1.

0 Introduction
Objectives of course
By end of first term, for basic open hole logging suite of Mud Log, Gamma Ray,
Resistivity, Density, Neutron & Sonic Logs
Ability to make qualitative evaluation of a log
Ability to do a quick look interpretation of logs
In second term
More detailed analysis
Less common logs
Cased hole logs
Both terms
Quality control
Looking at practical aspects rather than lots of theory
Books
Openhole Log Analysis and Formation Evaluation by R.M.Bateman, 2012
Well Logging for Earth Scientists by D.V. Ellis & J.M. Singer, 2008
Well Logging and Formation Evaluation by T.Darling, 2005
Petrophysics by D.Tiab & E.C.Donaldson, 2012
The Well Logging Handbook by O.Serra, 2008
Websites especially Service Companies
London Petrophysical Society (part of SPWLA)
What are Formation evaluation, petrophysics and logging
Formation Evaluation is designed to determine formation properties, this includes:
Logging and Log Analysis
Coring and Core analysis
Well testing, in particular pressure transient analysis
Petrophysics encompasses log analysis and core analysis
A log is record with depth of some formation related parameter.
Logs are split into:
Mud logs examination of cuttings and drilling parameters related to rock
formation
Open Hole logs tools run into the well before it is cased that measure some
property. Typical logs measure electrical, nuclear or acoustic properties, from
which formation properties can be inferred
Cased Hole logs
What properties are we trying to determine with Open Hole logging and coring?
Formation tops and geological correlation (Open hole logs)
Porosity (Density, Neutron and Sonic logs & Core)
Oil, water & gas saturation (Resistivity for water saturation, Density & Neutron
logs combined for gas)

Used to determine oil or gas in place, although note sample a small

volume close to well
Lithology (Gamma Ray, Mud log or Geological Prognosis, also
Density/Neutron/Sonic)
In particular Shaliness
Used in understanding log response as well as understanding of
geology (stratigraphic correlation, depositional environment, facies),
response to stimulation and likely production mechanisms
Thickness, porosity, hydrocarbon saturation and hydrocarbon type are
essential parameters to determine the oil & gas in place
Other important objectives
Pressure (RFT/MDT)
Used to determine (oil and) gas in place, reservoir flow rate,
hydrocarbon presence and contacts, connectivity.
Permeability (Core)
Difficult to determine directly from logs but very important for
determining production rates
Presences of faults and reservoir dip (Image logs)
Important to understand geology and reservoir production behaviour.
Other derived information
Casing points
Geosteering
Perforation intervals
Tie in with seismic
Geomechanics (Wellbore Stability / Sand production / Youngs modulus &
Poissons ratio for hydraulic fracturing)
Pore Pressure prediction
Logging environment
Logs are run after holes are drilled. As the well is drilled through permeable
formations mud tries to flow into the formation. As the solids are too large to enter
the pores of the formation a filter cake is formed on the sides of the well. Mud filtrate,
the liquid in the mud, leaks through the filter cake and displaces the fluids naturally
occurring in the formation. It is the mud filtrate that most logs mainly see. As a
result the type of mud used can make a big effect on the log response.
Log interpretation assumes that the borehole is the same size as the drill bit. In
softer and chemically reactive formations, the borehole may become enlarged. As a
result logs may see more of the wellbore contents and less of the formation.
Image logs
Image logs use resisitivity or ultrasonic measurements to gain a picture of the rock
on the sides of the hole. Features like dipping beds and fractures can be identified.
Cased Hole logging may have same objectives as Open hole logs but main principal
purposes of Cased Hole logs are:
Cement bond quality
Where oil, water and/or gas is coming from in a well (Production logs)
Change in oil, gas or water saturation (Pulsed Neutron logs)
Condition of tubing or casing (e.g. with regard to corrosion)

Industry Organisation
Main Logging companies:
Schlumberger
Halliburton
Weatherford
Baker
Memonics
There are abbreviations for everything, and it is not unsual for engineers to talk in
these abbrieviations. It is worth learning the main ones