projects on Basin/Prospect evaluation and Shale Sealing Efficiency. In 1992 he received the responsibility of the team in charge of geological and geophysical log applications and developed new methodologies for borehole imagery and facies characterization. Since 2001, his early retirement position allows him to enjoy the thrill of freelance consulting on teaching and R/D. His research interests and activities focus on the application of pattern recognition and signal processing techniques to log data for reservoir characterization and sequence stratigraphy. Hugues Thevoux-Chabuel is currently Project Manager for LWD development for Paradigm in Houston. He is in charge of projects concerning the electrofacies characterization and real-time log interpretation. From 1993 to 1998 he worked for Elf Exploration Production as research scientist on log interpretation methods. From 1998 to 2001 he was LWD Technical Advisor for Baker Hughes Inteq. He received a Ph.D. in Geosciences from the University of Paris VI.

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TABLE 1 TRACK 1 2 3 4 5 6 7
8

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CONTENT Caliper and bit size GR, normalized. Nphi, Rhob, Dt, PHIX-DN Electrofacies defined by MRGC-CFSOM using: Dt, GR, NDS, Rhob Depth (m.) Resistivity: LLd, LLs, MSFL RR-CIL: Resistivity ratio clusters index log Electrofacies defined by MRGC-CFSOM using Dt, GR, NDS, Rhob, and RR-CIL Idem track 8 ; facies 1 and 2 of track 8 are re-indexed as facies 29 and 30. Black curves is for statistically modelled permeability, a base line (red) is set at 100 mD; dots are for core permeability; colour coding is for facies displayed in tracks 8 and 9.

TABLE 2
FACIES DESCRIPTION

3 13 14 - 16 17- 20 21 22 - 23
4 2 4 - 28

Clean quartz sandstone, water beating, good porosity and permeability (homogeneous) Clean quartz sandstone, transition zone, good porosity, medium permeability (scattered) Facies 1 and 2 of Track 8 are re-indexed as facies 29 and 30 in track 9; color coding is unchanged. Tight dolomitic Silts (4) grading to silty shale (13) in water zone Shaly facies with important cavings. Shale (17) grading to silty shale (20) in oil beating zone. Compact fine sandstone and silts, carbonate cemented, channel lag. Compact fine sandstone and silt carbonate cemented (diagenetic) Clean sandstone, medium porosity and permeability (24) grading to good porosity and permeability. Oil beating

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