An

MWD
Glossary

April, 1996

CONTENTS
FOREWORD

ACRONYMS

UNIT ABBREVIATIONS

GLOSSARY

International MWD Society (IMS), April 1996

International MWD Society (IMS), April 1996

International MWD Society (IMS), April 1996

Foreword
Effective communication is based on the standardization of
the words or expressions used by the different parties, and
more importantly, on the standardization of the meaning of
these words and expressions.
Confusion and poor
decisions have resulted from the ambiguity on some terms.
The glossary that follows is an attempt to reduce the
diversity of jargons in MWD, an emerging technology that
is located at the confluence of drilling, geology, logging,
metrology and surveying.
Jeff Brami, Ron Deady, Mike Donovan, Gaylor Heemink,
Billy Hendricks, Dale Heysse, Mark Hutchinson and Leon
Robinson have contributed to the completion of this
glossary.

Philippe P. Theys
Chairman
IMS Glossary Committee

International MWD Society (IMS), April 1996

Acronyms
AAPI
API
BHA
BHT
CSG
DOI
DOT
DLS
DT
FEWD
GL
KB
LCM
LIH
LOT
LWD
MAD
MD
MSL
MWD
MTBF
OBM
OCS
OD
PDM
POOH
ROP
TD
TF
TVD
UTM
WBM
WOB

Apparent API unit.

American Petroleum Institute.
Bottomhole assembly
Bottom hole temperature
Casing
Depth of investigation
Drill-off test
Dogleg severity
Interval transit time
Formation evaluation while drilling
Ground level
Kelly bushing
Lost circulation material
Lost-in-hole
Leak-off test
Logging while drilling
Measurement after drilling
Measured depth
Mean sea level
Measurement while drilling
Mean time between failures
Oil-based mud
Outer continental shelf
Outside diameter
Positive displacement mud motor
Pull out of hole
Rate of penetration
Total depth
Tool face
True vertical depth
Universal Transverse Mercator
Water-based mud
Weight-on-bit

International MWD Society (IMS), April 1996

Unit Abbreviations
API
C
cm
cps
dB
F
ft
FS
g
gal
hr
Hz
ID
in
kg
l
lb
m
MHz
min
mm
mmho
msec
mV
sec
nsec
Ohm-m
Pa
ppm
psi
p.u.
s / sec
V

American Petroleum Institute units

degree (Celsius)
centimeter(s)
counts per second
decibel(s)
degree (Fahrenheit)
foot (feet)
Full Scale
gram(s)
gallon(s)
hour(s)
Hertz
inside diameter
inch(es)
kilogram(s)
litre(s)
pound(s)
meter(s)
megaHertz
minute(s)
millimeter(s)
millimho(s)
millisecond(s)
millivolt(s)
microsecond (s)
nanosecond(s)
Ohm-meter(s)
Pascal(s)
parts per million
pounds per square inch
porosity unit(s)
second(s)
volt(s)

International MWD Society (IMS), April 1996

Glossary
ACCURACY (of a measurement)
The closeness of the agreement between the result of the measurement and the (conventional) true
value (of the measurand).
ACOUSTIC LOG
Typically, a measurement of the length of time required for a sound impulse to travel through rock,
usually given in msec/ft. The interval transit time is often used to calculate porosity; it may also be
used to estimate formation pressure and as an input to seismic data as a velocity control point in a
wellbore.
ANISOTROPY
The property of a rock which allows it to different measurements depending on the axis along which
it is measured. In terms of petrophysical measurements, the relationship of the axis of measurement
to the bedding plane is often tied to anisotropy.
API GRAVITY
The weight / unit volume of crude oil or other liquid hydrocarbon expressed in degrees API, where
a specific gravity of 1.0 is equivalent to 10API. API gravity should always be referenced to
temperature. Low API gravity oils (e.g. 10 API @ 80F) are called heavy / thick; high API gravity
oils (e.g. 40 API @ 80F) are called light / thin.
API TEST PITS
Shallow wells located at the University of Houston in Houston, Texas. The wells serve as standards
for a variety of nuclear logging tools. The test pits are currently used primarily as a
reference/standard for wireline logging tools because most MWD tools are too large a diameter to fit
directly into the pits. The API test wells are used to calibrate Gamma Ray (GR), neutron and
spectral GR tools.
API UNIT
A unit of measurement in GR logs (previously neutron logs also). For GR tools, one API unit is
equivalent to 1/200th of the total deflection observed between zones of high and low radiation in
the test pit. MWD GR tools measure gamma radiation in API units, Counts Per Second (cps) and
AAPI (see APPARENT API UNITS). Because MWD GR sensors are housed in thick steel drill
collars, the measurements usually are reduced compared to the same measurement by a wireline GR
tool. GR measurements may vary from one service company to another.
API WELL NUMBER
A unique well identification number consisting of (from left to right) a two digit state code (or
pseudo code for offshore), a three digit county code (or pseudo for offshore), a five digit unique well
code, and if applicable, a two digit sidetrack code as defined in API Bulletin D12A.
APPARENT API UNIT
A unit of measurement of total natural GR tools based on counts/second (cps) and scaled to
approximate standard API units (see API UNIT).

International MWD Society (IMS), April 1996

ATTENUATION
The decrease of a physical quantity. Many high frequency MWD resistivity devices (e.g. 2 MHz)
measure the attenuation of the propagated wave and relate this attenuation to resistivity.
Conversely, many MWD vendors also measure the shift in phase of the propagated wave and relate
this shift to resistivity. Attenuation is often expressed in decibels (dB).
AZIMUTH
Direction, as in a compass direction. The clockwise angle of departure from a reference direction
(typically geographic) north, measured in a horizontal plane. In dipmeter and directional surveys, it
is the clockwise angle from magnetic north to the tool reference point or electrode. This
measurement must be corrected for magnetic declination to compute true azimuth. The azimuth is
generally expressed in degrees.
AZIMUTHAL
The characteristic of a logging tool to perform separate measurements in different directions
(azimuths) around the axis of the tool. Currently, MWD sensors making azimuthal measurements
are limited to density and tend to give measurements in quadrants around the borehole. Some
MWD GR sensors are shielded on one side so that measurements are taken from only (primarily)
the unshielded side. These are oriented measurements rather than true azimuthal measurements.
BARITE
Barium sulfate, a mineral used to increase the weight of drilling mud. The presence of barite can
affect some logging sensors, both wireline and MWD. The measurements most significantly
affected by barite are spectral gamma-ray and the photoelectric effect (Pe).
BENDING STIFFNESS
The resistance to axial bending of a drill collar (expressed in Nm/Rad or ft-lb/degree of deflection).
It is equal to the bending moment required to produce a unit deflection of a collar when one end is
fixed. This value is supplied to drilling engineers for the comparison of the angle building
characteristic of an MWD drill collar to that of a standard API drill collar.
BENTONITE
A type of clay, composed of the mineral montmorillonite. The major area of interest in this mineral
is often its tendency to swell when wet. It is a common component of drilling muds.
BIAS
The systematic or persistent distortion of a measurement process which causes errors in one
direction (See SYSTEMATIC ERROR).
BIT BOUNCE
A dynamic axial drillstring motion characterized by the drill bit (bottom hole assembly) periodically
lifting off the bottom of the wellbore, in most cases at the naturally resonant frequency of a
drillstring component (e.g. when the BHA axial resonant frequency is three times the BHA rpm,
when drilling with a tricone bit).
BIT RESISTIVITY
An MWD tool that makes a point resistivity measurement at the bit using a toroidal coil and the bit
itself. The bit resistivity measurement technique depends on the BHA configuration. The quality of
the measurement is dependent on the mud conductivity and the formation resistivity. The
measurement is typically given in Ohm-m. The reciprocal measurement, conductivity, may be
expressed in millimhos/m.
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International MWD Society (IMS), April 1996

BIT RUN
The amount of footage made by a bit. It may also mean one trip in the well with the drill string.
Typically, the driller will sequentially number all bit runs.
BLOCK POSITION
The distance of the traveling block above the rotary table.
BOTTOM HOLE ASSEMBLY (BHA)
The portion of the drilling assembly below the drill pipe. The Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA) will
typically consist of drill collars, stabilizers and drilling tools (e.g. motor and MWD) and the bit.
BOTTOM HOLE TEMPERATURE
The temperature of the formation at the total depth of the well at the time of the activity being
performed on the well (e.g., drilling, producing, injecting, logging). This is not necessarily the true
temperature of the formation. The Bottom Hole temperature (BHT) is given in F or C.
BUILD ANGLE
The rate of increase in inclination of a wellbore. This is sometimes expressed as Rate-of-Build
(ROB) and expressed in degrees/unit length, often degree/100 ft or similar length. BHAs are
designed to either build, hold, or drop angle as the well is drilled. Some BHAs, when combined
with down-hole motors, are designed to turn in a desired direction.
CALIBRATION
The adjustment of raw measurements back to a known standard.
CALIBRATION INTERVAL
The maximum time period between calibrations during which a sensor remains within its specified
accuracy.
CALIPER LOG
A collection of measurements of hole or casing size. This may be in the form of minimum values or
it may be an expression of the maximum size that the tool is able to read. The hole size is a critical
measurement in many petrophysical measurements as well as an input in calculating cement
volumes. Small (e.g., 1/4 in.) errors in hole diameter can cause large errors in porosity
measurements.
CASING SHOE
A short length of heavy steel pipe which has a tapered profile. The casing shoe is screwed onto the
first joint of casing lowered into the hole. In many cases, sensor measurements made near the casing
shoe are of doubtful accuracy due to poor hole conditions near the casing shoe. Conversely, in
many wells, but not all, the best cement job (integrity) is closest to the bottom of the well.
CAVINGS
Formation falling into the wellbore. Cavings tend to be larger and, in the case of shales, more
elongated than drilled formation. Cavings may pose problems for petrophysical and drilling
reasons. In MWD logging, cavings may fall to the low side of the hole and pave the borehole wall
with an unnatural layer of material which could confuse estimation of true formation properties.

International MWD Society (IMS), April 1996

CENTRAL MERIDIAN
A longitude passing through the center of a projection. It is generally a straight line about which the
projection is centered (symmetrically). Usually, the central meridian defines the X-origin of the
map.
CLAY
A fine-grained aggregate consisting wholly or predominantly of microscopic and submicroscopic
mineral particles, derived from the mineral decomposition of rocks. Clays tend to be plastic when
wet and hard when dry. Clays usually exhibit a higher GR-value than most sandstones due to the
presence of radioactive materials such as Potassium and Thorium.
CLOSURE
The distance between two points projected onto a horizontal plane.
COLLARS
See DRILL COLLARS
CORRECTION
A value added to a raw measurement in order to improve the accuracy of the measurement.
CURIE
A standard measure of the rate of nuclear transformations or disintegrations: one Curie corresponds
to 3.70 x 10 10 disintegrations/second.
CURVE ID
An identifier for a log curve which, when used in combination with context information for the
logging job, serves to distinguish it from all other log curves. Often this identifier is a code or
mnemonic utilized by the logging company.
CURVE TYPE
General classification of log curves, independent of the specific sensor used. Examples are gamma
ray, caliper, formation density, resistivity, acoustic, etc.
DATA RATE
The speed at which measurements and data are transmitted and recorded. In MWD, this parameter
is important due to its relation to drilling or tripping speeds. If data are recorded slowly by a fast
moving sensor, they may be less representative of the environment and difficult to reproduce. See
also TRANSMISSION RATE.
DATA STORAGE CAPACITY
The volume of information which may be saved. In MWD, data are usually transmitted to the
surface in real time at a lower rate than the data are stored downhole. The real-time log is often
replaced by the higher-density, and better resolution data which are stored downhole and downloaded after the tool is brought to the surface or downlinked from the surface. See also
DOWNLINK.
DECIBEL
A unit used to express the relationship between two measurements of power as an interval on a
logarithmic scale; 20 log10 of the amplitude ratio or 10 log10 of the power ratio. An amplitude ratio
of 2 (power ratio of 4) is approximately 6 dB. 1 dB = 0.1151 Neper.
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International MWD Society (IMS), April 1996

DENSITY
The mass of some material divided by its volume. In petrophysics, formations and drilling fluid
densities are measured, primarily as input to equations to derive the porosity of the rock. Most
logging tools actually measure bulk density (b), and express the density in g/cm3. The equation
used for determining porosity () from bulk density is:
= (ma - b)/(ma - mf)
where ma is the assumed density of the matrix (formation) and mf is the assumed density of the
fluid in the pore spaces.
DEPARTURE
Horizontal displacement of one station from another in the horizontal plane. Departure is often
expressed as two components - east/west and north/south.
DEPTH DATUM
The zero-depth reference for logging. A location on or above the surface (land or water) at which
an elevation can be determined for depth reference. The elevation of this datum is the reference for
all depth measurements made in the wellbore. Usually, the top of the kelly bushing is used as depth
datum in drilling wells, but it could be ground level, derrick floor, or some other specific depth
reference.
DEPTH ENCODER
A device that is generally affixed to the rig drawworks and that generates electric pulses as the drum
rotates. After calibration the output of the encoder is converted to depth.
DEPTH OF INVASION
The radial depth from the borehole wall to which mud filtrate has invaded porous and permeable
rock. It is usually measured in inches.
DEPTH OF INVESTIGATION
The radial distance from the measure point on a sensor to a circle, usually within the formation,
where the predominant tool-measured response may be considered to be centered. It varies from
one type of device to another because of different designs, and techniques of compensation and
focusing. It also varies from formation to formation due to changes in formation properties. For a
better understanding of the volume of investigation of a logging tool, it is recommended to know
the depths of investigation corresponding to 10%, 50% and 90% of the cumulative GEOMETRIC
FACTOR. See also RADIUS OF INVESTIGATION.
DEPTH POLICY
A set of procedures defined by a data vendor to obtain a consistent depth.
DEPTH SHIFT
(1) Amount of change to a core or log depth scale to align that scale to another log depth scale used
as a depth reference.
(2) Amount of change to the depth produced by the MWD depth system to match the driller's depth.
DETECTION RADIUS
The distance at which an MWD sensor in one formation can detect another formation parallel to the
borehole, measured from the center of the MWD tool. For resistivity or conductivity tools, this is
International MWD Society (IMS), April 1996

defined as the distance where the log response changes by 25% of its value in the current formation.
For nuclear measurements, it is defined as the distance where the log response changes by at least
two standard deviations from the value in the current formation.
DIAMETER OF INVESTIGATION
Geometrical specification that characterizes a logging measurement. It is equal to twice the radius
of investigation or twice the depth of investigation plus the tool diameter. See GEOMETRIC
FACTOR.
DIELECTRIC CONSTANT
The ratio of a the observed DIELECTRIC PERMITTIVITY of a formation or material to that of a
vacuum.
DIELECTRIC EFFECT
Systematic shift observed on resistivities when the actual formation dielectric permittivity differs
from the assumed dielectric permittivity value. This effect is larger when resistivities are measured
with a high frequency (MHz range) electric field. See also DIELECTRIC PERMITTIVITY.
DIELECTRIC PERMITTIVITY
A measure of the ability of a material to store electrical energy or to be electrically polarized when
submitted to an electric field. Dielectric permittivity is frequency dependent.
DIP DIRECTION
The direction of dip (maximum slope in a plane) perpendicular to the DIP STRIKE, expressed
relative to compass directions.
DIP STRIKE
The direction or bearing of a horizontal line drawn on the plane of a structural surface. The strike is
perpendicular to the DIP DIRECTION.
DIRECTIONAL DRILLING
Intentional drilling of an off-vertical well at a closely controlled, predetermined angle and direction
through the use of special equipment .
DIRECTIONAL SURVEY
A well survey that measures the degree of departure of a borehole from vertical and the direction of
departure. Measurements are made of azimuth and inclination of the borehole.
DOGLEG SEVERITY
The rate of change of hole angle and/or direction evaluated between the current survey point and the
next shallowest survey point. It is expressed in degrees per course length, and is significantly
influenced by the course length over which it is calculated.
DOLOMITE
Rock mostly composed of the mineral CaMg(CO3 )2 .
DOWNLINK
The capability to retrieve data from, and send instructions to the tool when it is located downhole.
Four principles are currently used for downlink communications: mechanical (wireline), electrical
(inductive coupling), hydraulic (mud pulse) and electromagnetic propagation.
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International MWD Society (IMS), April 1996

DRIFT ANGLE
The deviation of a section of the borehole from vertical.
DRILL BIT PENETRATION RATE
The average or instantaneous distance drilled per unit of time (see also RATE OF
PENETRATION.
DRILL COLLAR
Heavy, thick-walled tube, usually steel, employed between the drill pipe and the bit in the drill string
to provide weight on the bit in order to improve its performance.
DRILLING FLUID TYPE
The type of mud present in the drilling media, such as chemical gel mud, crude oil, caustic (high
pH), gypsum mud, native mud, etc.
DRILLING LOG
A log of drilling parameters such as penetration rate, rotary speed, weight on the bit, pump pressure,
pump strokes, etc.
DRILL-OFF TEST (DOT)
A drilling procedure whereby additional weight is applied to the bit, and the drilling brake locked
down at various rates of rotation (rpm), and the drilling rate of penetration observed as the weight
drills off. This technique is commonly used to determine optimal drilling control parameters.
DROP ANGLE
The average rate of angular decrease at which a deviated hole departs from the hold angle in a
directional well.
ELECTROMAGNETIC PROPAGATION
The passing of electromagnetic energy through a medium. Most MWD resistivity logs are based on
electromagnetic propagation and typically operate at high frequencies (typically between hundreds
of kHz and a couple of Mhz). They are used for correlation and to determine formation electrical
properties or invasion characteristics. MWD tools record the phase shift and attenuation of
electromagnetic energy through the formation near the borehole, which are then converted into
resistivities and dielectric properties.
ENVIRONMENTAL CORRECTION
Correction due to the borehole environment. See CORRECTION.
EQUIVALENT BENDING THICKNESS
The wall thickness that would be required for a drill collar of uniform cross-section that would
produce the same bending stiffness as a non-uniform MWD. This number is used by drilling
engineers to estimate the angle-build characteristics of a BHA.
EQUIVALENT CIRCULATING DENSITY
The mud density that would be required to produce the same effective borehole pressure that results
from the solids / cuttings loading and circulation of the mud system.

International MWD Society (IMS), April 1996

11

FILTER TYPE
The type of filter (e.g., box, binomial, truncated binomial, exponential, deconvolving, Kalman, or
adaptive) used for smoothing logging curves. Because filtering affects precision and vertical
resolution, filtering methods need to be reported.
FIRST READING
The depth, at the onset of a log, of the first meaningful reading of a particular curve. For MWD first
readings are usually the shallowest readings, whereas in wireline logging they are generally the
deepest.
FLOW RATE RANGE
Range within which a MWD tool functions. Above the maximum flow rate, erosion (and
consequent tool damage) can occur. Below the minimum flow rate, telemetry information may not
be transmitted, and/or the tool may not be powered to make any measurements.
FLUID LOSS
Rate of drilling fluid dissipation due to seepage into the formation (filtration), commonly measured
in cm3/30 min.
FLUSHED ZONE
The zone, at a relatively short radial distance from the borehole and immediately behind the mud
cake. It is considered to have had all mobile formation fluids displaced from it by mud filtrate.
FORMATION
(1) Stratigraphic: A body of rock strata, of intermediate rank, in the hierarchy of lithostratigraphic
units, which is unified with respect to adjacent strata by consisting dominantly of a certain lithologic
type or combination of types or by possessing other unifying lithologic features. The formation is
the fundamental unit of lithostratigraphic classification.
(2) Drilling: A general term applied by drillers without stratigraphic connotation to a sedimentary
rock that can be described by certain drilling or reservoir characteristics.
FORMATION EXPOSURE TIME
The elapsed time between when the bit first penetrates a given section of rock and when a particular
sensor logs the same section. Also called TIME SINCE DRILLED and TIME AFTER BIT.
FORMATION EVALUATION WHILE DRILLING (FEWD)
The process of collecting, while drilling, petrophysical data that can be used to evaluate the
characteristics of a formation. Also called LOGGING-WHILE-DRILLING (LWD).
FORMATION WATER RESISTIVITY
The resistivity of the in-situ water contained in a formation, usually referred to as Rw.. It should be
referenced to a temperature.
FRACTURE GRADIENT
The mechanical strength of a formation that represents the maximum borehole fluid pressure that
can be sustained without fracturing the formation, and losing borehole fluid. This gradient is largely
dependent upon lithology, the formation pore pressure, and the weight of overlaying sediments (see
also LEAK-OFF TEST).

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International MWD Society (IMS), April 1996

FUNNEL VISCOSITY
Viscosity, equal to the time(in integer seconds) it takes one U.S. quart of mud to flow through a
Marsh funnel. The measuring unit is seconds.
GAMMA-RAY LOG
A log of the formation natural radioactivity level. It is typically used as an indicator of formation
shaliness. It is also used extensively for well-to-well correlation and to correlate cased-hole logs
with open-hole logs.
GEOLOGRAPH
A brand name commonly used to refer to a drilling recorder that records particular drilling events as
a function of time. Depth and rate of penetration are two drilling parameters derived from its
recording.
GEOMETRIC FACTOR
The contribution of a small geometrical region to the total response of a sensor. Geometric factors
are used to provide insight as to the spatial response characteristics of a measuring device.
Geometric factors are usually integrated and cumulated over spatial volumes.
GEOSTEERING
A technique in which one or more geologically sensitive parameters, measured downhole and
transmitted to the surface, are used to guide the well path and keep it in the desired location. In
GEOMETRICAL STEERING, the measurements are limited to azimuth and inclination, and the
well is steered toward a pre-determined geometrical target. In GEO(logical)STEERING, formation
sensitive measurements are used to steer the wellbore in relation to adjacent geological features.
GRAVITY TOOL FACE
The angle between a tool reference axis and a line perpendicular to the hole axis and lying in the
vertical plane. Also commonly referred to as HIGHSIDE TOOL FACE.
HEAVE
The vertical motion of a mobile offshore drilling rig. Logging depth systems need to track the rig
heave in order to accurately calculate the drillbit position.
HIGHSIDE TOOL FACE
See GRAVITY TOOL FACE.
IMPULSE RESPONSE
The theoretical sensor response when logging past an infinitely thin formation of infinite contrast to
its shoulder beds. See GEOMETRIC FACTOR.
INTERVAL TRANSIT TIME
The travel time of a compressional (usually) wave over a unit distance. It is proportional to the
reciprocal of the wave velocity. Also called SLOWNESS. It is usually expressed in the unit of sec
(microseconds) per unit length.
INVADED ZONE
The portion of formation surrounding a wellbore into which drilling fluid (typically mud filtrate) has
penetrated, displacing some of the native fluids.

International MWD Society (IMS), April 1996

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KELLY
The heavy square or hexagonal hollow steel member, which is suspended from the swivel, that
connects to the drillpipe. It is engaged in the rotary table, via the kelly bushing, to rotate the
drillstring. Drilling fluid is pumped through the kelly into the drillstring.
KELLY BUSHING
Device, through which the kelly slides, that fits into the rotary table. It transmits the torque of the
rotary table to the kelly and consequently to the drillstring. It is sometimes also called the drive
bushing or rotary kelly bushing (RKB).
KICKOFF DEPTH
The depth in the vertical part of a well at which the deviated (inclined) portion of the well is started.
LEAK-OFF TEST
A pressure test (usually performed after setting a casing strinng) that determines the maximum
pressure (mud weight) that can be contained by the open hole formations without fracturing and
losing circulation.
LIMESTONE
Sedimentary rock consisting mainly of calcium carbonate.
LOG
(1) A detailed record, usually correlated with depth, of certain parameters of the formations
penetrated during drilling. Data recorded may include electrical and radioactive surveys, description
of cuttings, core analyses, etc.
(2) A history of operations where drilling time, intervals cored, drillstem test results, etc. are
recorded.
LOGGING SPEED
The speed at which the measuring instrument is moving when the log is recorded. In wireline
operations, the cable speed typically controls the speed of a particular logging tool. In MWD
operations, the rate of bit penetration controls the speed of the logging operation.
LOGGING TOOL
A tool for performing downhole well log data gathering services for determining properties of the
formation, or characteristics of the wellbore and its environment.
LOGGING-WHILE-DRILLING (LWD)
Sets of methods used to record formation characteristics while drilling - commonly called LWD.
Also called FORMATION EVALUATION WHILE DRILLING.
LOST CIRCULATION MATERIAL (LCM)
Material added to the mud to aid in preventing the downhole loss of mud - also called LCM.
Downhole mud pulse telemetry devices and turbine generators may be affected by the presence of
this material in large quantities..
MAGNETIC DECLINATION
The angle between geographic north and magnetic north. It can be either a negative or positive
number. It is used to transform data referenced to magnetic north to data referenced to geographic
north.
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International MWD Society (IMS), April 1996

MAGNETIC INCLINATION
Vertical angle between the direction of the magnetic field and the horizontal plane. Commonly
called magnetic dip angle.
MAGNETIC INTERFERENCE
That condition which occurs when extraneous (not due to the earth) magnetic forces affect a
magnetically sensitive instrument. Proximity to magnetized casing, magnetized drillstring
components, and certain magnetic minerals are potential sources of interference.
MAGNETIC PERMEABILITY
The property of a substance that determines to what degree it modifies the magnetic flux in a
magnetic field - assumed to equal unity in most oilfield geological formations. Magnetic
permeability is frequency dependent. See also DIELECTRIC PERMITTIVITY.
MAGNETIC TOOLFACE
The angle between magnetic north and the projection of the tools reference axis onto a horizontal
plane. See RELATIVE BEARING.
MAGNETOMETER
A geophysical instrument used to measure the intensity, in both the horizontal and vertical
directions, of the earth magnetic field.
MAXIMUM OPERATING TEMPERATURE
The published temperature above which a tool is not designed or expected to operate within its
performance tolerances.
MAXIMUM RECORDED TEMPERATURE
The maximum (highest) temperature measured in the borehole during a logging operation. This
temperature is a function of several parameters (e.g. formation temerature, depth, mud flow rate, and
time since circulation).
MEAN TIME BETWEEN FAILURE (MTBF)
Average elapsed time between failures. It is calculated by dividing the number of MWD operating
hours by the number of failures. Industry standard practice (see SPE paper #19862) has established
two measures of MTBF, one for circulating hours (real-time transmission), and the second for total
hours of operation below rotary (while the tool operating and recording data). MTBF statistics are
recorded for individual components, for whole MWD systems, and by geographical area. Operators
are also interested in the number of times MWD failures interfere with drilling operations and
require tripping for the MWD tool. MTBF is significantly affected by the drilling environment (e.g.
SHOCK, VIBRATION, mud solids and flow rate) and by MWD maintenance schedules.
MEASURED DEPTH
The actual distance measured along the axis of the borehole from the zero depth reference point to
the depth of interest. Sometimes referred to as the Along Hole Depth (AHD).
MEASUREMENT AFTER DRILLING (MAD)
Measurements taken in a borehole after the initial drilling has taken place. MAD is the common
acronym for this operation.
MEASUREMENT ERROR
The difference between the true value and that which is reported from a measurement.
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MEASUREMENT WHILE DRILLING (MWD)

A technique of making downhole measurements of azimuth, inclination, tool orientation, natural
radioactivity, resistivity, porosity, temperature, vibration, weight, torque, etc. These measurements
are made while drilling by sensors located in the bottomhole assembly close to the drill bit, and can
be recorded downhole and/or telemetered to the surface.
MEASURING RANGE
Range of values for a quantity subjected to a measurement, for which the error of a measuring
instrument is intended to lie within specified limits. Sometimes called operating range.
MEMORY DUMP TIME
Elapsed time required to retrieve the data stored (recorded) in an MWD tool, once it is returned to
the surface. See TURN-AROUND TIME.
MODULARITY
The ability to interchange components of an MWD tool string at the wellsite, either when one
component fails, or in order to conform to desired (directional) drilling characteristics.
MUD
A liquid circulated through the wellbore during drilling and workover operations. One purpose of
the mud is to remove rock cuttings produced by drilling. The mud also helps cool the bit, it
prevents the borehole walls from caving in, constrains high-pressure formation fluids, and provides
a medium for MWD mud-pulse transmission signals. See DRILLING FLUID.
MUD CAKE
The sheath of mud solids which forms on the borehole wall opposite permeable formations when
the mud filtrate seeps into the formation.
MUD FILTRATE
The liquid portion of the mud that is able to flow into permeable formations.
MUD MOTOR CAPACITY
The actual stalling pressure of a mud motor for a given flowrate, divided by its stalling pressure at
the same flowrate when originally manufactured.
MUD MOTOR DRILLING EFFICIENCY
The actual maximum mechanical horsepower of a mud motor divided by its maximum mechanical
horsepower when originally manufactured.
MUD MOTOR EFFICIENCY
The output mechanical horsepower (proportional to torque multiplied by RPM) divided by the
input hydraulic horsepower (proportional to flowrate multiplied by pressure drop through the
motor).
MUD TYPE
The primary component of the mud, commonly water (fresh or saline) or oil. When the mud is a
mixture of these fluids, mud type is usually taken as the continuous phase. The mud type may affect
MWD measurements and telemetry.

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NATURAL GAMMA-RAY SPECTROSCOPY

A well log which indicates the concentrations of naturally-occuring radioactive thorium, potassium,
and uranium in the formation, by measuring the specific energy of formation-produced gamma rays.
This log is used primarily to analyze clay content. Also called a SPECTRAL GAMMA-RAY log.
NEUTRON LOG
A porosity log whose response is primarily related to the hydrogen content of the formation
(hydrogen index). Neutrons emitted from the logging tool are scattered off formation nuclei, and
the porosity is determined from either counting the neutrons themselves or the gamma rays
produced when the neutrons are absorbed by nuclei. Used with other porosity information, the
neutron log is used to ascertain the presence of gas, determine mineralogy, and quantify shaliness.
OBSERVED ERROR
The variation of closely spaced data within a sensor intrinsic resolution from a linear trend.
OFFSET WELL
(1) A well drilled on a nearby location to the original well.
(2) A well drilled on one tract of land to prevent the drainage of oil or gas to an adjoining tract
where another well is being drilled or is already producing.
OIL SATURATION
The percentage of the porosity volume which is filled with oil. It is one of the main objectives of
formation evaluation.
OPERATIONAL CHECKS
Rigsite procedures that are used to determine if all parts of the measurement system are functioning
properly prior to being run downhole, and again upon return to surface.
OPERATOR
The individual, partnership, firm or corporation who has control or management of operations on
the rig. The operator may be a lessee, designated agent, or holder of the operating rights under an
approved operating agreement.
PERMANENT DATUM
The permanent elevation reference entity, independent of any equipment at the location. Generally,
mean sea level (MSL) or ground level (GL) is used.
PERMEABILITY
A property of rock denoting its ability to pass fluids, and commonly used by the oil industry to
distinguish between rocks which will give up no pore fluids and those which will produce oil, gas,
and/or water. See also MAGNETIC PERMEABILITY.
PERMITTIVITY
See DIELECTRIC CONSTANT.
PHASE SHIFT
The phase angle between two different signals, typically measured in degrees (e.g. between
electromagnetic propagation receivers).

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POLARIZATION HORN
A localized (in true vertical depth), high resistivity deflection anomaly on some propagation
resistivity logs, caused by a combination of high relative dip and a large, sharp resistivity contrast at
two adjacent formations.
PORE PRESSURE
The pressure of fluids within a porous formation. MWD services are used in certain areas to
estimate the formation pore pressure.
PORE SPACE
The open space, or voids, between the individual grains of a rock mass, available for fluid
accumulation.
POROSITY
The percentage of bulk rock volume that consists of interstitial spaces or voids, whether isolated or
connected. Porosity can be measured, calculated, or inferred. The common unit for porosity is the
p.u. (porosity unit). One p.u. is equivalent to 1% porosity.
PRECISION
The closeness of agreement between the results obtained by applying a measurement procedure
several times on identical materials and under prescribed measurement conditions. The smaller the
random part of experimental error, the more precise the measurement procedure.
PRESSURE
Force per unit area applied to a body (e.g. hydrostatic, flow and pump pressures). It may be gauge
or absolute. The kPa (kiloPascal) unit is used in physics. The more common related oilfield unit is
the pound per square inch (psi).
PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN
A meridian line accurately located and used as a basis from which to construct interior lines of
monuments, called meridians, for use by surveyors.
P.U.
A unit of porosity. One percent by volume of porosity is one p.u.
PULSE RATE
The number of variations caused by mud pulses per unit of time.
QUALITATIVE
Relates to a parameter that can be characterized by a relation, not a value.
QUALITY ASSURANCE
An integrated system of management activities involving planning, quality control, quality
assessment, reporting and quality improvement to ensure that a product or service meets defined
standards of quality with a stated level of confidence.
QUALITY PARAMETERS
Quantitative parameters that provide an indication of the quality of a measurement (e.g. static error,
observed error, resolution, signal to noise and hole size).

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QUANTITATIVE
Relates to a parameter that can be characterized by a value, not a relation.
RANDOM ERROR
Random error is a non-reproducible error that is generally imputable to the physics of the
measurement.
RATE OF PENETRATION (ROP)
The interval drilled per unit of time, either averaged over an interval or instantaneous. Also called
ROP.
REAL-TIME DATA
(1) Data transmitted to the surface while a drilling operation is in progress.
(2) Data acquired during the time that a new borehole section is first being drilled.
REAMING
The process of circulating and rotating drillpipe down (or up) a wellbore section that has been
previously drilled.
RECORDED WHILE DRILLING (RWD)
Data which were recorded in the logging tool while drilling, stored in downhole electronic memory,
and later retrieved - sometimes referred to as RWD. Because recorded mode data are not sent by
mud pulse transmission, the data are generally of higher resolution, more complete, and of greater
precision than real-time data.
REFERENCE POINT
(1) Measure point: a mark or position on the MWD tool to which all measurements are related - a
tool zero.
(2) A depth datum.
REGULARIZATION
A filtering process that shifts unevenly spaced data onto an evenly spaced grid - commonly
performed when converting evenly time sampled data onto an even depth grid.
RELATIVE BEARING
The clockwise angle (looking downhole) from the upper side of the survey tool to the sensor face.
See also MAGNETIC TOOLFACE.
REPEAT SECTION
Another set of measurements run over a short section of hole, usually run to enable comparison with
the main survey and document instrument stability and repeatability.
REPEATABILITY
(1) Qualitatively: The closeness of agreement between independent results obtained in the normal
and correct operation of the same method on identical test material, in a short interval of time, and
under the same test conditions (same operator, same apparatus and same laboratory).

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(2) Qualitatively: The representative parameters of the dispersion of the population which may be
associated with the results are qualified by the term "repeatability", for example repeatability
standard deviation, repeatability variance.
(3) Quantitatively: The value equal to, or below which, the absolute difference between two single
test results obtained in the above conditions may be expected to lie with a probability of 95%.
REPLACEABILITY
The ability to retrieve and replace a portion of an MWD device (such as a failed electronics
component) from the bottom hole assembly, without tripping the drillpipe, and then continue
operating the MWD tool.
REPRODUCIBILITY
(1) Qualitatively: The closeness of agreement between individual results obtained in the normal and
correct operation of the same method on identical test material, but under different test conditions
(different operators, different apparatus and different laboratories).
(2) Qualitatively: The representative parameters of the dispersion of the population which may be
associated with the results are qualified by the term "reproducibility", for example reproducibility
standard deviation, reproducibility variance.
(3) Quantitatively: The value equal to or below which the absolute difference between two single
test results on identical material obtained by operators in different laboratories, using the
standardized test method, may be expected to lie with a probability of 95%.
RESISTIVITY
The resistance per unit volume offered against the passage of electrical current.
RESOLUTION
(1) Intrinsic Sensor Resolution is the length associated with a sensor that relates to its ability to see
thin detail (see also Impulse Response Function). It is quantitatively defined as the full width at half
maximum of the response of a sensor to an infinitesimally short event of infinite magnitude, and is
approximately equal to the minimum distance between two bed boundaries that the sensor can
resolve.
(2) Spatial Resolution is defined as the minimum formation thickness that can be resolved from a
data set, and is a function of the intrinsic sensor resolution, data sampling interval and data filtering.
(3) Digital Resolution is the precision with which data are digitized when either transmitted to the
surface, or stored in memory. It is related to the number of digital bits used to represent a quantity.
RETRIEVABILITY
The ability to retrieve a portion of an MWD system from downhole while the MWD tool is in the
bottom hole assembly. Retrievability is used on various MWD systems to recover electronics or
radioactive sources from stuck bottom hole assemblies. See also REPLACEABILITY.
SAMPLING ERROR
The error introduced by the sampling process caused by making measurements on only a limited
portion of a formation.
SAMPLING INTERVAL
The time between successive measurements of a sensor.
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SAND
(1) A quartz lithological description.
(2) A sedimentary particle with a diameter between 1/16 and 2 mm, based upon the Wentworth
scale of measurement.
SATURATION
The fraction or percentage of the pore volume occupied by a specific fluid (e.g. oil, gas or water).
SCREW IN / OUT
A drilling technique used when weight transfer from the surface is difficult. Excess weight is
applied at the surface and then drilled off with the drillpipe held in the slips. The drillbit makes no
progress as weight is applied, and conversely makes hole with no apparent movement of the pipe at
the surface. Screwing out is the reverse technique when there is drag in the borehole, and the driller
pulls the drillstring, and then rotates until the amount of pull has reduced.
SCRIBE LINE
A line marked on various drillstring components that relates to the orientation of the bend in a
motor or orientation of the azimuthally sensitive sensors.
SENSOR FACE
The orientation of a sensor in the borehole when the drillpipe is not rotating (zero by convention is
defined as the gravitational top side of a borehole). See also MAGNETIC TOOLFACE and
RELATIVE BEARING.
SHALE
A fine grained, thinly laminated sedimentary rock formed by the compaction and consolidation of
clay, silt and mud.
SHOCKS
Large and sudden, instantaneous forces applied to the BHA, and characterized by a relatively
wide frequency band. Shocks are often associated with either resonant vibrations (accumulating
large amounts of energy) or chaotic motion of the BHA. Accelerometer sensors are often used to
monitor the severity and frequency of axial, lateral and tangential shock loading on an MWD tool in
order to help the driller adjust surface drilling control parameters (e.g. rpm and hookload) to reduce
the magnitude and frequency of destructive shocks. See also VIBRATION.
SIDETRACK
The drilling of a new and different hole from an existing wellbore.
SILT
A sedimentary particle with a diameter less than 1/128 mm, based upon the Wentworth scale of
measurement.
SLIDING
The process of drilling without rotating the drillstring.
SPECIFICATIONS
A set of values that characterize a measurement or define the design operating limits for a system.
Typical measurement specifications are accuracy, precision, depth of investigation and resolution.
Typical operating limits include flow rate, mud sand content, dogleg severity and temperature.
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SPECTRAL GAMMA-RAY LOG

See NATURAL GAMMA-RAY SPECTROSCOPY.
STABILIZER
A bladed device that is used to eliminate vibration, centralize and prevent differential sticking of the
bottom hole assembly, and to control the directional tendencies of the drilling process. The diameter
of some stabilizers can be controlled by adjusting surface drilling parameters.
STANDOFF
The distance between a logging sensor or drill collar and the borehole wall.
STANDPIPE
A pipe used for drilling fluid circulation that extends part the way up the derrick to a height suitable
for attaching to the rotary hose.
STATIC ERROR
The amount of measurement variation observed when a sensor is stationary in the borehole.
STATUS PARAMETERS
Information that is recorded or transmitted periodically to the surface that confirms that a sensor is
electronically performing within specification.
STICK-SLIP
An uneven rotational motion of the bottom hole assembly when downhole rotation periodically
stops and then starts again. Although a drillstring may be turning fairly smoothly at the surface,
downhole frictional forces may cause the bottom hole assembly to stop momentarily until sufficient
torque can build in the drillstring to overcome the downhole frictional forces.
STRIKE
The direction of a horizontal line in an inclined plane, perpendicular to dip.
SUB
A small drill collar that is significantly shorter than a typical collar.
SUBSEA DEPTH
Depth measurements that have been adjusted to a zero reference at sea level.
SYSTEMATIC ERROR
A reproducible inaccuracy of measurement introduced by either faulty design, failing equipment,
inadequate calibration, inferior procedure or a change in the measurement environment.
TALLY
A record of the drillpipe, drillcollars, tubing or casing installed in a well containing the length of
each joint, the number of joints, and the overall length of the string.
TELEMETRY TYPE
MWD signals are transmitted in real time either through the fluid in the borehole and casing (mud
pulses), or through the earth formations (electromagnetically). MWD signals are either amplitude
or frequency modulated. The type of drilling fluid (compressible or incompressible) and the
conductivity of geological formations may dictate the appropriateness of one telemetry type or
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another. The type of telemetry affects data rate, the depth at which an MWD system can transmit in
real time back to the surface, and various operational procedures.
TICK OR TIME MARKS
A set of marks associated with a measurement curve that indicate the depths where data were
sampled, and which provide a qualitative indication of the variability in the precision and resolution
of the data.
TIME AFTER BIT
The elapsed time between the times the bit first penetrates a section of rock and a sensor logs that
same section. Also called FORMATION EXPOSURE TIME and TIME SINCE DRILLED.
TIME SINCE DRILLED
See TIME AFTER BIT.
TOOL FACE
Refer also to MAGNETIC TOOLFACE and GRAVITY TOOLFACE.
TOOLJOINT
A threaded coupling for drill pipe, comprised of a male section (pin) and a female section (box).
TORSIONAL OSCILLATION
A periodic variation in the rotational motion of the bottom hole assembly - slowing down and then
speeding up. This motion is often associated with the mass and length of sections of the drillstring.
In the extreeme case, the bottom hole assembly may briefly stop rotating or instantaneously reverse
its rotation. See also STICK-SLIP.
TRANSMISSION RATE
The rate at which data are transmitted to the surface in real time, usually quantified in bits per
second. Effective data rate, however, is a function of transmission rate, data resolution, parity
checking and data compression. See also RESOLUTION.
TRAVELING BLOCK
The block containing sheaves and a hook that is raised and lowered in a derrick.
TRIPPING
The process of moving drillpipe down (or up) a previously drilled wellbore section without
circulating mud or rotating the drillpipe.
TRUE VERTICAL DEPTH (TVD)
The vertical, straight line, distance from a reference elevation to a subsurface point of interest.
TRUE VERTICAL DEPTH LOG
A well log from deviated borehole that has been rescaled from measured depth onto a vertical plane
with true vertical depths.
TURN-AROUND TIME
The time required to prepare an MWD system for lowering back into the borehole after tripping it
to the surface. This will include such operations as dumping memory, replacing batteries and
performing diagnostic operational checks.
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TWO-WAY COMMUNICATION
A system that allows a downhole tool to transmit and receive information from the operator to either
query the MWD tool or change some operating parameters such as data sampling times, transmitted
data sequence and quality control checks.
UTM COORDINATE SYSTEM
The UTM (Universal Transverse Mercator) system is a convention for transforming a portion of the
curved surface of the earth onto a flat plane surface of grid rectangular (x-y) coordinates. The grid
system is designed for the identification of locations between the latitudes of 80 degrees south and
84 degrees north.
VALIDATION
A procedure performed after the calibration of a sensor which confirms that the calibration
parameters truly produce measurements within a specified accuracy over a range of measurement.
VERIFICATION
A check performed at the rigsite that establishes whether a sensor electronics are operating within
their design specification See also OPERATIONAL CHECK.
VIBRATION
Repeatable (quasi-harmonic) motion of the drillstring, MWD tool or other drillstring components,
characterized by relatively narrow frequency bands. Vibration is often caused by resonant
phenomena or driven energy sources (e.g. mud motors). See also SHOCKS.
VISCOSITY
The property of a substance offering internal resistance to flow; a measure of the degree of fluidity.
Viscosity is defined as the ratio of the shear stress applied to a fluid divided by the shear rate
resulting from the shear stress application. If the shear stress is expressed in dynes/cm2 and the
shear rate is expressed in reciprocal seconds, the viscosity would be calculated in poise.
WALK
(1) Of the bit: The action of a drill bit that causes the direction of the wellbore to tend to drift away
from its projected path.
(2) Of the hole: The tendency of a wellbore to deviate in the horizontal plane; generally thought to
be caused by the bit rotating preferentially into the side of the hole and/or the anisotropic nature of
the formation.
WASHING
The process of moving drillpipe down (or up) a wellbore section that has been previously drilled,
while circulating mud, but without rotating the drillpipe pipe.
WATER SATURATION
The percentage of the rock pore volume that is filled with water.
WHIRL
An excentered rotation of the center axis of the drillstring in the borehole, induced most usually by
either the compressive bending or the rotational mass imbalance of drill collars. Depending upon
the frictional forces acting at the borehole wall, and upon the severity of the bending forces, whirl
may manifest itself in the same direction as (forward whirl), or in the opposite direction as the
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rotation of the drillstring (backward whirl). Whirl can also be instable, transitioning between
forward whirl and backward whirl states in a chaotic manner.
WIPER RUN
The process of moving drillpipe down (or up) a wellbore section that has been previously drilled,
while circulating mud and rotating the drillpipe pipe - also referred to as a wiper trip or short trip.
YIELD POINT
An additional thixotropic measurement of the mud, which is the resistance to internal fluid flow
measured as stress.
ZERO DEPTH REFERENCE
The elevation reference from which depths are measured. Frequently used reference points are
derrick floor (DF) or kelly bushing (KB).

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