Introduction to Well Logging

Terminology

12/16/2010
Mourad Hosni

http://www.scribd.com/MouradHosni
Mourad.Hosni@hotmail.com
Well Logs:

Continuous measurements of the formation properties with electrically

powered instruments. [Properties versus depth]

Mainly I’m concerned with these instruments which called “sonde”

Sonde:

It’s the sensor used in making the measurement. It’s lowered down the
borehole using the “wireline”.

Type of sonde depends on the nature of the measurement it’s used for.

Sondes are generally cylindrical devices with an outside diameter of 4

in or less.

1
Some types of sondes:1

1
Well Logging For Earth Scientists p4

2
 1- On the right is an example of a centralized device which uses
four actuated arms. There is a measurement pad at the extremity
of each arm. (dipmeter)

2- Second from the right is a more sophisticated pad device,

showing the actuated back-up arm in its fully extended position.
(density tool)

3- Third from the right is an example of a tool which is generally

kept centered in the borehole by external bow-springs, which are
not shown. (sonic logging tool)

4- The tool on the left is similar to the first device but has an
additional sensor pad which is kept in close contact with the
formation being measured. (dipmeter)

These devices are lowered into the borehole by a surface

instrumentation truck called, the mobile laboratory.

This mobile laboratory provides:

1- Cable and winch for lowering and rising of the sonde.

2- Equipped with computers for data processing, interpretation,
and permanent storage of the data.

All continuous measurements are made while the tool is being slowly
raised up to the surface. Its actual speed varies depending on the
nature of the tool.

Some measurements that require a contact between the sensor and the
formation are raised up slowly at speeds from 600 ft to 1800 ft/hr.

Newer tools run at 3600 ft/hr.

3
Some acoustic and electrical devices can be raised up to the surface
while recording measurements at much greater speeds.

Traditional sampling provides one averaged measurement / 6 in. of

tool travel [called vertical resolution/sampling interval].

Newer devices have sampling interval of 1.2 in.

Wireline:

An armored cable by which, the measuring devices are lowered and

retrieved from the borehole. It provides electrical power to the sonde
by a number on shielded insulated wires in the interior if the cable. It
transmits the data back to the surface.

Recently all devices have been encapsulated in the drill collar and the
transmission effected through the mud column, this process is called:
“logging while drilling”

The Next research will be concerned with

Logging While Drilling [LWD]