Chapter 7

Gamma Ray (GR) log

Lecture notes for PET 370

Spring 2012
Prepared by: Thomas W. Engler,
Ph.D., P.E.
GR Log Uses

• Estimate bed boundaries, stratigraphic correlations

• Estimate shale content

• Perforating depth control

• Identify mineral deposits of potash, uranium, and coal

• Monitor movement of injected radioactive material

GR Log Background
• The Gamma Ray log is a continuous measurement of
the natural radioactivity emanating from the formations.

• Principal isotopes emitting radiation are Potassium-40,

Uranium, and Thorium (K40, U, Th)

• Isotopes concentrated in clays; thus higher radioactivity

in shales than other formations.

• Sensitive detectors count the number of gamma rays per

unit of time

• Recorded in “API Units” which is 1/200th of the

calibrated, standard response.
GR Log General GR Response
GR Log Factors affecting tool response

(1). Radiation intensity of the formation

(2). Counter’s efficiency

(3). Time constant (rc)

(4). Logging speed

(5). Borehole environment

GR Log Time constant/logging speed

Gamma Ray Logs never repeat

exactly! The minor variations are
statistical fluctuations due to the
random nature of the radioactive
pulses reaching the detector.

Typical ranges are 5 - 10 API Units in

shales, and 2 - 4 units in clean
formations

Reduce statistical fluctuations by

optimizing the time constant and
logging speed.
GR Log Time constant/logging speed
Effect of Time Constant
and Logging Speed
on bed resolution
GR Log Time constant/logging speed
The faster the logging speed, the less time the tool can sufficiently react and
properly count the radiation intensity.
Two effects:
1. The tool response is shifted in the direction the tool is moving. This
lag or critical thickness (hc) is given by hc = n tc; where n is logging
speed (ft/sec) and tc is the time constant (sec).
2. The log cannot properly respond when h < hc
GR Log Time constant/logging speed
The time constant and logging speed are regulated so that the GR log
is representative of the formation radioactivity.
1. By experience, hc = 1 ft., avoids excessive distortion of the GR
curve.
2. Common combinations are:

n (ft/hr) tc (seconds)
3,600 1
1,800 2
1,200 3
900 4
GR Log Borehole effects
Function of tool type, borehole size, mud weight, eccentricity

Correction typically ignored except for quantitative analysis such

as shale volume calculations.
GR Log Borehole effects

Examples:
(1). A GR-CNL-LDT combination is run eccentered. What is the
corrected response if the log response is 40 API units in a 9” hole
with 8.3 ppg mud? ...16” hole ...?

(2). A GR - BHC combination is run centered. What is the corrected

response if the log response is 40 API units in a 9” hole with 16 ppg
mud? ....16” hole....?
GR Log Vsh estimation

• Vsh is the bulk volume of shale (precisely the volume of silt, dry
clay, and bound water) to bulk volume.
• Calculate shale index, IRA , by
RA  RA min
I RA 
RA sh  RA min
where
RAmin is clean zone reading
RAsh is shale zone (max) reading
RA is reading in zone of interest
• GR correlations based on:
– shale distribution type
– age of shale (tertiary or older)
– local area
• Disadvantage: Contamination from non-shale radioactive sources.
GR Log Shale Distribution
GR Log Vsh estimation
1.0
0.9
0.8
0.7
sh
Shale Volume, V

laminated
0.6
0.5
Larionov (older rocks)
0.4
Stieber
Clavier, et al
0.3
0.2 Larionov (tertiary rocks)

0.1
0.0
0.0 0.1 0.2 0.3 0.4 0.5 0.6 0.7 0.8 0.9 1.0
Radioactivity Index, IRA
GR Log SP/GR Comparison
GR Log References

Bassiouni, Z: Theory, Measurement, and Interpretation of Well Logs, SPE

Textbook Series, Vol. 4, (1994)
Chapter 2, Sec 2.1 – 2.5
Chapter 7, Sec all

Schlumberger, Log Interpretation Charts, Houston, TX (1995)

Western Atlas, Log Interpretation Charts, Houston, TX (1992)