Wellsite Geology Cuttings Logging

WELLSITE GEOLOGY
Cuttings Logging
Oil show evaluation (Fluorescence )
Drilling Core Logging
Side Wall Core Logging
1/184 WELLSITE GEOLOGY

Cuttings Logging

Cuttings
Cuttings are rock fragments broken from

the penetrated rock during drilling
operations.
Characteristics
Some cuttings have sign cut by the bit.
Mix
Direct material of formation

Real Cuttings & False cuttings
Real cuttings
Cuttings coming from bit penetrate to open new
hole.
Brilliant color
smaller size (2-5 mm, effected by formation
hardness, bit tooth shape and size)
Poor roundness ( considering hardness and
consolidate extent)
False cuttings (Caving)
dull color, bigger size, sorted cuttings
Sampling and Cuttings Analysis
Reasons for sample collection and shipping
Sample Intervals
Sample Types
Sample collection and preparation
Cuttings examination
Sample description

Reasons For Sample Collection and Shipping
Wellsite geological information

Paleontological / Palynological analysis
Geochemical analysis
Oil company partners
Governmental requirements
Future reference / library samples

Sample Intervals
Set by the client, named in well proposal.
Common intervals: 10m, 5m, 2m, 1m.
Regardless of the sampling interval, under no
circumstances should the mudlogger neglect their other
responsibilities
Other times that the sample interval should be shortened:
During coring 1 ft or 0.5 meter intervals
Areas of geological interest
Changes in drilling parameters (drill breaks / reverse drill breaks,
torque changes)
Changes in mud properties (viscosity, cut MW, chlorides, etc)
Changes in gas content

Sample Types
Wet unwashed samples
Washed and dried samples
Geochemical samples
Paleontological / Palynological samples
( biostrat sample)
Metal shavings
Mud samples
Sample Collection
Install a sample collection basin at the base of the shaker
Try to collect from the shaker with the smallest mesh size
Samples are taken at regular intervals specified by the
client
Samples should be taken when changes in ROP,
background gas or any other parameter is noticed. (spot
sample, for casing point, coring point, formation tops, gas
show, required by geologist or company man)
Regularly check desander and desilter for samples
When sampling in smaller intervals than required, the
sample bags should be progressively filled up
Clean the sample board after a sample is taken

Sample Catching Board

Sample Preparation
In clayey areas, care must be taken to wash away as
little of the clay as possible.
When determining the sample composition, take into
account any clay that may have been washed away
Samples are washed through at least 2 sieves (80 or
120 mesh at the bottom and 8 mesh on top)
Cuttings left on the 8 mesh sieve are considered to be
cavings
A sample of these cavings should be placed on the
sample tray for observation

Cavings
Cavings are cuttings from
previously drilled intervals
Most removed by the coarse
seive
Generally be recognized as
large, splintery rock
fragments that are concave
or convex in cross-section
Lithologically identical with
formations from higher
sections in the open hole

Importance of Cavings
An increase in the amount of cavings this could
indicate an unstable hole
Cavings with splintery, concave appearance may
indicate increasing formation pressure
If the cavings are of the same lithology, then by
reviewing the master log, areas of washouts or
hole problems can be pinpointed
Much cavings found should be reported to wellsite
geologist and company man.

Preparing Samples Where Oil Based Mud Is Used
1. Fill 2 containers with base drilling fluid (e.g. diesel if mud is

diesel-based)
2. Immerse sample in Bath A (initial bath) and sieve sample
3. Immerse sample in 80 mesh in Bath B (final bath)
4. Take a representative sample to be examined under the
microscope; leave the sieves outside of the unit
5. Use a detergent degreaser to wash the sample and then rinse
with water
NOTE: All OBM samples should be air dried outside the
logging unit
Use rubber gloves when handling OBM samples

Cuttings Examination
Samples are examined under the
microscope for:
Lithology
Oil staining
Porosity
Objective:
To depict changes of lithology and appearance
of new formations

Sources of Sample Contamination
Cavings
Recycled cuttings
Mud chemicals
Cement
Metal
Unrepresentative samples

Cases Where Unrepresentative Samples Occur
Evaporite sections drilled with water-based

muds
Drilling soft clays/shales
Rock flour due to high speed drilling
Burning of cuttings while drilling with
diamond bits

End of Topic

Sample Description
Functions and Format

Sample Description
Major functions
Porosity and Permeability
Description format
Describing clastic rocks
Describing carbonate rocks
Describing other chemical rocks
Describing igneous and metamorphic rocks
Major Functions of Sample Description
Allows another person to understand the

components and structure of the rock and to
draw conclusions as to the source,
depositional environment and subsequent
history of the formation
Allows another person to recognize the rock
whenever it is seen again

Porosity and Permeability
Porosity is a measure of the volume of void space
in the rock. It determines the amount of fluid that
is present in a rock.
Permeability is a measure of the capacity of a rock
for transmitting fluid and it is dependent on
effective porosity and the mean size of the
individual pore spaces. It has a direct bearing on
the amount of fluid that can be recovered.

Sample Description Format
1. Rock type / Classification
2. Color
3. Texture: Cuttings shape and parting (calcareous and
argillaceous lithologies), Grain size, Grain shape or
roundness, Sorting, Hardness or induration, Luster /
Slaking / Swelling
4. Cementation or matrix
5. Fossils and accessories
6. Visual structures
7. Visual porosity
8. Oil show descriptions

Sample Description Examples
Sst: lithic, lt gy-off wh, vf-f gr, occ med gr, sbang-
sbrd, mod w srtd, fri, sl arg mtx, v wk calc cmt,
mica, glau, p-fr vis por, tr-5% blu wh fluor, slow
strmg bl wh cut, no cut color, no res, p oil show.
CLYST: lt gy-med gy, occ dk gy, sbblky-blky,
mod hd, mic mica, sl calc.
Ls: oolitic grainstone, buff-brn, med gr, mod hd,
arg, Brach, glau, gd vis por, no oil show

Rock Type
Consists of two fundamental parts:
Basic rock name (Sandstone, claystone)
Proper compositional or textural classification
term (lithic, quartzose, oolitic grainstone)

Color
Rock color may be due:
Mass effect of the colors of its constituent grains
Cement or matrix color
Staining of cement or matrix
Use a rock color chart for standardization of color
Observe samples when they are wet
Dried cuttings may be viewed to allow a better
discrimination of subtle hues and color shades
When describing color, distinguish between rock
particles, staining, matrix/cement and accessories

Color
Rock color may occur in combination or in

patterns
Suitable descriptions are:
Mottled Banded Spotted
Variegated Multicolored Speckled
Iridescent Scattered

Color: Depositional Environment
Color Depositional Environment

Red and brown Oxidizing environment
Green & grey Reducing environment
Dark brown Possible source rock
Black Anaerobic environment

Texture
Texture refers to the physical makeup of

rock-namely, the size, shape, and
arrangement (packing and orientation) of
the discrete grains or particles of a
sedimentary rock

Cuttings Shape
Blocky
Subblocky
Amorphous
Elongate
Flat or Tabular
Platy
Irregular
Splintery
Parting (Shales)
The mud logger should always distinguish

between shale, which exhibits parting or
fissility, and mudstone or claystone, which
yields fragments, which do not have parallel
plane faces.

Grain Size
Grain size and sorting have a direct bearing on
porosity and permeability
Size classifications are based on the Wentworth
scale
Report weighted average
If largest grains present are much larger than the
average, the maximum size should be reported
If the grain size range is large and diverse, report
the minimum to maximum size (e.g. vf vc)
Use Grain Size comparator chart
Grain Shape
A function of roundness and sphericity
Use Grain Shape comparator chart
Gives clues to:
Mode and distance of transport
Porosity and permeability

Sphericity
Sphericity refers to the comparison of the

surface area of a sphere of the same volume
as the grain, with the surface area of the
grain itself.

Roundness
Roundness refers to the sharpness of the
edges and corners of a fragment or grain.
5 degrees of roundness:
Angular
Subangular
Subrounded
Rounded
Well rounded

Particle Shape: Roundness vs. Sphericity

Supplemental Grain Shape Descriptive Terms
Sharp Elongate Bladed

Flat Rod-like Blocky
Platy Conchoidal Irregular
Disk Faceted Fibrous

Sorting
Sorting is the measure of dispersion of the size
frequency distribution of grains in a sediment or
rock. It involves shape, roundness, specific gravity,
mineral composition and size.
Along with Grain Size both have a direct bearing
on porosity and permeability
Most difficult and subjective assessment
A function of mean grain size
If more than 50% of the cuttings are of the same
modal size, the sample is well sorted
Sorting

Hardness and Induration
Hardness is a physical parameter based on
the amount of force required to break apart
the cutting using a simple probe
Induration is the process by which a
sediment is converted into a sedimentary
rock. It is function of the type and quantity
of the cement

Hardness: Descriptive Terms
Soluble Soft Firm

Plastic Unconsolidated Friable
Moderately Hard Hard Very Hard
Brittle Loose Dense
Crumbly

Luster
Describes the surface features of a cutting
under reflected light
Observe features with naked eye and under
microscope and when wet and dry
Rotating the sample tray under the light
source also helps in describing luster

Luster: Descriptive Terms
Coated
Vitreous, glassy, faceted
Silky, pearly (nacreous), polished
Frosted, dull, etched
Pitted
Striated

Slaking and Swelling
Marked slaking and swelling in water is

characteristic of montmorillonite (a major
constituent of bentonites) and distinguishes
them from kaolins and illites
Add water to dried cuttings

Slaking and Swelling
Non-swelling doesnt break up in water

even after adding 1% HCl
Hygroturgid swelling in a random manner
Hygroclastic swelling with irregular
pieces
Hygrofissile swelling into flakes
Cryptofissile swelling into flakes only
after adding 1% HCl
Relationship Between Texture, Porosity and Permeability
Porosity (and possibly permeability) may

decrease with increased sphericity and
rounded grains.
Permeability decreases with decreasing
grain size because pore throats are smaller
and the capillary pressure goes up.

Matrix
Matrix consists of small individual grains

that fill interstices between the larger grains.
In general, where intergranular contact does
not occur, the fill material between grains is
matrix.
Matrix material does have cementing
qualities which holds the grains fixed
relative to each other.

Matrix Materials
Silt acts as a matrix, hastening cementation

by filling interstices
Clay is a common matrix material

Cement
Cement is a chemical precipitate deposited

around the grains and in the interstices of a
sediment as aggregates of crystals or as
growths on grains of the same composition.
It may be derived from, or related to, the
rock particles, matrix, or can externally
derived.

Cementing Agents
Common cementing agents:
Calcite (most common)
Silica (most common)
Sulfates (Gypsum, Anhydrite)
Clays
Dolomite
Minor cementing agents:
Siderite
Fe oxides
Pyrite
Zeolites
Phosphatic minerals
Cementing Agents: Sandstones
Chemical cement is uncommon in sandstone that

has an argillaceous matrix.
Silica cement is common in nearly all quartz
sandstones usu. as secondary overgrowths.
Dolomite and calcite are deposited as crystals in
the interstices and as aggregates in voids. (Note:
both could also be found as detrital grains)

Cementing Agents: Sulfate Cements
Anhydrite and gypsum cements are more

commonly associated with dolomite and
silica than with calcite

Cement or Matrix
Cement is deposited chemically and matrix
is deposited mechanically.

Fossils and Accessories
Minerals or fossils in trace quantities
Have great diagnostic and descriptive value
If the accessory mineral could not be
identified it should be carefully described

Fossils
Used for correlation

Common fossils and microfossils
encountered are: foraminifera, ostracods,
bryozoa, corals, algae, crinoids,
brachiopods, pelecypods and gastropods
Presence and abundance should be recorded

Fossils: Estimation of Abundance
> 25% Abundant

10% 25% Common
< 10% Trace

Common Accessories
Glauconite
Pyrite
Feldspar
Mica
Siderite
Carbonaceous material
Heavy minerals
Chert
Lithic fragments
Crystal Structure Terminology
Anhedral - no visible crystal form

Subhedral - partly developed crystal form
Euhedral - well developed crystal form

Visual Structures
Most sedimentary structures are not discernible in
sample cuttings
Structures in individual cuttings may be
indiscernible
Slickensided surfaces should be carefully
scrutinized
Other structural types, which may be visible in
cuttings, are:
Fractures (usu. w/ some type of fillings),
jointing/partings, bioturbidation, lamination

Visual Porosity
Easier to determine with a dry sample than on a
wet one
A magnification of 10x is frequently adequate to
establish the amount of relative visible porosity in
a dry sample.
Samples with good porosity should always be
examined for hydrocarbon shows
The porosity in rudaceous and arenaceous rocks is
primarily interparticle

End of Topic

Sample Description:
Clastic Rocks

Clastic Rocks: Rock Type
Rock size Consolidated Unconsolidated
Rudaceous Conglomerate Gravel

Breccia Scree
Tillite Till
Arenaceous Sandstone Sand
Siltstone Silt
Argillaceous Claystone Clay

Shale Clay / Mud

Clastic Rocks: Classification
Sandstones:
Orthoquartzite (Qtz >75%, qtz cement)
Greywacke (badly sorted, Qtz <75%, lithic frags >
feldspars)
Arkose (coarse qtz and feldspars in a calcitic or
ferruginous cement, Qtz <75%, feldspar > lithic frags)
Claystone / Shale:
Difference between claystone and shale is fissility

Clastic Rocks: Hardness and Induration
Common descriptions are:

Rudaceous and arenaceous rocks:
unconsolidated, friable, moderately hard, hard
and extremely or very hard
Argillaceous rocks:
soluble, soft, plastic, firm, hard
Other descriptive terms:
brittle, dense, crumbly, loose, amorphous
Hardness and Induration: Arenaceous Rocks: Definitions
Unconsolidated cuttings fall apart or occur as

individual grains
Friable rock crumbles with light pressure; grains
detach easily with a sample probe
Moderately hard cuttings can be broken with
some pressure
Hard grains difficult to detach; extreme pressure
causes cuttings to break between grains
Extremely hard grains cant be detached;
cuttings will break through the grains
Hardness and Induration: Argillaceous Rocks: Definitions
Soluble readily dispersed by running water

Soft no shape or strength
Plastic easily molded and holds shape; difficult
to wash through a sieve
Firm material has definite structure and shape;
readily penetrated and broken by a probe
Hard sharp angular edges; not easily broken by a
probe

Clastic Rocks: Luster
Common terms used:

Coated, vitreous, glassy, faceted, silky, pearly
(nacreous), polished, frosted, dull, etched,
pitted, striated
Common terms used for argillaceous rocks:
Earthy, silky, waxy, velvety, soapy, resinous

Clastic Rocks: Visual Porosity
3 types of porosity: interparticle, moldic, fracture

The porosity in rudaceous and arenaceous rocks is
primarily interparticle or intergranular
The theoretical maximum porosity for a clastic
rock is about 26%.
Never use numerical values in estimating porosity,
use descriptive terms

Visual Porosity Table for Clastic Rocks
Porosity Descriptive term

>15% Good
10% to 15% Fair
5% to 10% Poor
<5% Trace

End of Topic

Sample Description:
Carbonate Rocks

Describing Carbonate Rocks
Carbonate rocks are difficult to classify

because of the complexity of sources and
types of their occurrences

Carbonate Rocks: Rock Type
Rock Type Reactivity in 10% HCl
Limestone Reacts instantly and violently
It will float on top of acid
Dissolve within minutes
Dolomitic Limestone Reacts immediately
Reaction is moderate but continuous
Move about in acid
Calcitic Dolomite Reacts slowly and weakly at first,but accelerates to a continuous
reaction after a few minutes
Some bobbing up and down
Dolomite Very slow and hesitant reaction

Bubbles evolve one at a time
Leave acid milky

Aids to Carbonate Rock Determination
Calcimeter
Alizarin Red
Limestone will turn deep red
Dolomite is unaffected

Dunham Classification System
Rock Type Description
Mudstone (Mdst) Composed of lime mud and <10% grains. Mud supported.
Wackestone (Wkst) Composed of lime mud with >10% grains. Mud supported.
Packstone (Pkst) Composed of grains. >10% interstitial mud matrix and

occasionally sparry calcite or pore space. Grain supported.
Grainstone (Grst) Composed of grains. <10% interstitial mud matrix. Grain

supported.
Boundstone (Bdst) Original constituents are bound together and supported in
place by organic growth.
Crystalline (Xln) All original textures gone because of recrystallization.

Distinct crystal faces with occasional relics.

Dunham: Mudstone

Dunham: Wackestone

Dunham: Packstone

Dunham: Grainstone

Dunham: Boundstone

Carbonate Rocks: Color
Of less importance than in clastics

Variations in color may be the result of the
presence of detrital material (clay) or from
the substitution of metallic ions into the
mineral lattice
Describe color when sample is wet

Carbonate Rocks: Grain Size
Describe the size of physically transported

particles (oolites, interclasts, fossils, pellets)
and chemically precipitated minerals (either
as pore-filling cement, primary ooze, or
products of recrystallization and
replacement)

Carbonate Rocks: Grain Shape
Terminology used for clastic rocks may be

used

Grain Type Categories
Grain Type Example

Detrital Grains Rock fragments, intraclasts
Skeletal Grains Crinoidal, Molluscan, Algal
Pellets Fecal Pellets, grains of mud
Lumps Composite grains, Algal lumps
Coated Grains Oolites, Pisolites, Encrusted

grains

Carbonate Rocks: Sorting
Sorting in carbonates (as in clastics) is a function
of mean grain size
Very little is known about carbonate sorting
because of the varied grain types found in
carbonate rocks
To describe sorting in carbonates, two conditions
must be met:
Particles of diverse kinds and/or sizes are present in a
sequence of samples
These particles are segregated into layers of varying
mean grain size
Carbonate Rocks: Hardness or Induration
Same as those for clastics

Carbonate Rocks: Luster
The significance and terminology is the

same as used for clastic rocks
Additional terms that are used:
Rhombic, Sucrosic, Microsucrosic, Grainy,
Oolitic
Use combinations where applicable

Carbonate Rocks: Cement or Matrix
Cementation is a result of crystallization
from an aqueous solution with unimpeded
growth into a void
Lime mud/clay matrix is an integral part of
the deposited sediment
Matrix recrystallization occurs at the lattice
level in the solid phase

Carbonate Rocks: Cement or Matrix
It is not recommended that such terms as weakly

and strongly be used. Preferably use the terms:
partially, poorly, moderately, well, very well,
extremely well for intergranular cement and
pressure recrystallization at grain boundaries
If recrystallization occurs across grain boundaries,
resulting in a total crystalline structure, the term
cement should not be used

Micrite and Sparite
Micrite abbreviation of microcrystalline ooze;

a precipitate formed within the basin of
deformation and showing no or little evidence of
transport; consists of crystals 1-4 m diameter
occuring as matrix (dull and opaque ultra fine-
grained material that forms the bulk of limestones
and the matrix of chalk)
Sparite cement consists of clean calcite crystals,
generally longer than micrite, forming pore filling
cement between grains and within cavities
Carbonate Rocks: Accessories or Inclusions
Minor accessories detrital or diagenetic products

of terrigenous rock fragments with some mixed
carbonate terrigenous diagenetic minerals
Elemental sulfur and metallic sulfides (as
concretions or staining on fractures) is common
Silica (chalcedony, chert and crystalline quartz)
Fossils

Carbonate Rocks: Visual Structure
Most significant structural features are

postlithification voids (fractures, fissures, joints,
vugs) because they have a major impact on rock
strength, porosity and permeability and are
significant in terms of reservoir potential and lost
circulation problems
Other less prominent features: slickensides and
staining

Carbonate Rocks: Visual Porosity
Pore size can vary from one micron to

hundreds of meters
The simplest and most common
classification of porosity is primary and
secondary

Porosity Classification of Carbonate Rocks
Intergranular pore space between grains or

particles of a rock
Intercrystal pore space between crystals of a
rock
Vuggy pore space between grains or crystals of a
rock wherein the space is equal or larger than the
size of the individual grains or crystals. It usually
has the form of irregular voids.
Moldic due to the leaching of soluble grains
Fracture
Carbonate Rocks: Primary Porosity
Primary porosity is porosity formed as an

integral part of the rock fabric.
Ex: interparticle porosity and voids within
skeletal particles and growth structures

Carbonate Rocks: Secondary Porosity
Secondary porosity is porosity formed

secondary to the rock fabric. This type is
usually not seen in cuttings, but may be
inferred.
Ex: fractures, fissures, vugs

Chalky
A widely used surface-texture term denoting

dull and earthy in many calcareous rocks
Can also be applied as a porosity term

End of Topic

Sample Description:
Chemical Rocks

Chemical Rocks
Chert
Halite
Anhydrite and Gypsum
Carbonaceous rocks

Chemical Rocks: Chert
Very hard (very slow ROP, bit bouncing, vibration)
Glass-like brittleness
Bedded cherts are usually even bedded, thinly
laminated to massive
Color could be indicative of the environment of
deposition
Cuttings: large, elongate, blade-shaped, fresh
conchoidal fracture surfaces, cryptocrystalline or
microcrystalline, very hard
Possible abundant metal shavings in the sample

Chemical Rocks: Chert Color
Diatomaceous and radiolarian chert is black

to dark grey due to clay impurities
Spiculiferous cherts are light to medium
grey with a brown to green tinge due to
large amounts of calcite

Chemical Rocks: Halite
Secondary evidence of presence of evaporites:
An increase and smooth ROP
Decreased cuttings volume
Eroded or reworked appearance of cuttings
Increased mud salinity
Increased mud viscosity
Decrease and smooth background gas
Salty encrustations on surface of cuttings
Cuttings good cubic cleavage, colorless to white
(often with a pink to red tinge), soluble, salty taste

Chemical Rocks: Anhydrite and Gypsum
Determination between anhydrite and

gypsum is not always possible at the
wellsite, but an attempt should be made

Anhydrite and Gypsum
Gypsum Anhydrite
Formula CaSO4x2H2O CaSO4
Color White, light to dark grey, red, blue, yellow- White, pale grey, red
brown
Structure Selenite crystals, glassy, slightly flexible, Fibrous, parallel &
fibrous texture radiate structures, fine
Satin spar, fibrous to lacy, pearly grained
Massive, fine grained, subvitreous to dull luster Amorphous, fine grained,
Spongy, white soft massive but cleavable
Luster Pearly, earthy, subvitreous Pearly, glassy, vitreous

Hardness Scratched by a fingernail Scratched by a brass pin
Density 2.3 to 2.37 gm/cc 2.9 to 3.0 gm/cc

Checking For the Presence of Anhydrite and Gypsum
Barium Chloride Test

1. Place several cuttings in a bottle and fill with
distilled water
2. Agitate and pour off water. Refill and repeat
3. Fill bottle half full with distilled water and add 3
drops of HCl and agitate
4. Add 2 drops of Barium Chloride
5. A pearly white discoloration will confirm the
presence of gypsum or anhydrite
Limestone/Dolomite or Anhydrite/Gypsum?
To discriminate between limestone /

dolomite and anhydrite or gypsum, use HCl,
limestone will effervesce, anhydrite and
gypsum will not.

Carbonaceous Rocks
Coal beds are useful marker beds
Can be inferred from ROP
Give well defined methane peaks
Show up quite well in the GR, Density-Neutron logs
Unusual to encounter coal beds > 6 ft (2 meters) thick
In geologically young deposits, lignite (brown coal) is
found
There should be signs of vegetal matter in the lignite

Coal: Classification Based On Constituents
Humic Coal
Sapropelic Coal

Humic Coal
Gas-prone source rock

Woody, plant tissue dominant
Divisible by decreasing proportion of volatile
components:
Lignite -> Sub-bituminous -> Bituminous -> Semi-
bituminous
Laminated, friable in part, jointed, fibrous, bright
jet-like layers, variable luster, hard/brittle

Sapropelic Coal
Oil-prone source rock

Non-woody, comprises of spores, algae and
macerated plant material
Massive unlaminated glassy appearance,
conchoidal fracture, firm rather than hard

End of Topic

Oil Show Evaluation

Oil Show Evaluation
Solid Hydrocarbons and Dead Oil

Oil show description
Hydrocarbon Odor
Oil Staining
Natural Fluorescence
Solvent Cut Fluorescence
Other Tests
Solid Hydrocarbons and Dead Oil
Solid hydrocarbon refers to hydrocarbons

that are in a solid state at surface conditions,
usually brittle, and often shiny and glossy in
appearance (ex: Gilsonite)
Dead oil is thermally dead solid
hydrocarbons that will not fluoresce or give
a cut (ex. Anthraxolite)

Gilsonite
Immature or barely mature oils

High-quality gasoline, industrial fuel oils
and an endless list of other products are
produced from gilsonite.

Anthraxolite
Anthraxolite represent the carbonaceous

residue left after hydrocarbons have been
overheated and thermally cracked
Considered to be thermally dead oil

Sample Examination Procedure For HC Shows
1. Take a mud sample, aside from the regular

sample or bottoms up sample, when there are
significant gas shows. If a significant gas peak
arrives in between sampling intervals, a spot
sample is caught along with a mud sample.
2. Pour mud sample into a shallow dish and
observe under UV light. If nothing is seen, water
is added to the mud and the mixture is stirred.
Again the sample is observed under UV light.

3. The unwashed sample is also observed under

UV light.
4. For the lithological samples, smell the sample
first before observing it under the microscope.
Observe sample under microscope for staining /
bleeding.
5. Place some oil-stained cuttings, if any, into some
of the depressions on the spot plate. Observe
under microscope.

6. Observe sample tray under UV light. Separate

some fluorescing grains and place them in the
spot plate.
7. Observe the grains that have been selected in
Step 6 under the microscope for stains/bleeding.
8. Use the Solvent Cut Test on the samples in the
spot plate. Observe under UV light.
9. Observe cutting samples in plain light.
10. Observe the residue.

Observing a Sample Under the UV Box

Order of Oil Show Description
Free oil in mud: amount, intensity and color

Petroliferous odor: type and strength
Visible oil staining/bleeding: distribution, intensity
and color
Sample Fluorescence: percentage, intensity, color
Solvent cut: speed, character, intensity and color
Cut color and intensity
Cut residue (intensity and color)

Observing Mud Samples
Mud samples are poured into a container

and observed under UV light
If no droplets of oil is seen, water may be
added to reduce the viscosity and the
solution is stirred

Rating Oil Shows in Mud Under UV Light
Type Characteristic
1 1mm pops, scattered and few in number; frequently associated with oil
found in shale and sandstone containing very slight traces of residual oil
2 2mm pops or larger, few in number, commonly noted in large fractures

and residual oil in sandstone; maybe dull and streaky, associated with low
gas readings
3 Pinpoints common, along with 2mm or larger pops; frequently observed
from sections with fair amounts of oil
4 Common and abundant pinpoint; normally associated with good to fair oil
show
5 Abundant pops 2mm and larger, are frequently associated with good
shows. In higher gravity oil, the pops surface and spread rapidly

Hydrocarbon Odor
Always check the sample for petroliferous

odor
Odor may range from heavy, characteristic
of low gravity oil, to light and penetrating,
for condensate.
Use general terms for describing
hydrocarbon odor: faint, moderate or strong

Oil Staining
The amount of oil staining on cuttings and cores is primarily a
function of the distribution of the porosity and the oil
distribution within the pores.
Check all samples with oil stains under UV light and with a cut
solvent
Check cuttings under UV light that bob to the surface when
placed in acid
The amount, degree and color of the oil stain should be noted
For amount of oil stain the following:
No visible oil stain, spotty oil stain, streaky oil stain, patchy
oil stain, uniform oil stain
The color of the oil stain is related to the oils API gravity

Bleeding Core Sample

Natural Fluorescence
The intensity and color of oil fluorescence is a
useful indicator of oil gravity and mobility
Fluorescence checks should be done ASAP
because fluorescence tends to dull appreciably ,
due to the loss of volatiles
The degree of oil fluorescence should be noted as:
none, spotty, streaky, patchy, uniform, any
combination thereof
Care must be taken not to confuse mineral and
contaminant fluorescence with true formation
fluorescence
Fluorescence

Fluorescence: Indication of API Gravity
Gravity (API) Color at 3600A

< 15 Brown
15 - 25 Orange
25 - 35 Yellow to Cream
35 - 45 White
> 45 Blue White to Violet

Mineral Fluorescence
Rock Type Fluorescence Color
Dolomite, Sandy Limestone yellow, yellowish brown
Some Limestones (magnesian) brown
Chalk, chalky limestones purple

Paper Shale yellow to coffee brown, greyish
Fossils yellow-white to yellow-brown
Marl, Clay Marl yellowish to brownish grey

Anhydrite grey brown, greyish, blue

Chemicals Used for Solvent Cut Test
Chloroform ( we often use on well site now.)

Carbon tetrachloride
Ethylene dichloride
Methylene chloride
1,1,1 trichloroethane
1,1,2 trichloroethane
Trichloroethylene
Acetone
Petroleum Ether
Be careful
Carbon Tetrachloride is a cumulative poison and should
not be used
Proper ventilation is needed when petroleum ether is used
Petroleum ether and acetone must be kept away from open
flame
Do not store chemicals in plastic bottles
Test solvent under UV light before using them
Always work with small quantities in a well-ventilated
area
Remember to wash your hands after using them. Do not
eat without washing your hands after handling them.

Solvent Cut or Wet Cut Test
The speed in which the solvent cut occurs yields
useful info
If the suspected cutting will not initially cut, the
test can be repeated. Samples can be dried,
crushed or have diluted HCl applied to it
The residue oil that remains in the spot plate is the
oils natural color
Be careful not to get the cutting agent into the
rubber of the dropper as it might contaminate
the solvent by giving it a pale yellowish
fluorescence
Cut
A cut is the hydrocarbon extracted by the

solvent

Residual Cut
The fluorescent ring or residue in the dish

after the reagent has evaporated

How To Do A Solvent Cut Test
1. Place a few drops of solvent, enough to immerse
the sample, on the sample in the depression in
the spot plate or the test tube.
2. Observe the following:
1. Cut speed
2. Cut nature
3. Cut color fluorescence and intensity
4. Cut color intensity
5. Residue color and intensity

Solvent Cut Test: Alternate Method
1. Pick out a number of fragments and drop

them into a clear one-or- two-ounce bottle
or test tube
2. Pour chlorothene or acetone until the
bottle is half full
3. It is then stoppered and shaken
4. Observe the color of the solvent

Samples Immersed In Solvent

Samples Immersed In Solvent

Cut Speed
This is an indication of both the solubility

of the oil and the permeability of the sample.
The speed can vary from instantaneous to
very slow.

Cut Nature
Coloration of the solvent with dissolved oil

may occur in a uniform manner, in
streaming manner or in a blooming manner.
A streaming cut also indicates low oil
mobility.

Cut Color Fluorescence and Intensity
Observe the color and the intensity of the

oil in the solvent under both UV and natural
lights. The cut color observed under UV
light could be called a cut color
fluorescence

Cut Color and Intensity
After observing the sample under UV light

observe the sample under natural light. The
cut color observed in natural light is just
called cut color

Residue Color and Intensity
Residue color observed in natural light is

the true color of the oil

What To Do When A Sample Will Not Cut
The sample is crushed using the metal probe

and it is observed for a solvent cut. The cut
is called a crushed cut.
Sometimes, adding a little dilute acid will
produce a solvent cut, called an acid cut.
Sometimes, you need to let the sample dry
before a solvent cut test is performed.

Other Tests for Oil Shows
Reaction in acid of oil-bearing samples

Wettability
Acetone-Water test
Hot Water test
Iridescence

Reaction In Acid of Oil-bearing Samples
1. Select a cutting or core chip (appx. 1/2 to

2 mm diameter) to be tested. Place the
sample in the shallow depression on the
spot plate or in a shallow container.
2. Immerse the sample in dilute HCl
3. If oil is present in the rock, surface tension
will cause large bubbles to form

Reaction In Acid of Oil-bearing Samples
The test is very sensitive to the slightest amount of
hydrocarbons, even such as found in carbonaceous
shale; therefore, it is well to discount the
importance of a positive test unless the bobbing
effect is clearly evident or lasting iridescent
bubbles are observed
It is very useful as a simple and rapid preliminary
check for the presence of hydrocarbons

Wettability
1. Let 1 or 2 drops of water fall on the

surface of a stained rock fragment
2. If oil is present the water will not soak
into the cutting or flow on the surface but
will stand on it or roll off as spherical
beads
Not useful in powdered (air drilled)
samples

Acetone-Water Test
The test is done if the presence of oil or

condensate is suspected, and provided no
carbonaceous or lignitic matter is present in
the rock sample

Acetone-Water Test
1. The rock chip or cutting is powdered using a mortar
and pestle.
2. Place the powdered rock or cutting in a test tube.
3. Add acetone and shake it vigorously.
4. After shaking it vigorously, filter the mixture into
another test tube and an excess of water is added.
5. When hydrocarbons are present, they form a milky
white dispersion, in as much as they are insoluble in
water, whereas acetone and water are completely
miscible.

Hot Water Test
1. Place 500 cc of fresh, unwashed cuttings in

a 1000 cc glass beaker or similar container.
2. Pour in hot water with a temperature of at
least 170F (77C) until it covers the
sample to a depth of 1 cm.
3. Observe the oil film that is formed under
ultraviolet light and record the amount of
oil released using the scale below.

Hot Water Test
Oil Show Amt of surface covered

Extremely weak < 25% covered
Very weak 25-33% covered
Weak 33-50% covered
Fair 50-99% covered
Strong 100% covered

Iridescence
Iridescence may be associated with oil of

any color or gravity, but it is more likely to
be observable and significant for the lighter,
more nearly colorless oils where oil staining
may be absent
Iridescence without oil coloration or
staining may indicate the presence of light
oil or condensate
Summary
Lack of visible stain is not conclusive proof of the absence of
hydrocarbons
Lack of fluorescence is not conclusive proof of the absence of
hydrocarbons
Bona fide hydrocarbon shows will usually give a positive cut
fluorescence (wet cut). High gravity hydrocarbons will often give a
positive cut fluorescence and/or a residual cut, but will give negative
results with all other hydrocarbon detection methods. Minerals which
fluoresce will not yield a cut.
The oil acid reaction test will give positive results when oil is present,
but it is very sensitive and may give positive results in the presence of
insignificant amounts of hydrocarbons

End of Topic

Handling Cores

Materials Needed to Handle Cores
Hammer and chisel
Steel measuring tape
Clipboard
Indelible black and red marker pens
Stick
Rags
Pail with water
Plastic core boxes
HUBCO bags
Fibre tape
Materials Needed to Handle Cores
Hot work permit (optional)

Wax bath (optional)
Wax (optional)
Cling film (optional)
Aluminum foil (optional)
String or wire for dipping (optional)
Core catching trays (optional)
Fire extinguisher (optional)
Preparation Prior To Handling Cores
Obtain a hot work permit before turning on the

wax bath (if waxing is required). Do not overheat
the wax. The wax should have a bright appearance.
If it has a burnt appearance it will not seal the
samples completely.
Make up plastic core boxes. Core length plus 10%
to 15%. Mark the core boxes and then lay them
out in order.
Prepare core catching trays (for conventional
cores).
Preparation Prior To Handling Cores
Get all miscellaneous materials like marker

pens, measuring tape, hammer, HUBCO
bags, etc. ready

Safety During Core Handling
Ensure that the core barrel has been checked

for H2S
Never place your hands under the barrel
Wear safety glasses
Wear gloves preferably the hide gloves
rather than cotton gloves
Ensure that forearms are covered
Conventional Core Retrieval
1. The outer core barrel is suspended from the
rotary table
2. The inner barrel is removed and then the core
catcher is removed
3. Place a mat underneath the core barrel
4. Check for the presence of H2S
5. The coring hand attaches the core tong handle to
the base of the inner barrel
6. The driller raises the inner barrel upon directions
of the coring hand. The core comes out base first.
7. The core catcher is removed and core inside it is
placed in the bottom of the first box. Continue
filling the core box with core. Note: boxes are
1m or 3 ft long.
8. When 1 meter of unbroken core appears, break it
with a hammer. Only when the core is away from
the inner barrel should it be handled. If the core
breaks into pieces try to rearrange it in the box.
9. Get a core chip sample and place in a HUBCO
bag.

10. Mark the cores top and bottom depth on the
core itself.
11. Spread out the cling film and remove the core
from the box and put it on top of the cling film.
Ensure that it properly orientated.
12. Wrap in foil.
13. Tape securely.
14. Label the core depths, its top and bottom and its
way up correctly.

15. Wrap wire or string around the sample about 5
cms from each end, to allow dipping in the wax
bath.
16. Dip the core into the wax bath. Ensure complete
coverage. Minimize the amount of time the
sample is immersed in the wax. Ensure that the
wax coating is around 4 mm thick all over.
17. Hang the core from a bar to allow the wax to dry.
Avoid contact between samples. Do not dip the
hot wax in the water.

18. When the core has been completely removed
from the barrel, the rabbit (a flanged metal
cylinder) will appear.
19. Collect any small chips and pieces of core
remaining around the barrel. Store it in sample
bags.
20. Pack any space in the box to prevent movement
of the core.
21. Close the core boxes. Use heavy duty fibre tape
to secure the core boxes.
22. Remove the boxes from the area. Ensure

that they are properly labeled.
23. Weigh a representative box so that the
approximate weight of the shipment is
known.

What To Do If Core Is Stuck In Inner Barrel
Hammering the core barrel

Pumping using compressed air or mud
(preferred)
Note: Water should not be used.

Safety During Pumping
Do not stand in front of the of the barrel

while pumping is in progress
Do not peer into the barrel

Sleeved Core Retrieval
1. The core barrel is broken into singles at the
surface.
2. The singles are swung onto the pipe deck where
the inner core barrel is pulled off the sleeve.
Carefully note the relationship of each section of
sleeve to the other.
3. Once the sleeve is free, wipe its surface with dry
cloth or rags.
4. Draw two lines using marker pens on the sleeve.
The black on the left and the red on the right.
5. Locate the top of the core using percussion
techniques and a stick.
6. Once located, properly mark the sleeves in
intervals of 1 ft or 1 m. Note the total amount of
core recovered.
7. Cut the core and sleeve in 3-ft or 0.5/0.25-m
intervals.
8. Take core chip samples and place in HUBCO
bags.

9. Seal the ends with plastic cups secured by
jubilee clips/worm drive clips. The caps can also
be additionally sealed by wax (optional).
10. Place the sleeve into the core box.
11. Collect any small chips and pieces of core
remaining in the area. Store it in sample bags.
12. Pack any space in the box to prevent movement
of the core.
13. Close the core boxes. Use heavy duty fibre tape
to secure the core boxes.
14. Remove the boxes from the area. Ensure

that they are properly labeled.
15. Weigh a representative box so that the
approximate weight of the shipment is
known.

Marking Core Sleeves
Every 1-m or 3-ft interval a long black line is
drawn. Short black lines are drawn for every ft or
0.5/0.25 m interval.
The top and bottom of each 1-m or 3-ft interval is
marked by a T or a B, respectively and their
corresponding depths.
Depths are also written for each 1-ft or 0.5/0.25-m
interval.
Arrows showing the way up are drawn on the two
lines (red and black).
End of Topic

Side Wall Cores
(SWC)

Warrant for SWC
ROP
GAS DATA
CUTTINGS
DRILLING FLUID LOGGING DATA
WIRE LOGGING DATA

SWC Section
Real Cuttings can not be differ from the false

cuttings, and no clear idea about the lithology.
The section did not have drilling core, as it need
core drilling.
No oil show in cuttings, but there is gas show,
being suspected oil-gas layer, which bears oil or
gas in the next well.
Formation having no sure information or having
special lithology needing to be verified.

SWC DATA
SWC section
Proposal number
Number of guns
Number of bullets
Actual number of core samples
Core recovery

SWC Data requirement
Description is same as cuttings.

SWC affairs should be marked on the
materlog.

Masterlog
XX WELL

THE END

Wellsite Geology Cuttings Logging

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WELLSITE GEOLOGY

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Cuttings are rock fragments broken from

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Wellsite geological information

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1. Fill 2 containers with base drilling fluid (e.g. diesel if mud is

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Evaporite sections drilled with water-based

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Functions and Format

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Allows another person to understand the

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Rock color may occur in combination or in

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Color Depositional Environment

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Texture refers to the physical makeup of

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The mud logger should always distinguish

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Sphericity refers to the comparison of the

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Sharp Elongate Bladed

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Soluble Soft Firm

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Marked slaking and swelling in water is

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Non-swelling doesnt break up in water

Porosity (and possibly permeability) may

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Matrix consists of small individual grains

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Silt acts as a matrix, hastening cementation

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Cement is a chemical precipitate deposited

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