Mud Logging Operations

Mudlogging Services
Mohamed Bekhit
14 February 2010
Mud Logging: An Overview
© 2007 Weatherford. All rights reserved.

1
What Is Mud Logging?
• Mud logging is the process of continuously collecting,

recording and analyzing the meaningful solids, fluids,
and gasses brought to the surface by mud.
• Provide comprehensive drilling data parameter

recording, monitoring and analysis.
• Real-time information service….

2
Mudlogging Operations – Drilling Crew
• Rig superintendent (Day toolpusher)

• Night toolpusher
• Drillers
• Assistant drillers
• Derrickman
• Roughnecks
• Roustabouts / load handling crew
• Mechanics and Electricians
• Catering / living quarters crew
3
Mudlogging Operations – Connection
• Adding fresh length (joint

or stand) of pipe so that
the bit can drill deeper.
• While connection check

the pit system level and
check gas trap level and
shakers.

4
Mudlogging Operations – Connection

5
Mudlogging Operations – Tripping
• Withdrawing the drillstring is

known as (tripping out) and the
whole operation of extraction
and re-insertion (tripping in) of
the drillstring is a round trip.
• POOH (pull out of hole) is
another expression for tripping
out.
• RIH (run in hole) is another
expression for tripping in

6
Mudlogging Operations – POOH

7
Mudlogging Operations – RIH

8
Mudlogging Operations
Wiper Trip
• To prevent cuttings build up, esp. in deviated wells
• POOH to last casing shoe or to pull out a few stands
(10-30 stands)
Back-reaming
• Continuous rotation of the Drillstring as it is being
pulled out of the hole in order to keep the hole clean
and maintain the wellbore in gauge

9
Drilling Fluid Circulating System
1. Suction Pit
2. Mud Pump
3. Standpipe
4. Swivel
5. Kelly
6. Drillstring and Bit
7. Annulus
8. Return Flowline /
Shakers
9. Suction Pit

10
Circulating System – Shale Shaker
Shale shaker
Possum belly
Flowline
11
Lag Time Determination
• What is Lag Time

• What are the factors affecting Lag Time
• How is Lag Time measured
• How is Lag Time checked

12
Lag Time Definition
• Lag time is the definite time interval required for

pumping drilled cuttings from a particular depth to the
surface where they can be collected
• Always exists
• Changes continuously as the hole deepens
• Must be frequently checked and corrected

13
Lag Time
Factors Affecting Lag Time

• Volume of the mud in the Annulus
• Mud flow rate
Annulus
• It is the space around a pipe in the wellbore, the outer
wall being the wall of either the hole or casing
• Sometimes called annular space

14
Lag Time
Volume of Mud in the Hole

• As hole gets deeper, mud volume increases,
therefore, lag time increases
• As the annular diameter gets larger due to hole
washouts the mud volume increases, the lag time
increases
Mud Flow Rate

• The faster the mud is pumped the quicker it returns to
the surface and hence the lag time is reduced

15
Lag Time Measured Using Velocity Method
Annular velocity ann. sec (ft/min) = 24.51 x Q / (D2 – d2)

Where,
Q = flow rate (gpm), D = hole or casing ID (ins.), d =

DP/DC OD (ins.)
Lag time ann. sec (mins) = Length of annular section / Annular

velocity of annular section
Lag time (mins) =  Lag time ann. sec
Lag time (strokes) = Lag time (mins) x spm

16
Lag Time Measured Using Volume Method
Annular volume = (D2 – d2) x 0.000971 x Length of annular

section
or
Annular volume = ((D2 – d2) / 1029.4) x Length of annular
section
Lag time ann. sec (mins) = Annular volume (bbls) / flow rate
(bbls/min)
Lag time (mins) =  Lag time ann. sec
• Disadvantage: affected by flow rate changes

17
Lag Time Measured Using Volume Method
Annular volume = (D2 – d2) x 0.000971 x Length of annular

section or
Annular volume = ((D2 – d2) / 1029.4) x Length of annular
section
Pump Output (bbls/stroke) = Pump output (gpm) / (spm x
42)
Lag time ann. sec (strokes) = Annular volume (bbls) / Pump
Output (bbls/stroke)
• Advantage: not affected by changes in flow rate

18
Well Profile
• Depth: 7750 ft
• Hole size: 8.5”
• Pump Output: 425 gpm at 100 spm
• Casing:
– shoe at 6000 ft
– 9 5/8” OD; 9” ID
• DP:
– 6350 ft.
– 5” OD; 4.276” ID
• DC:
– 1400 ft.
– 7” OD; 3.5” ID

19
Example #1 (Velocity Method)
Section 1: 24.51 x 425 / (92 - 52)

Annular Velocity = 186 ft/min
Annular Section = 6000 feet
Lag Time for Section = 32.26 minutes
Section 2: 24.51 x 425 / (8.52 - 52)

Annular Velocity = 220.46 ft/min
20
Example #1 (Velocity Method)
Section 3: 24.51 x 425 / (8.52 - 72)

Annular Velocity = 448 ft/min
Total Lag Time = 32.26 + 1.59 + 3.13 = 36.98 minutes

21
Example #2 (Volume Method)
Section 1: (92 - 52) x 0.000971 x 6000

Annular volume = 326.25 bbls
Section 2: (8.52 - 52 ) x 0.000971 x 350

Section 3: (8.52 - 72 ) x 0.000971 x 1400


22
Example #2 (Volume Method)
Pump output (bbls/min) = 425 gpm/42 = 10.12 bbls/min

Pumps are pumping at 100 spm -> Pump output
(bbls/stroke)= 10.12/100 = 0.1012 bbls/stroke
Total Lag Time (strokes)

= (326.25 + 16.05 + 31.6) / 0.1012
= 374.15 / 0.1012 = 3697 strokes

23
Lag Time Check
• Under normal circumstances a check should be made

every twenty-four hours or 400 ft, whichever comes
first. However, if carbide information is required due to
suspicions of incorrect lag or washout, then carbides
should be run as required
• A tracer is used to obtain an “accurate” measurement of
lag time
• Common tracers used are:
– Calcium carbide (most common)
– Rice, lentil, cellophane
• Carbide + water -> acetylene
24
Example
• Example:
– Actual strokes from carbide = 5128 strokes
• Calculations:
– Down strokes are 1278 strokes.
– Lag strokes are 3697 strokes
– Pump output is 0.1012 bbls/stroke
• Calculate carbide check?

25
Collecting a Sample

26
Reasons For Sample Collection
• Paleontological Analysis
• Geochemical Analysis
• Oil Company Partners
• Governmental Requirements
• Future Reference / Library Samples

27
Sample Intervals
• Set by the client

• Common intervals: 5 feet to 30 feet
• Regardless of the sampling interval, under no circumstances
should the Mudloggers 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

28
Sample Types
• Unwashed Samples
• Washed and Dried Samples
• Geochemical Samples
• Paleontological Samples
• Metal Shavings
• Mud Samples

29
Sample Collection
• Install a sample collection board 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
• When sampling in smaller intervals than required, the
sample bags should be progressively filled up
• Clean the sample board after a sample is taken

30
Sample Catching Board

31
Sample Preparation

32
Cuttings Examination
• Samples are examined under the microscope for:

– Lithology
– Oil staining
– Porosity
• Objective:
– To depict changes of lithology and appearance of
new formations

33
Cuttings Examination
Sources of Sample Contamination
• Cavings
• Recycled Cuttings
• Mud Chemicals
• Cement
• Metal
• Unrepresentative Samples

34
Sample Description
Major Functions of Sample Description
• Allows others 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 others to recognize the rock whenever it is
seen again

35
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.

36
Sample Description Format
• Rock type / Classification

• Color
• Texture: Cuttings shape and parting (calcareous and
argillaceous lithologies), Grain size, Grain shape or
roundness, Sorting, Hardness or induration, Luster / Slaking /
Swelling
• Cementation or matrix
• Fossils and accessories
• Visual structures
• Visual porosity
• Oil show descriptions

37
Particle Shape: Roundness vs. Sphericity

38
Sorting

39
Oil Show Evaluation
• Solid Hydrocarbons and Dead Oil

• Oil show description
• Hydrocarbon Odor
• Oil Staining
• Natural Fluorescence
• Solvent Cut Fluorescence
• Other Tests

40
Sample Examination Procedure For HC Shows
• 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.
• 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.

41
• The unwashed sample is also observed under UV

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

42
• Observe sample tray under UV light. Separate

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

43
Observing a Sample Under the UV Box

44
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)

45
Bleeding Core Sample

46
Fluorescence: Indication of API Gravity
Gravity (API) Color at 3600A
< 15 Brown
15 - 25 Orange
25 - 35 Yellow to Green
35 - 45 White
> 45 Blue White to Violet

47
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

48
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
oil’s 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

49
How To Do A Solvent Cut Test
• 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.
• Observe the following:
– Cut speed
– Cut nature
– Cut color fluorescence and intensity
– Cut color intensity
– Residue color and intensity

50
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
• 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.

51
Responsibilities of a Mud Logger
• To collect and record all the engineering and

geological data obtained while drilling
• To interpret the acquired data
• To inform the client of significant changes in the well
• Maintain good relations with the client and other
personnel on the rig
• Ensure that the unit and equipment are properly
maintained and in good working order
• To perform all duties in a safe manner

52
THE END

53

Mud Logging Operations

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Mudlogging Services

© 2007 Weatherford. All rights reserved.

• Mud logging is the process of continuously collecting,

• Provide comprehensive drilling data parameter

• Real-time information service….

© 2007 Weatherford. All rights reserved.

• Rig superintendent (Day toolpusher)

• Adding fresh length (joint

• While connection check

© 2007 Weatherford. All rights reserved.

© 2007 Weatherford. All rights reserved.

• Withdrawing the drillstring is

© 2007 Weatherford. All rights reserved.

© 2007 Weatherford. All rights reserved.

© 2007 Weatherford. All rights reserved.

© 2007 Weatherford. All rights reserved.

© 2007 Weatherford. All rights reserved.

• What is Lag Time

© 2007 Weatherford. All rights reserved.

• Lag time is the definite time interval required for

© 2007 Weatherford. All rights reserved.

Factors Affecting Lag Time

© 2007 Weatherford. All rights reserved.

Volume of Mud in the Hole

Mud Flow Rate

© 2007 Weatherford. All rights reserved.

Annular velocity ann. sec (ft/min) = 24.51 x Q / (D2 – d2)

Q = flow rate (gpm), D = hole or casing ID (ins.), d =

Lag time ann. sec (mins) = Length of annular section / Annular

© 2007 Weatherford. All rights reserved.

Annular volume = (D2 – d2) x 0.000971 x Length of annular

© 2007 Weatherford. All rights reserved.

Annular volume = (D2 – d2) x 0.000971 x Length of annular

© 2007 Weatherford. All rights reserved.

© 2007 Weatherford. All rights reserved.

Section 1: 24.51 x 425 / (92 - 52)

Section 2: 24.51 x 425 / (8.52 - 52)

Section 3: 24.51 x 425 / (8.52 - 72)

Total Lag Time = 32.26 + 1.59 + 3.13 = 36.98 minutes

© 2007 Weatherford. All rights reserved.

Section 1: (92 - 52) x 0.000971 x 6000

Section 2: (8.52 - 52 ) x 0.000971 x 350

Section 3: (8.52 - 72 ) x 0.000971 x 1400

© 2007 Weatherford. All rights reserved.

Pump output (bbls/min) = 425 gpm/42 = 10.12 bbls/min

Total Lag Time (strokes)

© 2007 Weatherford. All rights reserved.

• Under normal circumstances a check should be made

• Calculate carbide check?

© 2007 Weatherford. All rights reserved.

© 2007 Weatherford. All rights reserved.

© 2007 Weatherford. All rights reserved.

• Set by the client

© 2007 Weatherford. All rights reserved.

© 2007 Weatherford. All rights reserved.

• Install a sample collection board at the base of the shaker

© 2007 Weatherford. All rights reserved.

© 2007 Weatherford. All rights reserved.

© 2007 Weatherford. All rights reserved.

• Samples are examined under the microscope for:

© 2007 Weatherford. All rights reserved.

Sources of Sample Contamination

© 2007 Weatherford. All rights reserved.