Density Log

History of Density Tool

1950s
single detector tool developed initially to measure bulk density, b, insitu
as an aid to geophysicists in gravity meter interpretation
Early 1960s
accepted tool as a source for porosity
Late 1960s
dual detector system, Compensated Formation Density (FDC) to correct
for borehole effects
Early 1980s
development of Lithodensity Tool (LDT) to measure photoelectric effect,
Pe, with bulk density

Schematic of Density Tool

Vertical Resolution ~ 1 ft
Depth of Investigation 3 - 6
Logging speed: 15-30 ft/min

Theory
A radioactive source
caesium-137 or cobalt-60
Emits gamma rays in medium energy range (0.2-2 MeV)

A short range detector

Placed 7 inches from the source

A Long range detector

Placed 16 inches from the source

Compton Scattering in - A formation with high bulk density

A formation with low bulk density

Electron Number Density (ne)

For a pure substance, number density is
directly related to bulk density
Atoms per mole Avogadro Number (N)
Electrons in a mole = NZ
Z= Atomic number

Number of electrons per gram = NZ/A

A = Atomic mass number

Number of electrons per vol (ne) = (NZ/A) b

 Effective electron density e = 2ne/N

e = (2Z/A) b

Calibration
Calibrated in freshwater filled limestone

Uses of Density Log

Determination of porosity
Effect of gas - Overestimation of porosity
Effect of shale

Acoustic Impedance
Identification of lithology
Recognition of Accessory Mineralogies
Fracture recognition
Organic content of source rock

Litho-Density Tool
Source: Caesium-137 0.662 MeV
Efficient detectors
hard gamma rays: 0.25 to 0.662 MeV
soft gamma rays: 0.04 to 0.0 MeV