Resistivity Logs

AH - ISMD

If we consider electrode A to be a point source for current, and if it

is in a homogeneous conducting medium of infinite extent, and if
electrode B is at an infinite distance from electrode A, the current
will flow spherically from A.

A Point electrode placed any distance from A will, therefore,

define an equipotential sphere. Electrodes M and N. therefore,
define two such equipotential spheres of radii 1M and IN from
electrode A, respectively. The potentials at these equipotential
spheres defined by M and N are EM and EN respectively .

AH - ISMD

Schematic of potential distribution

for current flow in indefinite,
homogeneous, conducting medium.
AH - ISMD

Resistivity Devices
Normal device :
In the normal device, a current of constant intensity is passed
between two electrodes, A and B. The resultant potential difference
is measured between two other electrodes, M and N. Electrodes A
and M are on the sonde. B and N are, theoretically, located an
infinite distance away.
In practice, B is the cable armor, and N is an electrode on the bridle
(the insolation-covered lower end of the cable) far removed from A
and M. The distance AM is called the spacing (l&in. spacing for the
short normal, &in. spacing for the long normal), and the point of
inscription for the measurement is at O. midway between A and M.
AH - ISMD

Normal Device - basic arrangement

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Lateral Device

In the basic lateral device a current is passed between A and B, and the
potential difference between M and N, located on two concentric
spherical eqoipotential surfaces centered on A, is measured.

Thus, the voltage measured is proportional to the potential gradient

between M-and N. The point of inscription is at O, midway between M
and N.

The spacing AO is 18 ft 8 in.

AH - ISMD

Lateral Device - basic arrangement

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Thick Bed
Symmetrical curve
A maximum is observed at the centre of the
bed, where the reading is almost equal to Rt
(considering no invasion).
The apparent bed thickness is less than
actual bed thickness by an amount equal to
the spacing.

Thin Bed
Curve still symmetrical but is reversed.
A minimum apparent resistivity, actually
less than surrounding formation resistivity,
is observed opposite the bed even though
bed resistivity is greater than surrounding
bed resistivity.
Two spurious peaks appear, one above and
one below the bed, the distance between
the two peaks is equal to bed thickness plus
the spacing of the normal.
AH - ISMD

Normal curves - bed more resistive than

adjacent formations.

The curves are symmetrical and the

apparent bed thickness is greater than
actual bed thickness by an amount equal
to the AM spacing.

AH - ISMD

Normal curves - bed less resistive than

adjacent formations.

Limitations of Normal device

The normal Curves cannot be used to determine
formation resistivity under the following conditions:
1. Borehole fluid is nonconductive.
2. Borehole is cased.
3. Bed thickness is equal to or less than the spacing.
4. When Rt/Rm is high since the current distortion
becomes too large to adequately correct Ra.

AH - ISMD

Thick Beds :
Usual lateral spacing - 18 ft 8 in.
2 cases represented : bed thicknesses
of about 190 and 28ft.
All curves are dissymmetrical.
In the cases of the 190 and 28ft beds,
comparatively low readings in the
upper 19 ft of the resistive bed and
the high resistivity readings near the
lower boundary.
For the 190-ft bed, the curve presents
a fairly long plateau with readings
about equal to Rt ; a minimum bed
thickness of about 50 ft is needed to
obtain these plateau readings
uninfluenced
by
surrounding
formations.
Lateral curves-bed more resistive than adjacent
formations.
AH - ISMD

Thin bed :

Bed thickness of about 9 ft.

Fairly sharp resistivity
opposite the bed

peak

Followed by low readings over the

blind zone below the bed, then
a spurious reflection peak equal
to the AO spacing below the bed.
Lateral curves contd. -bed more resistive than
adjacent formations.

AH - ISMD

The curves are again dissymmetrical.

In both cases, the anomaly extends below
the bed for a distance slightly greater than
the AO spacing.

Lateral curves-bed less resistive than adjacent

formations.
AH - ISMD

Limitations of Lateral device

The lateral curves cannot be used to determine
formation resistivity under the following conditions;
1. Borehole fluid is nonconductive.
2. Borehole is cased.
3. Bed thicknesses between approximately 10 and
24 ft.
4. Series of thin beds (5-10 ft thick) such that the
response is a complex combination of thin in bed
responses.
AH - ISMD

Borehole departure curve for the 18' 8 lateral recorded with the
AH - ISMD
electric log