Manual Wellsite Geology

Manual Wellsite Geology
Classification: Internal Status: Final Expiry date: 2011-02-04 Page 1 of 75

Title:
Manual Wellsite Geology
Document no. : Contract no.: Project:
Classification: Distribution:
Internal Corporate Statoil
Expiry date: Status
2011-02-04 Final
Distribution date: Rev. no.: Copy no.:
Author(s)/Source(s):
Geo Operations
Subjects:
Remarks:
Valid from: Updated:
Responsible publisher: Authority to approve deviations:
Techn. responsible (Organisation

Techn. responsible (Name): Date/Signature:
unit):
Responsible (Organisation unit): Responsible (Name): Date/Signature:
Recommended (Organisation unit): Recommended (Name): Date/Signature:
Approved by (Organisation unit): Approved by (Name): Date/Signature:

Table of contents
1 Objective............................................................................................................................................... 8
2 2 Data handling and Reporting........................................................................................................... 9
2.1 Introduction............................................................................................................................................ 9
2.2 Data from service companies................................................................................................................. 9
2.2.1 Drilling parameters................................................................................................................................. 9
2.2.2 Mud logs............................................................................................................................................... 10
2.2.3 MWD/LWD data................................................................................................................................... 10
2.2.4 Wireline................................................................................................................................................ 10
2.3 Statoil descriptions and plot/presentations........................................................................................... 10
2.3.1 Lithology Descriptions.......................................................................................................................... 10
2.3.1.1 Summary of Lithology Descriptions...................................................................................................... 11
2.3.2 Well Site Sample Descriptions............................................................................................................. 11
2.3.3 Core Description................................................................................................................................... 11
2.3.4 Sidewall Core Description.................................................................................................................... 11
2.3.5 Wellsite Geology responsibility for making the Completion Log...........................................................11
2.3.6 Pore Pressure and drilling parameters................................................................................................. 12
2.3.7 Risk Log/Trip log.................................................................................................................................. 12
2.3.8 Cross Section....................................................................................................................................... 12
2.4 Statoil Reports...................................................................................................................................... 13
2.4.1 Wellsite Geology Daily DBR reporting requirements............................................................................13
2.4.2 Partner Report...................................................................................................................................... 13
2.4.3 Pore Pressure Report........................................................................................................................... 13
2.4.4 NPD Report/Shallow Gas Report......................................................................................................... 13
2.4.5 Section Report...................................................................................................................................... 14
2.4.6 Detailed logging operation report......................................................................................................... 14
2.4.7 Experience report................................................................................................................................. 14
2.4.8 Input to Final Well Report..................................................................................................................... 14
2.4.9 Evaluation of service companies.......................................................................................................... 14
2.5 Office routines...................................................................................................................................... 15
2.5.1 Introduction/Responsibility................................................................................................................... 15
2.5.2 Daily meetings/Telephone meetings.................................................................................................... 15
2.5.3 Diary..................................................................................................................................................... 15
2.5.4 Manifest................................................................................................................................................ 16
2.5.5 Well archive.......................................................................................................................................... 16
2.5.6 Rig library............................................................................................................................................. 16
2.5.7 Inventory list......................................................................................................................................... 17
2.6 Security routines................................................................................................................................... 17
2.6.1 Geologist’s office.................................................................................................................................. 17
2.6.2 PC – Data equipment........................................................................................................................... 17
2.6.3 Sharing of information.......................................................................................................................... 18
2.6.4 Shipment.............................................................................................................................................. 18

2.6.5 Removal of data................................................................................................................................... 18
2.6.6 Samples............................................................................................................................................... 18
2.7 Training of Well Site geologists............................................................................................................ 19
3 Geological Sampling.......................................................................................................................... 20
3.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................................... 20
3.2 Sample programme.............................................................................................................................. 20
3.2.1 Cuttings samples (drill cuttings)............................................................................................................ 20
3.3 Sample catching (drill cuttings)............................................................................................................. 22
3.4 Sample handling/packing..................................................................................................................... 22
3.4.1 Wet samples........................................................................................................................................ 22
3.4.2 Dry samples......................................................................................................................................... 23
3.4.3 Geochemical samples.......................................................................................................................... 23
3.4.4 Mud samples........................................................................................................................................ 23
3.5 Sample shipments................................................................................................................................ 23
3.6 Material Safety Data Sheet.................................................................................................................. 24
3.7 Sample preparation.............................................................................................................................. 24
3.7.1 Water based mud................................................................................................................................. 24
3.7.2 Oil based mud...................................................................................................................................... 25
4 Pore Pressure..................................................................................................................................... 26
4.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................................... 26
4.2 Responsibilities related to pore pressure work.....................................................................................26
4.3 Pore pressure work.............................................................................................................................. 26
4.3.1 Methods and terminology..................................................................................................................... 26
4.3.2 Pore pressure calculation..................................................................................................................... 26
5 Geohazards......................................................................................................................................... 27
5.1 Shallow gas.......................................................................................................................................... 27
5.1.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................................... 27
5.1.2 Wellsite Geology Requirements concerning Geohazards....................................................................27
5.2 Other shallow hazards.......................................................................................................................... 28
6 Directional drilling and geosteering................................................................................................. 29
6.1 Directional drilling................................................................................................................................. 29
6.2 Geosteering.......................................................................................................................................... 29
7 Mud logging........................................................................................................................................ 30
7.1.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................................... 30
7.1.2 Equipment............................................................................................................................................ 30
7.1.3 Wellsite Geology responsibilities concerning Mud Logging quality control...........................................30
7.1.4 Products from Mudlogging Company................................................................................................... 30
8 MWD/LWD........................................................................................................................................... 32
8.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................................... 32
8.2 Wellsite Geology Requirements concerning MWD/LWD logging.........................................................32
8.3 Methods used by Wellsite Geologist for check of MWD/LWD operation..............................................33
8.3.1 Well site check prior to logging............................................................................................................. 33
8.3.2 Check list while logging........................................................................................................................ 33
8.3.3 Checks after logging............................................................................................................................. 34

9 Wireline Logging................................................................................................................................ 35
9.1 Electrical Wireline logging.................................................................................................................... 35
9.1.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................................... 35
9.1.2 Responsibilities.................................................................................................................................... 35
9.1.3 Checks prior to logging......................................................................................................................... 35
9.1.4 Pre-job planning meeting..................................................................................................................... 36
9.1.5 Supervision of logging operation.......................................................................................................... 37
9.1.6 Real time Quality control...................................................................................................................... 37
9.1.7 Checks while logging............................................................................................................................ 38
9.1.8 Checks after Logging........................................................................................................................... 39
9.1.9 Log Headings....................................................................................................................................... 39
9.1.10 Log Numbering..................................................................................................................................... 39
9.1.11 Logging Service Bills & Invoices........................................................................................................... 40
9.1.12 Reporting Procedures (Logging Report)............................................................................................... 40
9.2 Borehole Seismic (VSP)....................................................................................................................... 40
9.2.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................................... 40
9.2.2 Responsibilities.................................................................................................................................... 41
9.2.3 Planning............................................................................................................................................... 41
9.2.4 Before the survey (Before logging operation).......................................................................................42
9.2.5 During the survey (The logging operation)........................................................................................... 42
9.2.6 After the survey (logging operation) - VSP data from the rig................................................................43
10 Coring.................................................................................................................................................. 44
10.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................................... 44
10.2 The Well Site Geologist's responsibility concerning coring operation...................................................44
10.3 Methods used by Wellsite Geologist during coring operation...............................................................45
10.3.1 Coring programme............................................................................................................................... 45
10.3.2 Equipment for core handling................................................................................................................ 45
10.3.3 Coring point decision............................................................................................................................ 46
10.3.4 Coring operations................................................................................................................................. 46
10.3.5 Tripping speeds.................................................................................................................................... 46
10.3.6 Oriented cores...................................................................................................................................... 47
10.3.7 Handling of cores in the inner - barrel.................................................................................................. 47
10.3.8 Core handling on the drill floor............................................................................................................. 48
10.3.9 Marking................................................................................................................................................ 48
10.3.10 Core Gamma........................................................................................................................................ 49
10.3.11 Core cutting.......................................................................................................................................... 49
10.3.12 Sampling and core description............................................................................................................. 49
10.3.13 Packing of cores................................................................................................................................... 49
10.3.14 Shipment of cores................................................................................................................................ 50
10.4 Gel filled inner-barrels.......................................................................................................................... 50
10.5 Handling of unconsolidated core material............................................................................................ 51
10.6 Special analyses, sealed core ("seal peal").......................................................................................... 51
11 Sidewall coring................................................................................................................................... 52
11.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................................... 52

11.2 Objectives............................................................................................................................................ 52
11.2.1 Wellsite Geology procecures for depth control during sidewall coring..................................................52
11.2.2 Depths for sidewall cores..................................................................................................................... 52
11.3 Operational routines............................................................................................................................. 53
11.4 Use of sidewall cores........................................................................................................................... 53
11.4.1 Geochemistry....................................................................................................................................... 53
11.4.2 Biostratigraphy..................................................................................................................................... 53
11.4.3 Lithology............................................................................................................................................... 53
11.5 Sidewall Core Equipment..................................................................................................................... 53
11.5.1 Reporting.............................................................................................................................................. 53
11.6 Description........................................................................................................................................... 54
11.7 Packing, marking and shipment........................................................................................................... 54
12 Other services.................................................................................................................................... 56
12.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................................... 56
12.2 Wellsite Geology Requirements concerning other services.................................................................56
12.3 Forms for reporting............................................................................................................................... 57
App A Lithological Description.................................................................................................................... 58
A.1 Introduction.......................................................................................................................................... 58
A.2 Procedure for rock description.............................................................................................................. 58
A.2.1 Rock names......................................................................................................................................... 59
A.2.2 Modified rock names............................................................................................................................ 60
A.2.3 Colour................................................................................................................................................... 61
A.2.4 Dominant Mineralogy........................................................................................................................... 61
A.2.5 Texture................................................................................................................................................. 61
A.2.5.1 Grain-/Crystal size................................................................................................................................ 61
A.2.5.2 Physical Texture................................................................................................................................... 62
A.2.5.3 Grain - /crystal shape........................................................................................................................... 62
A.2.6 Sorting.................................................................................................................................................. 62
A.2.7 Matrix................................................................................................................................................... 62
A.2.8 Cementing............................................................................................................................................ 63
A.2.9 Hardness.............................................................................................................................................. 65
A.2.10 Cleavage.............................................................................................................................................. 65
A.2.11 Structures............................................................................................................................................. 65
A.2.12 Other components................................................................................................................................ 66
A.2.13 Other characteristics............................................................................................................................ 66
A.2.14 Porosity and permeability..................................................................................................................... 66
A.3 Percentage........................................................................................................................................... 66
A.4 Other relevant advice........................................................................................................................... 70
App B Wellsite Geology responsibilities concerning Hydrocarbon Shows.............................................71
B.1 Registration of hydrocarbons............................................................................................................... 71
B.2 Gas readings........................................................................................................................................ 71
B.2.1 Ditch gas.............................................................................................................................................. 71
B.2.2 Cuttings gas......................................................................................................................................... 73
B.2.3 Gas Ratio Analysis............................................................................................................................... 73

B.2.4 Oil in the mud....................................................................................................................................... 73
B.3 Shows descriptions.............................................................................................................................. 73
B.3.1 Hydrocarbon odour............................................................................................................................... 73
B.3.2 Oil stain................................................................................................................................................ 74
B.3.3 Natural fluorescence............................................................................................................................ 74
B.3.4 Cut fluorescence.................................................................................................................................. 75
B.3.5 Residual dissolution(dried)................................................................................................................... 76
B.3.6 Hydrocarbon shows in oil based mud................................................................................................... 77
B.4 Hydrocarbon show evaluation.............................................................................................................. 77
App C Abbreviations for Lithological Descriptions....................................................................................78
App D References.......................................................................................................................................... 91

1 Objective
This document is a guiding document concerning the tasks, responsibilities and
duties for the Well Site Geologist working with exploration- and development
wells. The document intends to ensure that:
 The Well Site Geologist acts in accordance with the prevailing authority
regulations and the compulsory documents in Statoil.
 The requirements of the specific well project/field development are fulfilled.
 Reporting and communicating is conducted in a uniform, satisfactory and cost
effective manner.
The Role Description for Wellsite geologists is given in the Well Construction
process (see I – xxxxx).
The Competance description for the Well Site Geologist is given in K-23275.

2 2 Data handling and Reporting
2.1 Introduction
This section gives an overview of the reporting routines and the format of standard products that are produced by the well site
geologist on Statoil offshore installations. It covers the interaction between the service companies and the well site geologist,
and between the well site geologist and the responsible operation geologist onshore. The reporting routines and products /
formats described in this section are to be regarded as Statoil standard.
General requirements for data acquisition are given in Theme document Geological and petroleum technical data Acquisition.
2.2 Data from service companies
2.2.1 Drilling parameters
This is mainly applicable to exploration wells. (this is described in the mudlogging contract and as such not the
responsibility of the Well Site Geologist).
The drilling parameters shall be transmitted in ASCII- or LAS-format to the operations office onshore on a daily
regular basis and else whenever needed. The Well Project might adjust the procedures.
Average values for each 1m and 5m should be given for the parameters in the following order:
DEPTH : in ‘meters’ both ‘MD’ and ‘TVD’ with reference to ‘RKB’
ROP : the rate of penetration presented in ‘meters per hour’
WOB : the weight on bit presented in ‘tons’
RPM : presented in revolutions per minute
TORQ : the torque presented in ‘Newton meter’
SPP : the stand pipe pressure presented in ‘bar’
FLOW OUT : the mudflow out presented in ‘litres per minute’
TEMP OUT : the temperature out presented in ‘degrees C’
MW OUT : mud weight out presented in ‘gram per cubic centimetre’
ECD : equivalent circulation density presented in ‘gram per cubic centimetre’
Dxc : corrected drilling exponent
TOT GAS : total gas presented in percent
C1-5 : gas chromatograph readings for the gases C1-5 presented in ‘parts per million’
2.2.2 Mud logs
Mud logs containing drilling parameters and gas information (“Formation Evaluation Log”) should be transmitted
after each hole section, or when requested. The log should be transferred to *.pdf or *.pds format before any
transmission.

2.2.3 MWD/LWD data
The MWD/LWD data shall be transmitted, both as a log and as a digital file to the operations office onshore on a
daily, regular basis and else whenever needed. The Well Project might adjust the procedures. The normal
procedures are described below.
 the real time log shall be presented preferably in either *.pdf, *.pds formats which can reproduce the logs in
correct scale by using available viewer-programmes .
 the digital format should be either in ASCII or in LAS format. The data shall be presented with 15cm
increments.
 the MWD/LWD memory log and digital data shall be sent to the Operations Geologist when available, or loaded
on to the well project team site.
2.2.4 Wireline
If no Petroleum Engineer is onsite for the logging job, the well site geologist is responsible for the electric logging
operation and data quality. It is important to assure that:
 Digital log data in ASCII- or LAS-format of wireline data shall be transmitted to the Operations Geologist and
the Petroleum Engineer/Project Petrophysicist as soon as possible.
 When acquiring pressure data, these should be recorded on a spreadsheet, plotted graphically to verify the
validity of the readings, and transmitted to the Petroleum engineer / Operations Geologist.
 Logging reports should be generated during the logging operations and forwarded to the Petroleum engineer /
Operations Geologist or posted on the well project team site.
2.3 Statoil descriptions and plot/presentations
2.3.1 Lithology Descriptions
Cuttings and core descriptions shall follow the standards given in Appendix A and B. The abbreviations shall follow
the AAPG standard reproduced in Appendix C.
2.3.1.1 Summary of Lithology Descriptions
If the Winlog programme is used for log preparation the summary of lithological descriptions will be put into Winlog
directly. If not, a special spreadsheet for the descriptions shall be prepared. The lithology description should be a
summary of the sample-/core descriptions covering a defined section or a formation/group. The descriptions should
be with abbreviations.
2.3.2 Well Site Sample Descriptions
The standard sample description form shall be used and written electronically. When starting a new well, a new
description form/file should be used (Link to Statoil’s Wellsite sample description form). Be aware of special
procedure for extending this word file, which makes it possible to have different headings on different pages. READ

the instruction at bottom of file. After each section the lithological descriptions shall be sent to the operation
geologist or uploaded to the teamsite.
2.3.3 Core Description
The core log in the Winlog programme is used for the presentation of core descriptions. For core chip description
the Core chip description form should be used and these descriptions are to be written electronically, Link to core
chips description form.
It is important to agree on depths of top and bottom of cored interval with the drilling supervisor.
2.3.4 Sidewall Core Description
The standard sidewall core description form will be used. The description shall start with the uppermost core and
end with the lowermost core. Further details in Chapter 7.7. Link to sidewall core description form.
2.3.5 Wellsite Geology responsibility for making the Completion Log
The Completion Log shall be prepared in the Winlog application (Statoil’s standard application).
Winlog is the log drawing software that shall be used by Statoil for preparation of completion-, core-, and trip risk
logs. It can also be used to generate geological prognoses and summaries for well Programmes and final well
reports. Access to the software is acquired via Access IT.
The installation includes necessary font files, log patterns, and log templates.
It is recommended to bookmark the following link to the Statoil Winlog user guide and get familiar with the guide
before start using Winlog.
Statoil Winlog User Guide
The LWD logs and/or the wireline logs, together with the sample and core descriptions, will be the primary sources
for geological interpretation. The Completion Log should be updated as much as possible preferable with the last
versions of wireline and/or MWD/LWD memory logs. Additional data as surveys, ROP, Gas readings, bit
information and mud data shall be used. The lithology descriptions shall be with abbreviations. It is recommended
that descriptions are organized with depth intervals spesifications as e.g.:
1830 – 1890m TVD: Interbedded sandstone and claystones with limestone stringers.
Details about individual lithology types are then given according to depths of occurrence.
Sst: clr transl Qtz ……
2.3.6 Pore Pressure and drilling parameters
The parameter plot shall be prepared by the Well Site Geologist and should be kept updated during the operations.
The plot must always be easily be available for the Well Site Geologist if the mud loggers do the plotting.
The Statoil standard drilling parameters plot contains:

 ROP, WOB, RPM, Dxc, Tot GAS, TEMP and MW OUT plotted every 5m. Shale density and calcimetry plotted
on request

 the main lithology and the stratigraphy shall be included
 connection gas, trip gas and gas peaks should be noted on the gas curve (Tot GAS)
 comments concerning the well head, casings, mud weight, hole problems and other relevant items should be
included under "Remarks"
 sonic data shall be plotted when available
 pore pressure results/calculations, at interesting levels, should be noted with depth and together with the Dxc
(actual value), Dxn (normal/trend line value) and OBG (overburden) used for the pressure calculation. Similar
calculation is made by use of resistivity and sonic logs.
For further details concerning pore pressure and Predict/software see Link to Theme document pore pressure.
2.3.7 Risk Log/Trip log
Before tripping out of hole, the Well Site geologist might be asked to make a risk log for the drilling crew. The log is
made by the Winlog risk log template. This log should contain information concerning hole condition and hole
stability, such as information about sand intervals, coal stringers, limestone/dolomite stringers, swelling clay,
inclination etc.
2.3.8 Cross Section
It might be useful to have a geological cross section with well data in order to be able to correlate the well data with
the reference wells.
This is mainly applicable to production wells and made onshore before operation starts.
Necessary files and information will be supplied by the Operations Geologist.
2.4 Statoil Reports
2.4.1 Wellsite Geology Daily DBR reporting requirements
The DBR (daily drilling report) shall be filled in every morning before 07:00 and shall cover the period from 00:00
a.m the previous day until 24:00 a.m. on the reporting day. The Well Site geologist is responsible for all information
in part 7. Geology/ Pressure Data and part 14. Logging, in addition to input to the geological section report, part 1.
All depths and all drilling/engineering data reported must be in agreement with similar data reported by the drilling
department.
In part 7. Geology/ Pressure Data the General lithology shall be written in full text and the lithology properties shall
be written in abbreviations. Description of the formations shall be written into the part Preliminary zonation.
In DBR, part 14.0 Logging short remarks can be added for each logging run separately. Further remarks can be
added in 14.4 Logging remarks. Be aware that all information from part 14. Logging will be included in the section
reports, while information from Geology remarks in part 7. Geology/ Pressure Data will not be included in the
section reports.
Detail about the DBR reporting system are found in the Well Site Geology Course Documentation
2.4.2 Partner Report

The daily geological morning report (applicable for exploration wells) is a part of the DBR Partner report and should
be updated before 07:00 a.m. and quality controlled by the Operations Geologist prior to distribution.
2.4.3 Pore Pressure Report
The pore pressure report is a part of the daily DBR and the Section report, and shall contain the following
information:
 Statoil's pore pressure estimation/calculation.
 Methods used for calculation of the pore pressure, and which data it is based upon.
 All pressure related problems in the well.
2.4.4 NPD Report/Shallow Gas Report
The NPD Standard sheet for reporting shallow gas are to be completed after drilling the top hole sections (including
26”), and then sent to Operations Geologists.
2.4.5 Section Report
A Section report shall be finalized for each hole section. The report is made in the DBR report system and contains
information both from the geological summary in part 1 and from the daily reporting in DBR. New input shall be
written into part 1. Daily Status – Section – Geological summary with relevant data regarding operations and data
acquisition. In addition the description of formations has to be checked and updated in part 7. Geology/ Pressure
Data – Preliminary Zonation. The logging information will also have to be checked and updated in Part 14 Logging.
The purpose of the report is to register experiences and to give the first sketch of the Final Well Report.
2.4.6 Detailed logging operation report
This report shall be written in a word document for all wireline logging operation. Link: Theme Document Electrical
Wireline logging.
2.4.7 Experience report
Experience report in DBR shall be written whenever relevant. This could be either positive or negative experiences,
if necessary the report can be written in co-operation with drilling supervisor or drilling engineer.
2.4.8 Input to Final Well Report
In some cases the Well Site geologist might be asked to give input to the Final Well Report. The necessary files
and information will then be supplied by the operation geologist.

2.4.9 Evaluation of service companies
It is the responsibility of the Well Site Geologist to give input to the evaluation of the service companies on site. For
mudlogging companies and the MWD/LWD service, an evaluation form is to be completed for every section. For
other companies this form is to be completed for every job; example wireline, coring, core handling etc.
Experiences are to be written into the form before leaving the rig, even if the section or job is not finished. The
completed form should be sent to the Operations Geologists. Link to the evaluation form.
Evaluation of the service representative’s performance should be included in this report and not in the DBR.
The Well Site Geologist has a special responsibility to ensure quality and to report failures connected to mud
logging, LWD, wireline logging and other geologically relevant items.
Additional RUH or non-conformance reports shall be filled out for certain failures as:
 equipment failure
 unsuccessful logging - ("misrun")
 operator failure causing lost rig time
For further details concerning the different services/companies and their deliveries, see the relevant sections in this
document and other relevant mandatory and guiding documents.
2.5 Office routines
2.5.1 Introduction/Responsibility
The Well Site Geologist has the responsibility to keep the geologist's rig office at a security standard according to
the routines given below. He/she is also responsible for ordering the necessary office equipments and for keeping
the well archive on the rig in a complete and updated state. Confidential geological information shall only be
available to other than the geologists on a "need to know" basis.
2.5.2 Daily meetings/Telephone meetings
All rigs and platforms have regular meetings regarding the on-going operation, administrated by the Drilling
Supervisor, both in the morning and in the evening for both shifts. In addition there are regular telephone meetings
in the morning and at times also in the afternoon with the Well Project onshore. The timing for the different
meetings may vary from rig/platform and project.
The Wellsite Geologist is obliged to:

 Attend the morning/evening meeting on the site (rig/platform).
 Attend the morning/afternoon telephone meetings between the Drilling Supervisor on the rig and the Drilling
Superintendent onshore.
 Have telephone correspondence with the Operations Geologist according to agreement
 Inform the Operations Geologist or duty Operations Geologist as soon as possible about all important issues,
such as major deviation from geological and pore pressure prognosis, the first indications of hydrocarbons,
results from coring and when the final TD is reached.
 Contact the Operations Geologist or duty Operations Geologist at every occasion of non-conformance related
to the Well Programme and/or other mandatory documents for the Well Project.

2.5.3 Diary
It is recommended to use a diary. The purpose of the diary is to ascertain that all messages, information and other
communication with the operations office onshore and the service companies, are registered and thereby also
available for the other geologist on the work schedule. The intention is to have the diary as a supplement to the
handover between the shifts.
The diary is supposed to be updated when needed, and it can adapt to the daily drilling reporting time, which
following the working shifts on the rig/platform. The diary can either be electronically stored and/or as a bound
book.
The diary will primarily contain the following information:

 a brief operational status
 pore pressure (see mandatory and guiding documents concerning pore pressure)
 All correspondence between the Well Site Geologist and the Operations or Duty Geologist.
 Actual shipping times, correspondence with other rig personnel, orderings etc.
2.5.4 Manifest
All manifests are to be mailed to the operation geologist when samples are sent from the rig. The following
information shall be included: sample type, depth intervals, mud type and mud company, time and way of dispatch,
flight number or ship name, cargo number if used, container number, receivers address and contact person.
2.5.5 Well archive
On some production platforms there is a well archive with geological data.

The well archive on the rig/ platform shall be updated after each well. It could include copies of all relevant reports,
forms and log, as listed below:
 Drilling programme.
 Technical background documentation for the actual well (DOR, DOP, etc.)
 Site Survey Report
 Dispatch notes and possible other manifests
 Mud logging company's inventory list
 Mud logs
 LWD logs
 Wireline logs
2.5.6 Rig library
All of the mandatory and guiding documents necessary for the Well Site Geologist are available as digital document
in APOS.
Other documents for exploration and development wells might be available:

 Completion logs for reference wells
 OD Bulletin’s nr. 3, 4 and 5
 Final Well Reports for the reference wells and other relevant data from neighbouring wells; such as section
reports, electrical logs, LWD logs, mud logs and parameter plots.
 Statoil pore pressure course. (Rafdal 1994)
 Mud Logging Handbook (Whittaker)
 Statoil Wireline Formation Evaluation Operation Procedures, Electrical Wireline Best Practice Document

 Manual for Core Handling.
 VSP acquisitions, processing and sonic log calibration.
 Schlumberger/Atlas wireline logging manuals, calibration books etc.
 dictionaries:
English-Norwegian/Norwegian-English
Technical dictionary
Glossary of Geology, (Bates & Jackson)
And in addition the following documents may be useful:

 Log Data Acquisition and Quality Control (Theys)
 A new method for pore pressure evaluation by using DC-exponent and Sonic logs (J. Skagen)
 Internal publications/notes concerning the actual area
2.5.7 Inventory list
The geologist's office shall be furnished or have access to the following equipment:
 PC, monitor, printer, scanner, etc.
 paper shredder
Communication equipment
 Internal and external telephone lines, fax and a PC linked to the Statoil network (Daily Drilling Report and other
relevant databases).
2.6 Security routines
2.6.1 Geologist’s office
The geologist's office shall at any time be kept tidy. When the Well Site Geologist leaves the office for shorter or
longer periods, no restricted/confidential material shall be left at the desk, and the well file shall be copied to G:
disk, and deleted from the PC.
Some wells will, by the customer (the licences), be defined as "tight wells". While drilling such wells special security
routines, defined by the Well Project/the Operations Geologist, will be followed.
Documents that contain confidential information shall be sent onshore to be if this for some reason cannot be done
on the rig.
All documents shall be locked up and the PC shall also be locked if/when either Statoil's geologist or
petroleum/testing engineers are not on board the rig.
2.6.2 PC – Data equipment
Only Statoil employees and personnel approved by Statoil are allowed to use Statoil's data equipment. Information
of the personal ID-code and password(s) shall not be shared with other persons.
The data lock shall be active as long as the office is unmanned, in order to prevent that non-Statoil personnel log
on to the data equipment.
It is not allowed to install copies of data programmes which is not given a data virus control

2.6.3 Sharing of information
The service companies are entitled to all the information needed in their daily work, however nothing more than
that. This usually means parts of the Drilling Programme.
The service companies are not allowed to share information with other service companies without permission from
the Well Site Geologist. The service companies have to be informed of this practice, for instance by the Well Site
Geologist or the Statoil Drilling Supervisor.
2.6.4 Shipment
Shipments of data, such as logs and reports are normally done by e-mail, memory sticks/DVD/CD, etc., and non
electronic shipment of data shall only be carried out in one of the following two ways:
 In a locked Statoil mail bag, with helicopter/aeroplane.
 Hand carried by Statoil personnel, or by personnel approved by Statoil if they are going directly to the
Operations office.
A dispatch note shall be attached to all shipments
2.6.5 Removal of data
The Well Site Geologist has to ensure that all written documentation that have been distributed to rig personnel, are
returned and filed or destroyed, at the latest when the well is finished.
In situations where another operator shall use the rig, all Statoil equipment and documentation have to be removed
from the geologist’s office and shipped onshore.
2.6.6 Samples
Packing, marking and shipment of samples should be carried out according to the given routines (see Chapters 4.4
and 4.5).
A set of dry samples shall be kept on the rig until the well is finished.
2.7 Training of Well Site geologists
The Well Site geologist is required to actively supervise and train the trainee Well Site geologist. Link to The
Geology Qualification scheme should be used for this purpose

3 Geological Sampling
3.1 Introduction
The Well Site Geologist is responsible for ensuring that sufficient material are collected according to the Well
Programme, and he/she shall supervise the sampling and ensure required labelling. Authority requirements shall
also be met, reference to the documents "Acts and regulations", edited by NPD (available on http://npd.no), and
likewise all Statoil requirements shall be fulfilled.
3.2 Sample programme
A detailed sample programme is included in the Well Programme, and it is mandatory to comply with this.
3.2.1 Cuttings samples (drill cuttings)
The mud logging company is responsible for the catching, preparation and shipment of the samples. It is the Well Site
Geologist’s responsibility to ensure that this is done according to Statoil’s requirements and as specified in the Well
Programme. See Chapter 3 $9 in Link to NPD’s Ressursforskriften.
4.2.1.1 Wet samples
 To be packed unwashed, usually with 10m or 3m intervals. The samples are normally collected in 5 litres
buckets and processed onshore. If separate samples are collected, the samples shall contain minimum 500 g,
and the NPD sample shall contain minimum 1 kg. If minor amounts of cuttings are coming over the shakers,
the NPD should have 50% of it.
 In exploration wells sampling shall commence as soon as returns have been established, according to the
programme.
 In development wells the sample programme might be reduced after samples have been taken from a
representative selection of the wells. Normally only wet samples from the reservoir and source rocks will be
collected.
 The intervals between the samples shall not exceed 10 m.
 In long hole horizontal sections with layer parallel drilling, sampling interval of 20m might be sufficient.
 When drilling exploration wells in potentially hydrocarbon bearing layers, the samples should be collected with
intervals not exceeding 3m if conventional cores are not taken.
 The samples should be as representative for the interval sampled as possible and standard procedures for
handling of the samples should be followed.
 Cuttings samples should also be collected during coring if possible, in order to have back-up material in case of
lost core(s).
4.2.1.2 Dried samples
 Washed and dried, normally 100 g, and minimum 10 - 20 g. One set of samples shall be prepared and stored
on the rig until the well is completed.
 Dried samples can also be prepared in the laboratory onshore
4.2.1.3 Mud samples
 Mud samples (1 litre) will normally be collected when the mud characteristics are changed and/or when
introducing new chemicals/additives in the mud

 In exploration wells mud samples will be collected when drilling through hydrocarbon bearing formations and
into the water zone; according to data acquisition programme.
 Irrespective of sample intervals, mud samples shall be collected if traces of oil are registered in the mud. It may
be wise to try to "skim" the oil film in order to get a sample as rich as possible for analysis. These samples shall
immediately be shipped to the relevant laboratory.
4.2.1.4 Geochemical samples
Samples for geochemical analysis shall be sealed, unwashed, in tin cans (or suitable plastic bottles) after adding
bactericide; according to data acquisition. These samples are usually "composite samples", a part of the sample is
collected together with each wet sample.
4.2.1.5 Ditch Gas samples
Drill gas might be collected according to data acquisition programme. This might be done in gas bags or iso-tubes.
4.2.1.5 Sidewall Cores
A detailed description of the Sidewall coring operation is found in chapter 12.
4.2.1.6 Core Sample
A detailed description of the coring operation is found in chapter 11.
4.2.1.7 Fluid an Gas Sample
A detailed description of the Fluid Sampling operation is found in chapter 10 and Link: Theme Document Electrical
Wireline logging.
4.2.1.8 Other Sample
Extra Cement and mud samples are frequently collected by the representative contractors for analysis.
If not stated in the Well Programme it is normally not a Well Site Geologists responsibility. However, if alterations
are made which has implications to any aspects of the Formation Evaluation it must be detected and reported.
Likewise it is important that the Well Site Geologist consult the Wireline Logging Programme/Coring Programme
etc. for proactive actions, like adding of Tracers to mud, verifying ditch magnets in flow line and the collection
procedure for weighing the magnetic steel, if a CMR log is requested.
3.3 Sample catching (drill cuttings)
The correct "lag time" is of great importance for the sample quality and the depth control. The Well Site Geologist
should ascertain that the lag time is checked on a regular basis.
The following methods can be used for calculating the "lag time":
 Distinct marker beds identified by drilling parameters, or MWD log responses.
 by registration/correlation of gas peaks versus increased drilling speed ("drill break")
 by registration of trip gas or connection gas. In this case one has to be quite certain that the gas comes from
the TD and not from a shallower level.
 carbide test (to be performed by the mud logging engineers). Due to a certain risk of plugging, the use of
carbide should always be given a thorough consideration. Only soluble packing’s should be used.

The samples are to be collected from the sample board placed underneath the shale shaker. The samples should
be collected from the entire sampling interval, it is therefore important to check that the sample board is cleaned
after the collection of each sample. It is the responsibility for the Well Site Geologist to establish proper routines to
be followed by the sample catchers and the drilling crew, in order to prevent that the samples are washed away.
The shale shaker screens should be as small scaled as possible, but big enough to enable additives to the mud
and the mud through.
In situations with minor amounts of return over the shale shaker or when drilling in unconsolidated sand, the
samples must be collected from the "desander/desilter" ("lag time" will not be accurate). If samples are caught from
other places than the shale shaker it has to be noted in the description form under “remarks”.
It is a good practice to collect samples regularly from the "desander/desilter", in order to get an impression of the
"normal amount" of fine sand/barite.
Fast drilling in the larger hole sections causes the cuttings to build up almost instantaneously on the board after
cleaning out the cuttings. Therefore the interval sampling appears as “spot samples in reality.
To avoid this, only a minor portion of the returns could be guided to the board or a sampling bucket. This can in
practice be done by mounting a cuttings guide tray with a choke without interference of other actions around the
shakers.
3.4 Sample handling/packing
3.4.1 Wet samples
Wet samples shall either be packed in plastic bags and thereafter in cloth bags or plastic coated paper bags, or in 5
litres plastic buckets/tin cans.
The bags and buckets/cans shall be marked with the company name, well number and depth/depth interval.
The bags shall be placed in standard wooden boxes, on the outside marked with the company name, well number
and serial letter and box number (2A, 2B, 2C,...) The depth interval shall be written on the inside of the box.
The buckets shall be placed on pallets with suitable frames.

Wet samples in boxes which are to be shipped by commercial aircraft (e.g. Series A paleo.) must be
Enclosed in a large plastic bag and sealed to prevent leakage in the aircraft.
3.4.2 Dry samples
The dry samples shall be packed in standard paper envelopes and thereafter in cardboard boxes and transported
onshore in wooden boxes.
The envelopes and the cardboard boxes shall be marked with the company name, well number and depth, the
transport boxes shall be marked in the same way as for wet samples.

3.4.3 Geochemical samples
The samples shall be filled in tin cans; 3/4 should be filled with the sample itself and thereafter the cans should be
filled up with drill water and a drop of bactericide. The cans shall be stored and shipped upside down. The sealing
of the tin cans have to be checked regularly. Cans with a pressure sealing lid are recommended.
In order to prevent damage to the sealing ring upon sealing, it is useful to put a board (wood) on top of the lid and
then knock once on the board with the hammer. This results in an even pressure to the entire sealing ring.
The cans shall be marked with the company name, well number and depth.
The shipment of the cans will be in wooden boxes, marked as described above.
3.4.4 Mud samples
The mud samples should be filled in tin cans or suitable plastic bottles.
One reference mud sample will be taken before the drilling operation start. The rest of the mud samples will be
taken according to the sampling programme.
Marking and shipment will be as for the geochemical samples.
3.5 Sample shipments
All samples shall be transported in containers. The boxes and pallets must be loaded in a stable way and secured
by straps and nets.
A dispatch note, with well number, sample type(s),depth intervals, mud type and mud company, box number and
the amount of boxes, shall be placed in one of the boxes. This specific box has to be marked with "Dispatch note"
with the receiver's address and sending it together with the other papers from the rig. The samples shall be shipped
onshore to the person/institute responsible for further treatment on a regular basis (for instance weekly or after
each hole section).
In some situations helicopter transport may be appropriate.
The dry samples shall be kept on the rig until the well is finished as a security action.
It is the Operations Geologist’s responsibility to forward the samples to the laboratory/storage address. A copy of
the dispatch note (Manifest) must be sent to the Operations Geologist.
3.6 Material Safety Data Sheet
To ensure that all involved personnel takes the precautions needed to handle the material in a safe manner, the
following routines shall be followed for labeling and transport of geological samples:

1. The mudlogging company shall mark all samples from the rig with HSE information
a. Data sheet from the mud engineer shall be available in the mudlogging unit.
b. HSE-data sheet, both in Norwegian and English shall be put together with every sample shipment
that is sent from the rig, both by helicopter and boat
c. The manifest shall give information about sample type, depth intervals, mud type and mud
company.

d. If the mud type has been changed, samples from different sections must be packed in different
collies.
2. Reslab will receive the samples from the rig together with HSE data sheet.
a. If HSE-data sheet is missing, the sender must be informed immediately. The Statoil Operations
Geologist shall also be informed and a synergi report will be written.
3. When Reslab forwards samples to geochemical- or biostrath-laboratories, a copy of all HSE data sheet’s
shall be sent together with the samples. The manifest shall contain information about which mud type that
has been used in the different intervals sampled.
3.7 Sample preparation
The preparation of the samples for description and storing is very important and the Well Site Geologist shall
ascertain that the following standard routines are used.
3.7.1 Water based mud
 the sample shall carefully be washed through a 4mm sieve and collected in a 120-micron sieve underneath. In
reservoir intervals and in unconsolidated intervals, a 90-micron sieve is to be used (not in top holes) as the
lowermost sieve.
 the water stream shall be kept on a low level, in order to avoid out washing of soft and unconsolidated
formations. Due to this risk of out washing, a small amount of unwashed sample shall always be attached for
description. At the same time one should be aware that not enough washing will tend to leave a thin film of
dried mud around the dried sample. Re-washing in the laboratory may destroy the sample.
 after being washed a thin layer of cuttings shall be distributed evenly over a suitable board, in order to drain
away surplus water. A tag with a notation of the correct depth shall always be attached.
 dry samples shall be dried slowly with low temperature, normally 40 0C.
3.7.2 Oil based mud
Only the oil component that is already in the mud, the base oil, must be used when washing the samples.
 Place the sample in a coarse sieve. Put a fine sieve, 90/120 micron underneath. The sieves should thereafter
be lowered in a container with base oil in such a way that all the sample material is covered by oil. Shake well
and let the oil drain away. Repeat this procedure 3-5 times.
 remove the coarse sieve and wash the sample with rig wash or another suitable type of soap in the fine sieve
another 1-2 times as described above
 the sample should now be placed on a sample board, and some of the same oil should be added. Distribute
the sample evenly on the board and let it drain. The sample will now be ready for a microscope inspection
 before doing density measurements, remnants of oil film on the samples have to be removed by using a
solution product (the same as being used for "shows" evaluation). The sample should thereafter be air dried
before it is dropped in the column for density measurement.
 the dry sample procedure is the same for oil-based mud as for water-based mud.

4 Pore Pressure
4.1 Introduction
The Well Site Geologist has a special responsibility connected to the pore pressure surveillance. Close co-
operation with the Drilling Supervisor on the rig and the Mud Logging Engineer is needed.
In wells with uncertain pore pressure prognosis and in exploration wells, a pore pressure plot shall be generated
and kept updated at all times. This is particularly important in HTHP wells and when drilling wells in areas without
any reliable background information.
Statoil "Pore Pressure Manual" and Statoil "Pore Pressure Course Manual" (Mandatory document for pore
pressure work in Statoil), "Link: Theme document pore pressure" describes the procedures to be used.
All documents shall be available at well site.
4.2 Responsibilities related to pore pressure work
The main responsibilities for the Well Site Geologist are:

 estimation of the pore pressure in Statoil operated wells by using available software
 surveillance, plotting and interpretation of relevant data
 daily reporting to the Drilling Supervisor of the pore pressure estimate
 ascertain that only one pore pressure is reported to the operating office onshore, for a given depth
 updating the journal with the pore pressure value(s)
 preparation of the pore pressure summary
 inform the drilling management immediately if changes in the pore pressure and/or deviations from the pore
pressure prognosis occur
 Verify results of FIT, LOT and XLOT
For further details reference is made to Chapter 3.3.6 of this document and the mandatory/guiding documents
mentioned above.
4.3 Pore pressure work
4.3.1 Methods and terminology
The methods and the terminology to be used, and which parameters and logs to be used are described in the
above mentioned mandatory/guiding documents.
4.3.2 Pore pressure calculation
Use the pore pressure software that is available on the rig/platform. Reference is made to Chapter 3.3.6 and Link:
Theme document for pore pressure.

5 Geohazards
5.1 Shallow gas
5.1.1 Introduction
Shallow gas is usually defined as non-commercial Hydrocarbon accumulation in younger sediments.
Shallow gas typically occurs between approx. 100 meters and down to 1000 meters below seabed.
In fairly unconsolidated formation and is characterized by having a high flow potential. Usually the gas occurs in local thin
sandstone beds with a thickness of less than 10 meters, but occasionally the gas may occur over a large area (several kilometres
in extent). Shallow gas exists all over the Norwegian continental shelf and, world wide, has caused more blowouts and rig
losses than any other well control problem.
Prior to finalizing the location for a well or platform, a site investigation (Site Survey) will be carried out. This, amongst other
things, will be designed to detect and map shallow gas and the full report will be delivered to the NPD (the Norwegian
Petroleum Directorate) together with the main drilling programme.
5.1.2 Wellsite Geology Requirements concerning Geohazards
There shall always be a Well site Geologist at the well site when drilling through possible shallow gas zones. The well site
geologist shall:
 Have a thorough knowledge of the site survey report and the Statoil verification of site survey results
 Have a complete overview of prognosed shallow gas zones from the Drilling programme.
 Be familiar with analogous problems in neighbouring wells.
 Know that it is difficult to map shallow gas from seismic data and not trust blindly in the prognosis.
 Observe closely all possible gas “signals” from the well (ROP, LWD/MWD, ROV, gas problems when hole is
tight etc.).
 Ensure that the rate of penetration is limited to the data acquisition rate of the LWD/MWD equipment can
detect formations containing shallow gas.
 Report immediately to the Drilling Supervisor any indications of shallow gas.
 Be aware of the swabbing effect when picking up during connections.

Class Risk Shallow gas Indication in well How to drill top hole
assessment
0 Low risk (Class 0 shall Shallow gas is NOT No indication on May drill full size hole directly,
never be given if any predicted MWD Evaluate the need for pilot hole:
doubt whether shallow - In a new area
- If the area is known to have
gas can be excluded)
shallow gas
- If drilling from a jack up.
I Low/medium risk Shallow gas w/ Questionable/ Drill pilot hole with sea water.
normal pressure is shallow gas If MWD indicate gas, flow check.
predicted or cannot indications on Continue drilling.
be excluded MWD.
Well stable with sea
water
II High risk Shallow gas w/ Shallow gas Consider placing casing above. If
abnormal pressure is indications on necessary to get surface casing
predicted MWD. Well flows deeper, use pilot hole and weighted
with sea water. mud (min. 1,10 SG) when entering
zone of interest.
If MWD indicate gas, flow check.
Continue drilling with weighted mud
only.
III Very high risk Shallow gas w/ Shallow gas
abnormal pressure indications on
MWD.
Gas is blowing
uncontrolled
5.2 Other shallow hazards
In addition to shallow gas, several other shallow hazards also exist. At the moment there are no formal
requirements how these hazard should be treated, but the Well Site geologist should be aware of these. Many of
these hazards are related to drilling in deep water (> 1000 m). In certain areas shallow water flow will be a potential
problem. The Well Site geologist should be aware of:
 Shallow water flow.

 Weak formation (for example ooze)
 Boulders/ gravel beds
 Shallow cemented sand
 Loose sands

6 Directional drilling and geo steering
6.1 Directional drilling
The different companies have different tools for directional drilling. These tools behave different and an experience
with the different tools is needed to be able to plan and assist the service company during operation.
6.2 Geosteering
When geosteering a well with aid of real-time LWD logs, it is critical that the real time log quality is sufficient to
make correct decisions. If any vital sensors fail during drilling, the Operations Geologist should be contacted and
drilling should be stopped until the failure is corrected. Link: Theme document for Geosteering.

7 Mud logging
7.1.1 Introduction
The Well site Geologist shall ensure a good data quality and that the data acquisition programme is followed.
The mud logging service has two main roles during the drilling operations:
 As a data acquisition service, sampling, and sample handling
 As a safety service, to record and identify possible risks.
7.1.2 Equipment
The mudlogging equipment is stead in the mudlogging contract.
7.1.3 Wellsite Geology responsibilities concerning Mud Logging quality control
The Well Site Geologist is responsible for the quality control of both the working routines and the acquired data.
The Well Site Geologist should:
 Be acquainted with the different instruments and their way of functioning; ascertain that they always are
operational and that calibrations are performed according to the quality control manuals of the mud logging
company.
 Ensure that the calibration of the following instruments are performed at least once a week
 the total gas detector
 the chromatograph
 the H2S detector
 The calibration of all instruments shall be documented on Statoil request.
 Check that all sensors are correctly located, and that maintenance and cleaning are done according to
schedule.
 Make sure that all equipment failures are reported on RUH-forms and in DBR.
 Check that all received data are as correct as possible and that they are ready at the given time limits. Actual
data in this respect are:
 drilling parameters
 Dxc values, the calculations have to be checked by the start of each hole section
 the formation evaluation log (mud log), the format has to be discussed with the Operations Geologist when
starting the drilling.
 Check that the sample collection is performed according to the Well Programme and in accordance with
Statoil's procedures.
 Establish a close and continuous co-operation with the mud logging personnel, especially for pore pressure
calculations.
 Provide necessary information to the mud loggers.
 Ensure that working routines and procedures for the different analyses, such as calcimetry, shale density i.e.
are consistent and in accordance with the service company's guidelines.
7.1.4 Products from Mudlogging Company
Each Well project will before spudding of the well, give the project's specific requirements. Statoil will usually
require the following logs and other data on a regularly basis (recipients in brackets):
 "Formation Evaluation Log", digital/paper copy, (Operations Geologist/Well Project and rig archive)
 "Pressure Evaluation Log", digital/paper copy, (Operations Geologist/Well Project and rig archive)
 "Digital Drilling Data ", 1 m interval and 5 m interval, (Operations Geologist/Well Project and rig archive),
Other logs and extra copies will be made if needed.

In addition, the mud-logging engineers shall each week prepare an updated inventory list of articles of consumption
(bags, boxes etc.).

8 MWD/LWD
8.1 Introduction
The purpose of this chapter is to secure a standardized planning, operation and reporting of MWD/LWD operations in Statoil.
The Well Site Geologist/ Petrophysicist / Petroleum Engineer is responsible for quality control and interpretation of the LWD
logs onsite. He/she is responsible for making sure that the work is performed according to, and also that the data are in
accordance with the requirements given in Statoil's mandatory and guiding documents for logging ( Link to Theme document
MWD/LWD).
There are many reasons for running LWD:

 drilling/geosteering
 formation evaluation/well correlation
 optimize the drilling operations
 shallow gas detection
 well correlation
 identifying formations, tops and marker beds/horizons
 reservoir and hydrocarbon detection
 casing setting
 deciding coring points
 pore pressure evaluation
 directional measurements
 measurement of down hole drilling parameters (WOB, RPM and torque), pressure and temperature in the mud
column
 compulsory logging as replacement for wireline logging
8.2 Wellsite Geology Requirements concerning MWD/LWD logging
The Well Site Geologist / Petrophysicist/ Petroleum Engineer shall:
 Be acquainted with the LWD equipment to be used and its functioning.

 In co-operation with the drilling management on the rig/platform, make sure that the necessary equipment,
including backup equipment, is available on the rig when needed.
 At all time know the objective(s) for the logging operations and of the priority of the data.
 When preparing the BHA with the LWD tool included, make sure that the requirements related to the geological
data acquisition are attended
 Be sure that limitations of the LWD equipment (critical RPM, pump rates, pressure drop i.e.) are considered
before running the LWD tools in the hole
 Final logs have to be compared with the raw data and/or the "field copy", since it may happen that anomalous,
but correct, readings are edited, for instance low resistivity in pyrite
 Ensure that all data, both plots and digital data is recorded and reported according to the requirements. Details
regard standards for reporting, log presentation etc. are given in Link: Standard Operational Procedures (SOP).

8.3 Methods used by Wellsite Geologist for check of MWD/LWD operation
8.3.1 Well site check prior to logging.
 Make sure to know the logging programme and its objective.

 Discuss the choice of bottom hole assembly and the position of the MWD tool with the Logging Engineer and the Drilling
Supervisor to make sure that it agrees with what is required to fulfil the objectives of the run.
 Ensure that the tools needed and back-up equipment needed for the job is on board.
 Ensure that the Logging Engineer is provided with the following correct data:
 Well number, location, water depth and KB elevation.
 Information on expected bottom hole temperature and pressure. Maximum temperature rating is usually 150°C.
 Planned TD prior to each run.
 Make sure that the sampling rate for the tools are known such that the maximum allowed ROP for acquiring a good
quality log is not exceeded (usually 3 readings per meter).
 Make sure that the Kelly height sensor and signal receiver have been checked out by the engineer.
 Make sure that the tool is run in the correct mode (MWD or tool face mode) for the job.
8.3.2 Check list while logging
 Make sure that the logs overlap with the previous run. In the case of the need for reaming a section to fulfil this, it has to
be discussed with the Operations Geologist.
 Check log response with previous log runs/reference logs.
 Make sure that the Logging Engineer routinely measures mud resistivity and temperature out and that correct correction
factors for the actual hole size and tool size are being used.
 Accurate environmental corrections are possible only if the mud data are available.
 Every time the mud is changed (weight, composition etc.) a new set of mud parameters must be reported. For the GR also
mud weight and barite content should be used for correction of the log.
 Make sure that the maximum allowable ROP is not exceeded.
 Continuously check log responses and question any unusual responses.
 Watch the shock counts on the tool if available. If excessive shocks, discuss with the Logging Engineer and recommend
corrective actions to the Drilling Supervisor.
 In the case of a tool/sensor failure, inform the drilling supervisor and the operations geologist. POOH might be necessary.
8.3.3 Checks after logging
 If failures during operation check that the tool is visually inspected after operation.
 If the tool have to be rerun, consider having it changed out depending on the operating hours
 In the case of sections of missing/poor data, reaming and logging of those sections on next run has to be considered.
 Ensure that all data is reported according to the Statoil’s requirements
 Record MWD temperature and report on daily drilling report.

9 Wireline Logging
9.1 Electrical Wireline logging
9.1.1 Introduction
This chapter is a guideline for well site geologists for supervising and witness electrical wireline logging. For further details
see Link: theme document Electrical Wireline Logging.
This chapter does not contain the following information:
 Details on the operating procedures for electrical wireline logging in general.

 Details on the quality control requirements for specific log types.
 Details of the formats and layouts of logs.
9.1.2 Responsibilities
The Well Site Geologist / Petroleum engineer / Petrophysicist have the following responsibilities while logging:
 Ensure all safety precautions have been taken

 Supervise operations
 Log quality control
 Supervise well site product delivery & distribution
 Ensure that reporting and follow up are completed
9.1.3 Checks prior to logging
Prior to or during the pre-logging meeting, the Well Site geologist/Petroleum engineer / Petrophysicist should discuss the
logging Programme in detail with the Operations Geologist or Petroleum Engineer.
Discuss the logging Programme with the Logging Engineer to ensure he understands the log combinations required and the
order that the tools will be run. The Programme should also be explained to the Drilling Supervisor and Drilling Engineer.
Ensure that a second logging cable is on board as backup in order to prevent delays should fishing operations take place.
Ensure that all the tools required for the job are on board and have been checked by the engineer well in advance of logging
operations. Back up tools should also be checked (if available).
Ensure that the Logging Engineer is provided with the following data:
 Field name, well number, location (geographical and UTM co-ordinates) water depth, RKB elevation.
 Logging Programme, level and run numbers.
 Drillers TD, hole size, size and depth of the last casing.
 Mud type and parameters, density, viscosity, chlorides, fluid loss, cake etc.
 Circulation time prior to POOH to log.
 Time when circulation stopped.
 Hole conditions (deviation, doglegs, tight spots etc.).
 Deviation survey records if TVD logs are required.
 Information on expected BHT and pressure.
 Details of rush prints, field prints and processed data required.
 Copies of logs from surrounding wells and the last logs run in the hole.
 Expected formation tops and hydrocarbon bearing intervals.
Ensure that best practice is followed regarding pulling out of the hole prior to logging.
If drilling with water based mud, a mud sample should be taken prior to stop of circulation.

The mud Engineer should measure Rm, Rmf, Rmc and record the measured temperature of the sample. This temperature must
not be derived from charts later.
Ensure that the pre-job safety meeting has taken place with the drilling supervisor and tool pusher prior to logging to discuss
the procedure and contingency plans for the logging operation.
Advise the Logging Engineer of the depth control procedures to be used.
Unless otherwise informed by the Operations Geologist on wireline conveyed operations the GR curve from the first logging
run (up log) is to be used as the depth standard and that other logs must be tied in to it.
9.1.4 Pre-job planning meeting
To ensure a safely executed and smooth logging job pre-job planning is extremely important. There should have already been a
pre-logging planning meeting held in town prior to every wireline logging operation. There should be a detailed logging
programme generated from this meeting to compliment the logging programme within the drilling programme.
The offshore pre-job meeting should be held at least 1 day prior to logging and be attended by a minimum of the logging
engineers and the Well Site geologist/and or petroleum engineer, although presence of the drilling supervisor & tool pusher is
recommended. In the case of drill pipe conveyed logging (TLC), pipe recovery, or through drill pipe operations the supervisor,
tool pusher and driller must attend the meeting.
In the planning meeting the following points should be addressed:
§ Discussion of current relevant geological and drilling issues
§ Discussion of safety issues
§ Radioactivity
§ Explosives (if in use).
§ Well control issues
§ Tool sticking
§ Rig up
§ Mud
§ Equipment lifts
§ Handling of equipments/tools
§ Status of logging company personnel on board
§ Status of logging equipment on board
§ Missing equipment
§ Preparation
§ Back-up
§ Problems
§ Finalisation of logging programme
§ Programme changes
§ Tool sketches and auxiliary equipment
§ Logging intervals / pressures points / stations / sidewall cores etc
§ Special procedures & equipment for difficult conditions
§ Review of past experiences from other wells
§ Data / product delivery & data transmission
§ Review of onshore planning meeting minutes
§ Review of contingency planning
§ Tool / pipe sticking
§ Tool not reaching TD
§ Lost circulation problems
§ Tool failures
9.1.5 Supervision of logging operation
When supervising the logging operation, the Well Site Geologist (and/or petroleum engineer when onsite) must ensure that the
logging programme is carried out with a minimum of both down time (not directly attributable to the logging service company)
& lost time (directly attributable to the logging service company).

By following the quality control procedures, the Well Site Geologist will ensure that the final product is as accurate as possible
and meets Statoil’s standards.
In certain cases Petrophysicist, reservoir engineers or geophysicists may be onsite to supervise key operations. If so they will
be responsible for quality control of the applicable logs.
9.1.6 Real time Quality control
Application of an easy to remember method of real time quality control is important.

Use the "ROCKS" method. The letters of ROCKS spell out the key principles of log quality control as follows:
R - REPEATABILITY
All logs should be checked for the quality of repeatability by running a repeat section and ensuring that it matches within a
specified tolerance with the main pass. This should be displayed on the display as an overlay of the curves from the 2 passes.
(Repeat analysis)
O - OFFSET LOGS
Logs made on nearby wells should always be available and compared with the logs being run.
C - CALIBRATIONS
All standard calibrations and checks should be made prior to logging, should be within tolerance and displayed on the log.
K - KNOWN RESPONSE
All logging tools give specific readings in specific conditions (for example a sonic tool should read 57 ms/ft in casing); these
should be checked and displayed. In addition tool response should show specific expected trends in certain conditions (for
example shallow resistivity should read lower than deep resistivity in a permeable oil zone drilled with water based mud).
S - STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURES

The logging company’s standard operating procedures should always be followed. For example, correct logging speeds,
correct stand-off or centralization, setting of parameters for environmental corrections etc.
9.1.7 Checks while logging
THE WELL SITE GEOLOGIST SHOULD BE IN THE LOGGING UNIT WHILE LOGGING.
If a Petrophysicist or petroleum engineers is offshore he/she will witness the logging operation.
Ensure that calibration procedures are carried out and that they are within the limits recommended by the logging company.
Check the depth of the casing shoe and TD. Hole fill may reduce loggers TD compared to drillers TD. The stretch correction
applied to the logging cable can sometimes cause loggers TD to be deeper than drillers TD. Ensure the various curves are on
depth with each other.
Depth tie in is by means of the GR. Ensure that sufficient overlap exists with previous runs to provide a clear tie in either
through casing or in open hole.
The repeat section (which should be at least 50m) is normally run from TD and up. Insist that the repeat is run over a section of
hole showing contrasting log character and that the section is long enough to prove repeatability. When logging the reservoir,
repeat sections should be run in the reservoir interval. If the hole is sticky, it may be better to make the main log first and then
take the repeat section at the top of the logged interval.
The neutron log can read through casing and can therefore be useful to tie in to previous runs.
Continuously check the log on the monitor with a log from a near by well and/or the lithology for typical responses, formation
tops and hydrocarbon intervals. Unusual log responses should be questioned. Check that porosity logs give the expected
response in Salt or Anhydrite.
Check that the resistivity and conductivity curves correspond.
Watch for cycle skipping and noise on the sonic. If severe, run the tool at a slower speed or in extreme cases consider running
it ex-centralized.
Check for cyclic variations or sine wave patterns, especially on the S.P. curve. The occurrence of the latter may indicate a
magnetized cable drum.
Additional information on the logging operation or abnormal repairs should be explained in the remarks section.
9.1.8 Checks after Logging
Ensure that the log has good contrast, is clean and has no evidence of electrical interference.
Check that before and after calibrations are attached to the 1:200 scale log and show no significant variation, that scales and
curve coding are to Statoil requirements and attached to the top and bottom of the log. Check that the log is actually recorded

at the scale stated on the heading. Scales may be changed from standard if the bulk of the log runs along the edge of the log
track, on and off backup.
Check that:
§ Scale changes, intervals of anomalous response, baseline shifts, tool sticking points, total depth, casing points and back up
curves are clearly labelled.
§ Curve coding is to Statoil standard.
§ The repeatability of logs.
§ The log is on depth with previous runs and that all curves are on depth with each other.
§ At least 30 m of overlap has been recorded or that the GR, Neutron, Sonic and calliper have been recorded 30 m into the
casing.
§ All details on the log heading have been filled out correctly, according to Link: Standard Operational Procedure (SOP).
§ The three BHT have been recorded with the circulation time before POOH and the elapsed time since circulation.
§ The Rm, Rmf, Rmc and temperature have been recorded.
9.1.9 Log Headings
Standard Scales and Codes

In order to facilitate the use of logs it is required to have standardised coding (dots, dashes, lines etc.) for the various log
display formats. These may be changed from time to time or may vary from area to area.
The Well Site Geologist will ensure that these standards are followed by the different service companies employed on the rigs.
It is equally important to use standard scales, 1:500 and 1:200, unless otherwise decided.
9.1.10 Log Numbering
The log run number should always be displayed on the heading next to the log name. A system of numbering logs is applied in
all operating areas.
A number (starting with 1) represents a series of tools (suite) run at a particular level and this number is incremented every
time the logging company rigs up at a NEW depth. A letter after the number (1A) represents the number of times a particular
tool has been run successfully, starting with A and advancing each time the log is run.
If a "Super combo" run is made which results in several different log prints being produced, especial care most be taken as in
any well, successive logs of the same type must follow the sequence A, B, C, D.... without omission or repetition. Thus, while
the level number for all the component logs of a super combo will necessarily be the same, the letter denoting number of times
run will probably be different for the various logs. In this case, all the component letters should be reported whenever the super
combo is concerned (e.g. AIT/DSI/LDL/CNL/NGL/SP 3C/B/A), whereas only the relevant letters are reported for the
individual logs (e.g. AIT/DSI/GR/SP 3C, LDL/CNL/GR/CAL 3B, NGL 3A).
Only log runs resulting in a log being produced and accepted should have a new letter. Misrun should be reported as such with
the same letter until a good log is made.
9.1.11 Logging Service Bills & Invoices
In order to ensure that wireline logging bills presented by the logging company at the well site are correctly filled in, these bills
should be checked and signed by both the responsible Well Site Geologist and the Drilling Supervisor/Assistant Supervisor.
Bearing in mind that these bills are often made at the end of a long logging job where errors can easily be made, it is very
important that all items on the bill are checked thoroughly to ease later controlling of the bill when it gets into the Statoil
system.
The signing of the bill is to control that the work has in fact been carried out.

9.1.12 Reporting Procedures (Logging Report)
A logging report form should be filled out for each log run in the hole, successful or not, Link to Logging report form. Ensure
that maximum recorded temperatures are reported. If these are not from TD, comment in the section for comments on
Operations. Explain any lost time, tool failures, hole problems etc., in the same section. Any anomalous log response, intervals
of poor log quality, cycle skipping etc. should be noted and explained in the section for comments on log quality.
One copy of the Logging report should go into the Well site Geologists well file and a copy be sent to the Operations
Geologist.
9.2 Borehole Seismic (VSP)
9.2.1 Introduction
The Vertical Seismic Profile (VSP), also commonly known as borehole or well seismic, is a mature seismic method
used to study near-well properties. The method differs from surface seismic because the sensors are placed down
hole and the source can be either at the surface or down hole as well. Traditionally VSP surveys have been
acquired to provide a vertical time-depth curve that helps tie 2D or 3D surface seismic data to seismic markers in
the well. However, vertical time-depth curves are just one small example of the information a VSP survey can
provide.
Because VSP surveys use 3-component sensor array tools that are positioned at known depths in the well, VSP
data are the best link between surface seismic and log data. This in turn connects reservoir properties to a real
seismic response. Integrating VSP deliverables such as time-depth curves, calibrated velocity models, Pp, Ps, and
shear wave images, and anisotropy parameters can significantly increase the value and confidence in existing and
new reservoir models.
9.2.2 Responsibilities
The Well Site Geologist, Logging Engineer and/or a representative from Statoil’s VSP group will be responsible for
the quality control of the Vertical Seismic Profiling (VSP) operations.
Detailed information on operation procedures can be found in the best practice document: "VSP processing and
sonic log calibration“. Relevant checklist for the VSP operation (“Offshore Guidelines”) can also be found on EaRTh
Web (http://intranet.statoil.no/earthweb).
The Well Site geologist shall:

 Ensure that the logging is performed according to the programme/given procedure delivered by the VSP
group.
 Go through the logging programme with Logging contractor.
 Ensure that Logging contractor are provided with all necessary input data (final well position, final survey
listing, GR log, final casing programme, if available, other useful logs, such as CBL etc.
 Be present when doing the first GR correlation (to decide what shift to use for tie in VSP depth with
reference depth (from first logging run i.e.).
 Ensure that “Contractor’s field report” is distributed to Statoil VSP group asap.
The Statoil VSP group can be contacted if there are questions or problems during the operation, phone number will
be listed in the VSP programme. The Operations Geologist and/or Logging Engineer on duty must be kept updated
on the status of the VSP operation.

9.2.3 Planning
The Well Project onshore will normally delegate the detailed VSP planning to the VSP group in Statoil. The
Operations Geologist will be responsible for giving the special instructions and/or procedures to be followed during
the VSP operations. If the operations are supervised by the VSP group, they are responsible for keeping the
Operations Geologist and/or Logging Engineer on duty updated.
The instructions will depend on which type of VSP to be performed.
 Check Shot: Measurement of the seismic travel time down to specific levels. All formation tops should be
included in the list of defined levels. The source is hanging from the rig in a fixed position.
 Rig Source VSP: The source is hanging from the rig in a fixed position. Also sometimes referred to as Zero
Offset VSP.
 Normal Incidence VSP: The source is hanging from a boat crane and positioned such that firing positions are
vertically above the recording array for all levels.
 Fixed Offset VSP: The source is hanging from a boat crane. Source is positioned at a fixed location away from
the rig.
 Walk-Away VSP: The source is towed by a boat, which moves along a given profile or profiles.
9.2.4 Before the survey (Before logging operation)
All the necessary equipment has to be checked to be working satisfactory. Noise from the rig and nearby boats
should be minimized. The Drilling Supervisor and the Platform Manager should be informed in order to stop noisy
work, both electrical and mechanical noise (welding, pumping etc.) during logging.
The depth of the guns (Reference level = MSL) and the hydrophone has to be registered, and in addition, the
distance and the direction from the well to the guns must be noted. All relevant information for the VSP operation
shall be logged in the contractor’s field report.
The Rotary Table (RKB) should be used as reference level for the depth measurement. The "zero point" shall be
checked with the geophone hanging in the rotary table. This check has to be repeated after the logging operations,
and differences larger than 2m should be reported to the Operations Geologist/VSP group immediately.
If the VSP operations are performed in an open hole, remember to check the levels against the caliper log,
especially in the rat-hole beneath the last casing shoe.
Check if there are other disturbing seismic surveys in the nearby surroundings. Coordinating might then be
necessary.
9.2.5 During the survey (The logging operation)
A checklist for the VSP operations can be found on the EaRTh Web. In addition a detailed checklist will also be
included in the VSP logging programme (last page).
When entering the hole, at least 2 RIH check-shots should be acquired to check the tool and at reflectors at known
depths and seismic times. Details are given in the VSP logging programme/recommendations.
The main logging operations will start at the deepest level (TD) and go on upwards. The check-shots performed on
the way down shall be repeated when logging upwards, and should be in accordance to within +/- 2 ms.
At each level the following should be checked:

 At least 5 good readings shall be registered, and more if needed. A good reading will show up as a clear
indisputable signal ("arrival") at the geophone. The first trough of the arrival signal gives the arrival time of the
signal.
Unless otherwise specified in the VSP programme, the logging operation will normally end when the signal/noise
ratio is unacceptably low and/or if the shape of the signal changes significantly. When entering multiple and/or poor
cemented casing in vertical hole, the signal quality will normally deteriorate rapidly due to lack of acoustic coupling
to the formation
Above the 20" casing shoe, acceptable data are rarely obtained, due to casing signal arrivals.
If more than one logging run is necessary (due to technical problems, look ahead a.o.), 7-9 levels from the first
run(s) have to be shot again, in order to check repeatability of the tool and to be able to tie in the different parts.
The Operations Geologist or the Logging Engineer should be notified if the VSP logging is terminated without
fulfilling the planned programme.
9.2.6 After the survey (logging operation) - VSP data from the rig
The Well Site Geologist must assure that raw seismic data from the VSP acquisition along with the field report is
transmitted onshore according to the VSP programme and logging instructions.

10 Coring
10.1 Introduction
Core samples are valuable material from the wells, and they contribute to many of the analyses/interpretations to
be performed. It is however, also the most time consuming and thereby the most expensive geological sampling.
10.2 The Well Site Geologist's responsibility concerning coring operation
The coring shall be in accordance with the NPD “Regulations relating to resource management in petroleum
activities”, §9. Well specific information is given in the Drilling Operation Recommendation (DOR) and Drilling
Operation Procedure (DOP).
The Well Site Geologist shall keep the responsible Operations Geologist informed about well-related items that
may obstruct or make the coring difficult and/or situations that may lead to coring in intervals not included in the
Well Programme.
Before starting the coring operations, the Well Site Geologist shall ascertain that the quality requirements are met
with the mud (tritium added if required) and also that the coring operations are planned in a satisfactory way. It is
also important that the coring is based on the requirements presented in the decision three for coring.
The Well Site Geologist is responsible for:

 Registration and evaluation of all hydrocarbon shows and possible reservoir rocks, and in co-operation with the
Operations Geologist decide if coring is necessary
 Decide and recommend the coring point(s) in accordance with the programme, and in co-operation with the
Operations Geologist
 Keep close contact with the drilling-/coring personnel and give them information about expected lithology and
experiences from previous wells. Make sure that the best procedures concerning core quality and core
recovery and handling are followed
 Keep the Operations Geologist continuously updated on the status of the coring
 Ensure that all the equipment necessary for handling, marking, packing and transportation of the cores, are
available on the rig
 Check that a proper area on the rig is ready for the core handling
 Ensure that the core(s) are treated with care and are not exposed to unnecessary damage
 Take the necessary/routine samples
 Ensure that correct measuring, labelling, sampling, description and preservation of the core(s) is done
 If core gamma will be run, ensure that the coring company perform core gamma when the core is laid out and
marked on deck, prior to cutting
 Ensure that the core boxes are correctly marked and shipped at the first possible opportunity
 Ensure that a SJA (Safe Job Analysis) will be done on rig floor with both rig crews prior to handling of the core
(drilling supervisor’s responsibility).
10.3 Methods used by Wellsite Geologist during coring operation
10.3.1 Coring programme
The Coring programme will always be described in the Well Programme for the actual well. Check the DOR/DOP in
addition to the coring decision tree.

The programme usually consists of the following:
 In exploration wells at least one conventional core shall be taken from all zones containing hydrocarbons.
Furthermore, necessary cores should be taken of potential source rock types and of reservoir rock types
 Conventional cores should be taken from the entire reservoir section in selected appraisal and development
wells
 Coring should continue to at least below the water contact
 A decision three that tells when and where to start coring
All non-conformances related to the Coring Programme shall be verified / discussed with the responsible
Operations Geologist.
Tritium tracer: Tritium might be added to the mud in front of the coring job, to be able to measure the invasion of
mud into the cores. Ensure that the required tritium concentration is obtained before the core point is reached. A
service company will take care of this operation.
10.3.2 Equipment for core handling
Besides the ordinary coring equipment, the following equipment is necessary for a correct handling of the core (the
equipment should be supplied by the coring company, the mud logging company and by Statoil):
The well site geologists need to check that all relevant equipment is available
Transport:
The different coring companies and core laboratories can supply different kind of transport boxes. Statoil prefer the
ResLab type.
 Transport boxes supported by ResLab are made as cubes with holes where the one meter-length core pieces
are carefully placed. Corpro supply a similar type of transport boxes
 Transport boxes should be delivered in separate baskets for shipment. One extra basket for core shipments
should be ordered, in order to prevent shipment in ordinary containers
 The core boxes have only one compartment and this should be made for 1m core pieces. Wooden boxes
should only be used if aluminium boxes are not available!
 In some cases it should be considered to ship the cores onshore in 9 m lengths.
Core marking/cutting:
 Red and black waterproof pencils are used for marking the inner barrels, red to the right.
 A core cutting saw with a spare saw blade.
 Support pieces for the inner barrel (at least 4 pieces).
 Chain tongs or pipe tongs to be used for removing the coring shoe, the end-caps, the lifting nipples etc.
Packing/sealing:
 lids and hose clamps for the inner barrels
 air powered screwdriver
Other equipment:
 textile cloths for cleaning of inner barrels, hearing protection, dust masks, protection eye glasses, chisel, screw
driver, geological hammer, tape measures (10 m and 2 m), sample bags and description sheets

10.3.3 Coring point decision
If the geological models are well established, with reference wells in the vicinity of the current well, the coring
interval will normally be decided prior to the start of the drilling. The coring point will in this case be given in the Well
Programme.
In areas with sparse geological information (e.g. in an exploration area), the exact coring point will be decided
during drilling. The normal procedure for deciding the optimal coring point is to drill 3 to 5 metres into the
formation/reservoir, after having registered a marked "drill break". The easiest way to be able to pick the optimal
coring point is to keep all the drilling parameters as constant as possible.
When use of MWD tool, gamma ray and resistivity logs can be used to pick the coring point if the tool reach into the
reservoir.
After having drilled into the formation to be cored, the bottom sample should be circulated out of the well for
analysis. Positive signs are sand which gives fluorescence (oil or condensate) and/or a significant increase of the
gas readings. Remember to check gas trap prior to circulating bottoms up.
The Well Site Geologist shall contact the Operations Geologist prior to the coring operations and have his/hers
confirmation for additional cores unless other agreements are made.
10.3.4 Coring operations
The Well Site Geologist should work in close cooperation with the Coring Engineer, and thereby helping in the
elimination of possible problems during the coring. Be aware that excessive filling up of the core barrels will result
in possible core damage.
When pulling the core out of the hole, it is important to be aware of the gas expansion, especially during the last
400 - 500 metres. It is mainly in this interval that the gas will expand, and a low pulling rate is therefore important in
order to "bleed off" the pressure in a controlled way. This is especially important in situations with
loose/unconsolidated formations, and in HPHT wells with low permeability reservoirs.
10.3.5 Tripping speeds
The following recommendations for tripping speeds are based on numerous wells where no damage to the core
has been observed.
- TD to 1600m – 2 min / Stand

- 1600m to 400m – 3 min / Stand
- 400m to 55m – 8 min / Stand
- 55 m to surface – 10 min / Stand
The connection time is not included in the tripping speed.
If gas is observed on the drill floor while braking down drill collar, reduce tripping speed.
The normal sampling procedure for cuttings should be carried out throughout the cored interval, as a back up for a
possible lost core. It should be remembered that the NPD requirements states a maximum of 3 metres between

each sample in the reservoir zone. Mud samples should also be collected when drilling through hydrocarbon
bearing intervals.
All necessary equipment for moving the core out of the drill floor, placing the core on a suitable place for cutting, for
core description and packing should be ready in advance. It is of special importance to prepare for loose core
pieces, mud samples, core chips etc.
10.3.6 Oriented cores
When doing oriented coring, it is important to assure that the available knives are suitable for the formation.
The scribe shoe holds the scribe knives. They are positioned in the ID of the shoe with unequal angles between
each scribe knife. This identifies one of the knives as the reference knife.
It is good practice to check the knife-marks on the recovered cores, for improvement related to smaller or larger
knives, if the programme calls for several oriented cores.
A certain survey tool is attached to the core barrel during the coring. It is very important that the Well Site Geologist
immediately quality checks the survey data after each run and also transmit the data according to given
procedures.
10.3.7 Handling of cores in the inner - barrel.
The core should be kept in the inner-barrel. The core handling on the rig should be done as described below.
If a complete description of the core is necessary, equipment for cutting a track in the inner-barrel may be
considered used instead of taking the core out of the inner-barrel. The value of the information will usually not
justify the possible damages on the core while taking it out of the barrel and putting it back in again. If, however, the
core is taken out of the barrel it is of great importance to ascertain that the core pieces maintain their position and
orientation while putting the core back in again.
For safety reasons, only personnel needed for doing the job should be present at the working area while taking out
the core and while cutting the core in 1 metre lengths. Personal safety equipment, ear protection, protection
glasses, and the necessary permissions (for instance "hot work" permission and a Safe Job Analysis (SJA)), are
mandatory for such work.
10.3.8 Core handling on the drill floor
Before and during the opening of core barrels, checking for H 2S gas and hydrocarbon should be performed
regularly. This is normally performed by the contractor.
The different lengths of inner-barrels should be numbered before transported to the core handling area in a certified
transport basket. Never transport or lift the inner barrels without transport basket.
Before removing the core lengths from the drill floor, samples from the bottom of each length should be taken for
description. This is of special importance if further coring/drilling operation is dependant on the information from the
core (lithology and possible hydrocarbon shows). If possible, a mud sample from the inner-barrel should be
collected, since this sample will be enriched by the formation liquid bled out of the core while pulling out of the hole.

All core handling should be done in a way that makes as little damage as possible on the core, and it should be
ascertained that the barrels are laid out in the correct succession. The practical way of doing this will, however,
change from rig to rig.
Only the personnel needed for doing the work should be present at the core handling area.
10.3.9 Marking
The most important issue while marking the cores, is to make sure that no doubt concerning the up and down and
the depth interval of each core exist when arriving at the laboratory. The inner-barrel should be cleaned and
marked with waterproof pencils in red and black. The whole length of the barrel should be marked with to parallel
lines, the red one to the right and the black one to the left when looking up the core from the bottom, i.e.
"red to the right when looking upwards".
Remember to put core pieces that have been out of the barrel, back in the correct place again.
The top of the core should be localized and the barrel should be cut at that point. The core will then be marked
with the correct depth from the top and downward. The marking should be a short line and the depth values for
each meter and at the end of the core barrel.
2004
2004
2003
2003
A list ("tally") should be made, in which the top and the bottom of each of the planned core lengths/core pieces are
registered.
Lost core material is supposed to be lost from the bottom, and the total length of the core is registered in percent of
the cored interval. The utility-percent is calculated based on the total barrel length.
The possibility of over pressured gas trapped in the inner-barrel, should never be forgotten, and it is
important not to stand in front of the core ends while working on the core. This is especially important
when using gel and in HPHT wells!
10.3.10Core Gamma
A core gamma might be run after marking of the core has been done. The coring personnel will perform this job. It
is important that the core gamma batteries are checked by the contractor in front of the operation.
10.3.11Core cutting
Existence of a clearing between the core and the inner-barrel should be checked before any cutting action of the
core starts. If no such clearing exists and in addition, trapped gas is suspected, holes should be drilled in the inner-
barrel for ventilation unless ventilated tubes are used. Trapped gas in the inner-barrel may cause a dangerous
situation while cutting the cores, as the core material may be expelled from the inner-barrel at a high speed.
While sawing/cutting the core, a fat-pencil should primarily be used for greasing and cooling of the saw blade. The
core/core barrel should never be exposed to water.
The core shall always be cut at exact every meter mark. NB- use eye, ear and breathing protection when sawing
the core into meter lengths.

10.3.12Sampling and core description
During the handling of the core, from drill floor until it is placed in the core box, it is important to look for and to
register damage on the core, such as washouts, sticking and/or crushing. Link: Best practice core descriptions.
 in case of jamming of the core, it is important to record the actual depth interval.
 any correction of the core length will be based on observations from the previous core/core results.
 samples should be collected from all the cuts and from the top and the bottom of the core.
 the Mud Logging Engineers shall collect cuttings as usual during coring if cuttings are available.
10.3.13Packing of cores
If the core does not fill up all of the space in the inner-barrel, the "empty space" shall be stuffed for instance with
textile rugs in a plastic bag or with other suitable materials. The textile must not have direct contact with the core.
The inner-barrel should be sealed in both ends by plastic lids and tube clamps. The lids shall be marked with core
number and depth. Loose core pieces should be packed in plastic bags or in a suitable length of inner-barrel. It is
important that no doubt about up/down and depth exist.
The core is packed/transported in special core boxes. The core must be stabilized in the boxes.
Information such as the well number, the core number, top / bottom and from/to depths for the core pieces shall be
stored inside the core transport boxes. The only information outside the transport boxes is the well-, core- and box
numbers and the total number of boxes, (e.g. box no. 2 of 19).
10.3.14Shipment of cores
The transport core boxes shall be placed in the special containers in which the boxes were delivered and then be
shipped to the core handling company onshore at the first possible opportunity. Avoid loading and transport in very
bad weather. It is required that the transport containers have shock log sensors activated during transport from the
rig to the laboratory. In winter time it is required to use containers with heating to avoid freezing of the core (Arctic
climatic areas).
In most situations the core boxes will be delivered in full baskets, which have the effect that not enough baskets will
be available if the coring goes on for a long time and cores are shipped onshore in half filled baskets. It is therefore
important to have some extra baskets on the rig.
If the core boxes for some reason have to be shipped by helicopter, the crane operator and other involved
personnel should be contacted in advance. A 1 metre 4" core in a box has a weight of approx. 30 kilos and 1 metre
5 1/2" core will have a weight of 50 kilos. Since the cores may be fragile, such boxes should be handled in a
controlled way.
"Handle with care" tags should be considered, especially when unconsolidated core material are shipped ashore.
A dispatch note with well- and core number, and also the total number of boxes, has to be prepared. A detailed
packing list with the content of each box and with to/from depths, shall be enclosed with the dispatch note. The
dispatch note may be placed in one of the core boxes which then will be marked "Dispatch note inside", or it may
be forwarded by putting it in an envelope with the receivers address and sending it together with the other papers
from the rig. On the "cargo manifest" no details are required, only the number of boxes and a notification that they
contains "core samples" or "geological material".

10.4 Gel filled inner-barrels
This coring method, in which the core will displace a gel material in the inner-barrel, will minimize the contact
between the mud and the core. It may possibly also have a "greasing" effect that thereby may reduce the possibility
of getting stuck while coring (jamming). The gel is supposed to be in a liquid state while influenced by the pressure
and temperature conditions in the well, but in a viscous state at the rig. In principle the handling of cores in gel-filled
inner-barrels are as for other cores, but due to the gel, situations in which the pressure is not properly "bled off"
have been experienced. This may cause problems while measuring, marking and dividing the cores, since the
cores may expand/float inside the inner-barrels and thereby create empty intervals between the core pieces. In
such situations it is impossible to measure and mark the core before it is cut.
The normal practice has been to mark the top of the core with correct depth and thereafter measuring/marking the
inner-barrel/"core" according to normal procedure, but without the depth marks and instead using the "core
number" together with the top/bottom of piece 1, 2, 3, and so on. The final measurements have been done
onshore. An alternative way of doing this is to ship the core onshore in 9 metres lengths. The advantage with this
procedure is that the core is less exposed for damages, the disadvantage however, is that less of the core is
exposed for inspection. As described above, gel filled core barrels may cause some extra work compared to
ordinary cores.
The use of gel in HPHT wells with low permeability reservoirs will increase the above-mentioned problems.
10.5 Handling of unconsolidated core material
Several techniques exist: injection of gypsum, resin, exposure in dry ice and injection of foam. In some of these
techniques the core material is moulded in an either gypsum or epoxy material inside the core barrel. The
coring/laboratory company will perform the preservation work on the rig.
10.6 Special analyses, sealed core ("seal peal")
Specific procedures/sampling programme connected to special studies, such as saturation measurements, wetting
preferences etc., will be included in the coring programme. The service companies will have personnel on the rig to
perform such special studies, to use tracer in the mud and to drill out, pack and ship core plugs for such purposes.
When using inner-barrels, special sealing procedures will usually not be necessary. Experience shows that the
normal sealing of the inner-barrel is sufficient. If necessary, samples for a special sealing on the rig (seal peals),
may be required. Special guidelines will then be given. (15 cm seal peal/1 m sand section)
If rock mechanical studies are required parts of the core that contains shale will be stored in base oil.

11 Sidewall coring
11.1 Introduction
The Well Site Geologist shall ascertain that sampling of sidewall cores is performed according to the programme
and the mandatory and guiding documents for logging.
11.2 Objectives
The objectives of acquiring sidewall cores may be several, the following included:
 Geochemistry (source rock evaluation)
 Biostratigraphy
 Lithology (correlating to wireline logs or for reservoir purposes)
 Por. / perm measurements
 Other (requirements from the licence partners, the NPD etc.)
The objectives will be listed in the Well Program, and depending of these, the levels for sidewall cores have to be
carefully considered
11.2.1 Wellsite Geology procecures for depth control during sidewall coring
The depth control will often be a critical parameter for the results of the coring, for instance in thin coal layers. The
following procedures should be used:
 The GR should be used for the depth correlation
 The depth correlation should be as accurate as possible, preferably within 20cm.
 The GR log should be the same as the one used for picking the MSCT depths
 If "working" the string, thereby causing tension in the cable, is necessary in order to get the tool free, the depth
correlation should be checked on a regular basis
 Sidewall core recovery/collection
 The Well Site Geologist shall supervise the sampling of the sidewall cores when they are coming out of the
hole, in order to make sure that they are placed in the correct succession
 The samples shall be delivered from the logging company in a glass container (marked with the core number
on the container lid and with well number, core number and depth on the glass itself) and placed in special
boxes
11.2.2 Depths for sidewall cores
 The SWC depths will refer to the wireline log depths. Based on the instructions from the Operations Geologist,
a list containing depths, hole size, expected lithology and hardness (dt) will be prepared.
 The calliper log shall always be checked, due to the limited range of the equipment. Four-armed calliper (from
dip meter i.e.) shall be used when available.
If it is necessary to take sidewall cores in the reservoir, equipment for drilling out the cores in unconsolidated
formations must be evaluated
11.3 Operational routines
 Normally a MSCT tool is used for sidewall coring. But if CST tool is used; according to the logging company's
routines radio silence will be required due to use of explosives.

 The deepest samples shall be acquired first
.
11.4 Use of sidewall cores
11.4.1 Geochemistry
 Gamma Ray, Resistivity, Density and Calliper logs should be used in scale 1:200.
 The samples should be acquired either in shale or in coal formations
Shale samples should be taken from intervals in which the GR has high values and the resistivity has relatively
high readings (dark organic-rich shale). Coal samples should be taken from intervals with low GR readings,
high resistivity and low density (less than 1.80 g/cc) readings. Samples has to be acquired from more than one
coal layer in the same interval
11.4.2 Biostratigraphy
 Gamma Ray (Spectralog), Resistivity and Calliper logs should be used in scale 1:200.
 The samples should be acquired from shale formations (if possible above and below formation/
Biostratigraphical boundaries), in intervals with the highest GR and the lowest resistivity readings. Usually this
will be from the lower parts of the shale. If spectralog is available the Th/U/K relation may be used for deciding
the clay type and thereby give an indication of the depositional environment, for instance whether marine shale
or other shale’s are present.
11.4.3 Lithology
 Sandstones are most relevant

 Gamma Ray and Calliper logs should be used in scale 1:200
 Clean sandstones ( low GR) with a reasonable good porosity should be used, and intervals
with thick mud cakes should be avoided.
 At least two samples from each sand unit should be acquired if possible.
11.5 Sidewall Core Equipment
 The details of the equipment to be used, shall be discussed with the Logging Engineer (based on lithology/
formation hardness/sonic log, area experience etc.)
 For Conventional sidewall cores the MSCT (Mechanical Sidewall Coring Tool) will be used.
 For drilled sidewall cores it is important that the correct type of bits, length and diameter are used
 A complete equipment list can be furnished by the logging engineer
11.5.1 Reporting
 The recovery of the sidewall coring should be reported under the logging section in the daily drilling report, in
the Sidewall Coring Report form (Link Sidewall Coring Report form) and may also be reported in the remarks
field of the geology section. The report should contain all sidewall cores planned, number of lost cores, number
of empty cartridges, the number of accepted cores and core length
 The information should be reported in the Section Report
 The Well Site Geologist will decide which cores to be accepted. If the recovery is low, the Operations Geologist
should be consulted for discussion and decision of having another run or not. Even in hard formations the
cores should be at least 10 mm long in order to be accepted.
 The sidewall cores shall be registered on the Composite Log, and it is important that they are depth corrected
according to the actual log.
 The logging company shall prepare a summary which shows the depth correlations, sample depths and the
results (rec./lost/empty).

11.6 Description
See Chapter 3.3.4 “Sidewall core descriptions” for general information.

 The description has do be done based on a fresh fracture surface, free of mud/filtrate. A sharp knife may be
used if necessary
 The core should be fully described and tested for hydrocarbons. Excess mud should be wiped form the core
and any large structures noted. Care should be taken to avoid damaging or contaminating of the core and the
microscopic examination should be performed on a small chip taken from the end of the core away from the
well bore.
 The cores shall be measured and the length should be reported in millimetres.
 The uppermost (shallowest) core is to be described first, and similar descriptions can be repeated for the
succeeding cores.
 It is mandatory to minimize the damage done to the cores.
 At depths where cores are missing, the reason for this should be noted (“type of lithology”, or “empty”) or tool
failure.
 The description of the cores will be recorded on the sidewall core description sheet using standard
abbreviations. The description sheet heading must be filled out.
 All SWC description sheets will be sent to the Operations office concerned as a standard routine.
11.7 Packing, marking and shipment
 Samples will be sent from the rig by the first available helicopter addressed to the Operations Geologist or
various service laboratories (biostrath. geochem. etc.) as outlined in the Sample Handling and Distribution
instructions for each well. The Operations Geologist will give instructions on which samples should go to each
laboratory, if needed.
 The cores shall be carefully packed in aluminium sheets and thereafter be placed in the above mentioned glass
containers. The sample must be stable in the glasses. The glasses should be shipped in boxes constructed for
the purpose and furnished by the logging company.
 Cores taken for por. / perm measurements shall be packed in air tight packaging as soon as possible. Suitable
packaging will be supplied by the Operations Geologist/laboratory onshore. The air must be taken out of the
packages before they are sealed with heat. The core descriptions can be reduced, if necessary, to avoid
unnecessary air exposure.
 alternative packing in order to avoid moisture loss from the core or moisture from outside to enter the core:
a) The core should be wrapped in plastic foil (Glad pack) to seal the sample off from air exposure. Make sure that no
air pockets exist against the core.
b) Put the core into a plastic bag, evacuate all air by tightening the bag around the core and seal off with tape to
prevent any moisture from entering
c) Place the core in a suitable plastic container supplied with screw cap
d) Wrap slightly water moistened paper around the sample as shock absorbent. Make sure that no excess water is
present.
e) Tighten the lid to ensure that plastic container is air/water tight
The core should be addressed to the Operations Geologist, unless otherwise is agreed. A manifest should be
included inside each box A copy of this manifest should be given to the Operations Geologist with the addition of
the address to which the samples were sent. A copy of the Sample description sheet may also be included.

12 Other services
12.1 Introduction
In order to fulfil the responsibility for geological data acquisition and data quality, it is important to be acquainted
with the different services available in the market, for instance geochemistry services (GHM, OSA i.e.), FLAIR (gas
analysis) and onsite Biostratigraphy. For this reason it is important that sufficient background documentation (e.g.
quality control manuals) are available on the rig/platform (onsite).
Concerning coring, sidewall coring, VSP and wireline logging, reference is made to the respective chapters in this
document and in the task documents for wireline logging and MWD/LWD.
Other procedures for acquiring, reporting and shipping data shall be agreed with the Operations Geologist in each
specific case.
The service companies report shall be based on observations and registrations performed with their own
equipment. They are obliged to relate to Statoil's requirements for securing data when handling Statoil's data.
12.2 Wellsite Geology Requirements concerning other services
The Wellsite Geologist shall;
- The service companies should at any time have enough and competent personnel on the rig. The companies
are also obliged to appoint a dedicated contact person ("unit manager"), and to prepare a list of the personnel
planned for the specific job. If, for some reason, it is necessary to use personnel that are not on this list, Statoil
shall be informed in advance, also about the reason for the change.
- Ensure that sufficient back ground information is available
- ensure that the data collected by the companies are reported according to best practise.

12.3 Forms for reporting
Link to all forms with examples in appendix:

Standard sample description form
Caving description form
Conventional Core Description
Core Summary sheet
Core chip description
Core description sheet from Winlog
Logging report form
Sidewall Core Description sheet
Sidewall Coring Report form
Summary of lithological descriptions (XL-file)
Risk log
Cross-section
DBR; Daily, Section report, Experience report

Geological Morning Report
NPD report/Shallow gas report
Evaluation of service companies
Detailed logging operation report
The Geology Qualification scheme should be used for this purpose

App A Lithological Description
A.1 Introduction
The lithological description must be carried out as objective as possible, and in an orderly manner.
Continuity of quality and form is required between Geologists working on different shifts and on various rigs.
Cuttings, rock pieces from cores and sidewall cores shall be examined by use of a microscope while they are wet,
and the description shall be in accordance with the following "Procedure for rock description".
The rock descriptions shall be carried out on the Statoil standard sample description sheet.
Standard word abbreviations shall be used (see Appendix D).
A.2 Procedure for rock description
The rock properties should be described in a given sequence and should be applied to all rock types.
An uniform basic approach has certain advantages:
1) Ensures all important properties are recorded.
2) Increases uniformity of description among Well Site Geologists.
3) Reduces problems in obtaining specific information from description.
For fine clastic sediments the grain size will not be described and for limestone the crystal size will be described
instead of the grain size. By excluding some properties, which are not relevant for a given lithology, the mentioned
standard, given below, may be used for most lithology.
 Rock name
 Modified rock name
 Colour
 Dominant mineralogy
 Texture
Grain - /Crystal size
Physical Texture
Grain - /Crystal shape
Sorting
 Matrix
 Cementing
 Hardness
 Structures (sedimentary and diagenetic)
 Fossils
 Porosity and permeability
 Hydrocarbon indications
 Pollution
 Other relevant parameters

A.2.1 Rock names
Definitions of ordinary rock types:
Conglomerate/gravel: A clastic sediment comprising grains/fragments with a diameter greater than 2mm.
Sand/sandstone: A clastic sediment comprising grains/fragments with diameter in the range 2 - 0.063mm.
Silt/siltstone: A clastic sediment comprising grains/fragments with diameter in the range 0.063 - 0.004mm.
Clay: A clastic sediment comprising grains/fragments with diameter less than 0.004mm.
Claystone: Petrified clay without stratification and cleavage
Shale: Petrified clay with stratification and cleavage
Chert (Flint): Hard and extremely tight and compact cryptocrystalline sedimentary rock comprising mainly
cryptocrystalline silica and minor amounts of micro- and cryptocrystalline quartz and amorphous silica. The fracture
surfaces are smooth and concoidale.
Limestone: Sedimentary carbonate rock containing more than 50% CaCO 3, which means the minerals calcite
or/and aragonite.
Chalk: A limestone created of calcium remnants from pelagic organisms.
Dolomite: A sedimentary carbonate rock containing more than 50% of the mineral dolomite or a limestone that is
rich in magnesium-carbonate.
Marl: Consists of 40-60% limestone/dolomite mud and 60-40% clay. The term marl should be used for rocks with
low grade of consolidation. Consolidated rocks are designated as limestone with clay content or as claystone with a
lime content, depending on the composition.
Lignite/coal: The carbon content comprises more than 50% of the rock.
Tuff: Contains more than 50% volcanic ashes.
Anhydrite: Calcium phosphate, CaSO4, exists with different crystal forms, usually relatively coarse crystalline and
either clear, white or greyish.
Gypsum: Calcium sulphate with crystalline water, CaSo42H2O. Consist of usually clear and coarse crystals.
Salt: Halite, usually clear.
A.2.2 Modified rock names
If the rock, besides the main lithology, contains other prominent elements, either related to the texture or to the
composition, and these elements constitute at least 20% of the rock, they shall be described as modified rock

names. If the content is less than 20%, the elements will be classified as other components (see chapter B.2.13 in
this Appendix).
opal
chalcedony
calsium carbonate microgranular quartz
limestone siliceous
limestone
limestone
50 50 50
claystone
argillaceous sandy
sandstone claystone claystone
sand clay
When describing limestone it should be classified (modified) according to Dunham (1962), Classification of
Carbonate Rocks according to Depositional Texture (p.108-121)
CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO DEPOSITIONAL TEXTURE

Irrecognizable
Recognizable depositional texture depositional
texture
Original components
Original components not bound together bound together during
during deposition deposition as shown
by intergrown Classification by
skeletal matter, means of
Contains mud lamination contrary to
physical texture
(particles of clay and fine silt size) Lacks mud gravity, or sediment-
floored cavities that are or diagenesis
roofed over by organic
or questionably organic
Mud supported Grain supported matter and too large to
interstices.
Less than More than Mud present Lacs mud,

10% grains 10% grains between grains clean grains Crystalline
carbonate
Mudstone Wackestone Packstone Grainstone Boundstone Krystallinsk
Slamstein Vakkestein Pakkestein Kornstein Festestein karbonat
(Mdst) (Wkst) (Pkst) (Grst) (Bdst) Xln (Dol/Ls)
(Modified after Dunham 1962)
Reference is also made to Folk (1954) Classification of siliclastic rocks (NPD-Bulletin No. 7, Geostandard - A
geological standard for use within the petroleum industry).
Different mineralogical modification are also permitted, for instance "... calcareous, dolomitic, micaceous....".
A.2.3 Colour
The rock colour shall be described by using the ROCK-COLOUR CHART, distributed by the GEOLOGICAL
SOCIETY OF AMERICA P.O. Box 9140 Boulder, CO 80401, USA.

The colour should be described while the samples are wet, in uniform blue light and at the lowest magnification on
the microscope. It is of importance to view the sample and the Rock-colour chart under identical lighting conditions.
Individual cuttings can be placed beside the coloured blocks in the chart book and viewed under the microscope.
Avoid placing the sample directly on the coloured block as this leads to smearing of mud and sample which masks
or changes the original colour.
Variations in rock colours may be described as:
 Laminated (laminert); the colours appears in regular alternating thin bands.
 Banded (båndet); the colours appears in nearly parallel lines
 Streaked (stripet); for elongated colour lenses.
 Variegated (broket); two or more colours in a non-systematic mixture.
 Spotted (flekket); More or less symmetrical medium size spots of one colour, scattered around in a matrix of
another colour.
 Speckled (spettet); a colour scattered around as small speckles in a matrix of another colour.
 Varicoloured (flerfarget); tree or more colours with clear boundaries.
 Mottled (spraglet); two or more colours with indistinct and irregular boundaries.
 Ambiguous terms such as "buff" and "tan" should be avoided.
A.2.4 Dominant Mineralogy
This should describe the main mineral constituent of the rock in the case of non- carbonate clastic i.e. quartz, and
the main clastic component in the case of carbonate clastic i.e. calc arenite.
A.2.5 Texture
A.2.5.1 Grain-/Crystal size
The grain size should be decided by using a grain size model.
Siliciclastic rocks Grain/crystal size (mm) Carbonate rocks/crystal size
Boulder (blokk) > - 256 very coarse

Cobble (stein) 64 - 256 krystalline
Pebble (småstein) 4 - 64 mega crystalline
Granule (grus) 2-4
Very coarse sand 1-2 very coarse crystalline
Coarse sand 0,5 - 1 coarse crystalline
Medium sand 0.25 – 0.5 medium crystalline
Fine sand 0.125 – 0.25 fine crystalline
Very fine sand 0.063 – 0.125 very fine crystalline
Silt 0.004 – 0.063 microcrystalline
Clay < 0.004 cryptocrystalline
A.2.5.2 Physical Texture
Grains can be denoted as:

 Vitreous (glassaktig)
 Frosted (matte)
 Pitted (korrodert)
 Coated (belagt)

Clay and shale can be:
 Amorphous (strukturløs)
 Waxy (voksaktig)
 Earthy (jordaktig)
A.2.5.3 Grain - /crystal shape
The shape of the grains can give valuable information about the depositional history of the rock. Two components
shall be described:
1. Roundness: Describes the grade of sharpness of the grain edges. The evaluation is done by a visual
comparison between the grain and a reference chart (Fig. B.1).
2. Sphericity: Describes the shape of a grain compared to a ball. The evaluation is done by a visual comparison
between the grain and a reference chart (Fig. B.1).
A.2.6 Sorting
The sorting of the grains gives a measure of the grain size variation in the sediment. The evaluation is done by a
visual comparison by using a reference chart (Fig. B.1). The type of sorting, e.g. bimodal should also be mentioned.
A.2.7 Matrix
The matrix of sediment is the mechanical deposited fine material between the rock grains, and it will influence
porosity and permeability. Silt and clay are the most usual matrix materials. Since it is impossible to differentiate
between the different clay types in the matrix (kaolin, illite etc.) by use of the equipment available on the rig, the
matrix is only supposed to be described by its colour, for instance "wh cly mtx". The amount of matrix is estimated
as abundant to rare.
A.2.8 Cementing
Cement is a term applied to authigenic grain coating and pore filling material. It is an important
characteristic of any potential reservoir as it affects both porosity and permeability.
The most common cement minerals are silica, calcite, dolomite and siderite. Both the amount and the type of
cement shall be described.

Very well Well Moderately Poorly Very poorly
sorted sorted sorted sorted sorted
Classification of degrees of sorting as seen through a square hand lens.

Silt- and clay- sized sediments are indicated by fine stipple.
Figure B.1. Roundness, sphericality, sorting

A.2.9 Hardness
The samples should be tested for hardness by a steel needle. The hardness is referenced to the aggregations of
minerals more than to the specific grains and crystals. The following qualitative terms may be used:
 Loose, the grains are separated
 Friable (smuldrende), the grains stick together but crumble easily between the fingers
 Soft, the rock is easily broken/deformed
 Firm, the rock may be broken by the fingers
 Moderate hard, specific grains may be loosened by a steel needle, it is possible to break the rock
 Hard, impossible to loosen specific grains, cracks between the grains, it is difficult to break the rock
 Very hard, the rock will crack across the grains. An example is quartzite
Other expressions used in connection with compaction/hardening of sediments are:

 Unconsolidated
 Plastic, used about clay, easy deformable
 Sticky (klebrig), sticks to a steel needle and to fingers
 Brittle (sprø), used about coal, easily splintered
A.2.10 Cleavage
The term cleavage is used in the description of fine-grained sediments (silt/clay).

Rock cleavage or fissility in fine clastic is also a process of mechanical compaction and
Rearrangement of grains and the degree of fissility should be described.
The following explanations are used:

 Massive, no cleavage
 Blocky, cleavage across the layering
 Sub fissile (delvis spaltbar), cleavage sub parallel to the layering
 Fissile (spaltbar), cleavage parallel to the layering
 Splintery (splintrig), parallel and sub parallel cleavage
A.2.11 Structures
Sedimentary and diagenetic structures will be described below.

Only minor structures are detectable in the cuttings material, and usually it is necessary to have cores or sidewall
cores available in order to describe structures in a rock. Both solely descriptive expressions, such as “graded
layering", and interpretative expressions, such as "stream flutes", may be used. An example of a diagenetic
structure may be stylolites.
Reference is made to the NPD Bulletin no.7, Geostandard - A geological standard for use within the petroleum
industry, for details of different structures.
A.2.12 Other components
Components that constitute only a minor part of the rock volume (< 20%), may however be of importance for the
interpretation of the depositional environment, and also in correlation work. The most usual components will
typically be different minerals such as mica, glauconitic, pyrite etc., and fossils, lithic fragments and plant remnants.
The calcium content of fine clastic rocks is supposed to be described in this context.

A.2.13 Other characteristics
Some rocks, especially clay, will react to contact with water and may therefore be described as:
 Soluble, disperses easily in water
 Swelling, special types of breakage shall also be described, e.g. concoidale breaks in coal.
A.2.14 Porosity and permeability
The porosity is defined as the empty space in a rock. Both the amount and the type of porosity shall be described,
and dried cuttings shall be used for the porosity evaluation.
Since this will be a visual evaluation, the amount of porosity has to be given by use of qualitative expressions,
according to the following:
 No visual porosity porosity not seen
 Poor visual porosity 5 - 10%
 Fair visual porosity 10 - 15%
 Good visual porosity 15 - 20%
 Excellent visual porosity > 20%
Different types of porosity must also be described (if possible i.e. when thin sections are available):
 Inter granular, porosity between individual grains or rock fragments
 Intra granular, porosity within the individual grains or rock fragments
 Inter crystalline, porosity between the individual crystals (often in dolomite)
 Vugg, more or less irregular cavities
 Cracks, due to mechanical deformation
A.3 Percentage
It is difficult to quantify the percentage of the different rocks. By use of "percentage chart", (Fig. B.2, next page) it is
however, possible to give a relative distribution of the different rock types. It is sufficient to give the percentage to
the nearest 5%.
In addition, the following expressions are used for recording fossils, minerals and other elements, as a percentage
of the whole sample:
 Abundant 10 - 20%
 Trace 1 - 10%
 Rare > 1%
Some expressions do also have a qualitative element and are used to describe repetitive lithological series:
 Alternating: two main rock types, each comprising between 40% and 60% of the series.
 Interbedded: two main rock types of which one of them constitutes between 20% and 40%.
 Minor: one rock type that constitutes between 10% and 20%.
 Trace: one rock type which constitutes >10%

1% 2% 3% 5%
7% 10% 15% 20%
25% 30% 40% 50%
Figure B.2 Percentage chart

A.4 Other relevant advice
After a duty relief the previous samples have to be checked in order to maintain continuity and regularity in the
descriptions. By complying to the standard for lithological descriptions given above, the variations should not be to
pronounced.
Minor variations of different qualities, especially colour, may be easier to detect if several samples are placed
together for comparison (multi viewing).
The shape of the cuttings is influenced by several factors, including; the type of drill bit used, the use of turbine,
whether the formation reacts to the mud and whether it is a highly deviated well. This must be considered during
the evaluation and the description.
The cuttings should be checked on the shakers before being described. Minor, but important variations in
hardness, stickiness, sand content, caving and other matters may then be detected.
Different portions of the sample should be examined. This may give a hint of the amount of caving, amongst other
items. The cementing will also be easier described by examining bigger fragments.
Be aware of caving, and make sure that they are not included in the recorded amount of material. The caving
condition should be described under the remarks section.
Be also aware of mud additives that may look like minerals/rock types from the drilled formation. Examples of this
may be lignite (coal), LCM material, barite and gypsum.

App B Wellsite Geology responsibilities concerning Hydrocarbon Shows
The Well Site Geologist shall, without delay, inform the Drilling Supervisor about any registrations of hydrocarbons.
All samples shall be analysed under UV light in order to detect possible fluorescence, and every hydrocarbon
indications shall be evaluated and reported according to the prevailing routines.
Accurate descriptions of hydrocarbon indications ("shows") can be of conclusive significance, and as such should
be regarded as one of the most important tasks for the Well Site Geologist.
Reference is made to table C.1 in order to obtain a qualitative description of the hydrocarbon shows, as uniform as
possible.
After the analyses, the Well Site Geologist should to be able to give an interpretation of which type of hydrocarbons
are present.
B.1 Registration of hydrocarbons
The registration of hydrocarbons is a continuous process. The different possible registrations are:
 Ditch gas (background gas, gas peaks, trip gas, connection gas etc)
 Cuttings /blender gas
 Oil in the mud
 Hydrocarbon odour
 Oil stain and leaking of oil
 Fluorescent samples
 Dissolved hydrocarbons and fluorescence
B.2 Gas readings
B.2.1 Ditch gas
Ditch gas is created during drilling and is registered as background gas. The amount of gas is directly connected to
"the amount of drilled rock pr. time unit". Increasing gas readings are therefore natural if the drilling rate is
increasing. The gas readings will also increase while drilling through gas rich and/or permeable formations. The
amount of gas will be influenced by the mud weight, and it is registered by burning the gas in a gas detector.
Two types of gas detectors are available; a total gas detector and a gas chromatograph (In some cases the Flair
gas system will be used in advance).
The total gas detector will burn all of the gas and register it as C 1-equivalents. The gas chromatograph register the
gases C1, C2, C3, nC4, iC4, nC5 and iC5, and the results are given in Parts Per Million (ppm). If nC4 and iC 4 are
present, the Well Site Geologist has to ascertain that possible presence of nC5 and iC 5 is checked and measured
on a regular basis. The Flair gas system detects gas up to C 8.
Two types of degassers for separating the gas from the mud are used.

1. The standard degasser is partially submerged in the mudflow, normally in the header box (shaker box). It
releases the gas from the mud flowing through by means of an agitator. The gas is trapped above the mud
level in a confined space that also has an outlet to air. The mud level in the header box, the amount of mud
flowing through the trap and the position where it is installed in the header box affect the degasser. In addition
the degassing is not very efficient, releasing mainly the light components, and will therefore give a biased
picture of the gas composition in the reservoir. The newer models of this trap are installed so they are floating
in the mud, thereby attempting to minimize the effect of varying mud levels. This type of gas trap is supported
by all mud logging companies.
2. Geoservices have developed a "constant volume degasser", which pumps up a constant volume of mud per
unit time through a flexible sampling hose. This hose can easily be positioned optimally to the mudflow. This
degasser is much more independent of mudflow and mud level in the shaker box. Tests have shown that it is
also much more effective releasing the heavy components from the mud, thus giving a more correct picture of
the gas composition in the reservoir.
FID (Flame Ionizing Detector) used for chromatography analyses is now standard equipment by all mud
companies. Other available detectors are only used as an assurance in the case of FID chromatograph failure.
The improved new system, "Reserval", is more accurate and has a full cycle analysis (C 1 - nC5) within 50 seconds.
The system with the standard degasser gives higher readings than the "constant volume degasser". The difference
in gas readings is small in concentrations lower than 1%, but increases to 5-10 times in higher gas concentrations.
The standards degas machine overestimates the C1 concentration and underestimates heavier components.
When comparing gas concentrations with other wells, it is important to know which method has been used. This
should also be considered when using ratio plots/diagrams for evaluating the type of reservoir liquid. These
plots/diagrams are usually empirical and based on data acquired by a standard degas machine.
Measurements from systems with the constant volume degas machine, if available, should be preferred due to
greater accuracy, and measurements from systems with standard degas machine should be used as back-up.
During drilling it should be differentiated between:

 Background gas during drilling
 Maximum gas during drilling
 Connection gas
 Trip gas
All of these four gas types are registered in relation to the zero line in the gas detector.
The gas types shall be reported every day, as a percentage and with the related chromatograph reading.

B.2.2 Cuttings gas
The registration of cuttings gas can give valuable support to the interpretation and the description of hydrocarbons.
Approximately 100 grams of unwashed cuttings should be whipped in a mixer and the released gas should be
registered either in a total gas detector or in a gas chromatograph. Significantly higher gas readings in the cuttings
than registered as total gas, may indicate drilling through a reservoir with low permeability.
B.2.3 Gas Ratio Analysis
The Gas Ratio Analysis can give valuable information/indications concerning the maturation and the reservoir
potential.
Ratio plots for evaluation of the reservoir liquid should primarily be based on constant volume measurements, if
available.
The different mud logging companies will use their own methods, but they are usually based on the same
principles. Exlog's "Mud logging, Principles and Interpretations" gives a good introduction to the principles of Gas
Ratio Analysis. The other companies have corresponding documentation.
These analyses should be used if heavier (nC4 etc.) are present.
Link: Gas Oil Ratio Analysis
B.2.4 Oil in the mud
Oil may be washed out of the cuttings by the mud, and may be registered as a dark film on the mud.
The mud should then be examined under UV light, and the possible colour and intensity of the fluorescence be
described. It is important to ascertain that no chemicals that may react to the UV light, are used in the mud.
B.3 Shows descriptions
B.3.1 Hydrocarbon odour
The odour of hydrocarbons is usually only detectable on new fracture planes in cores, and rarely from the cuttings.
The odour is described as follows:
 None
 Weak
 Fair
 Good
 Strong

B.3.2 Oil stain
Oil stain is detectable on cores and cuttings when the sample is examined in a microscope with normal light. The
content of oil in the sample is dependant of the rate of washing while transporting the sample by the mud. This
reflects the rate of permeability, and a relatively tight rock may show good oil stains. Such zones must be
registered.
The rate of oil stain is a function of porosity and distribution of oil in the pores. The colour of the stain will give
information concerning the oil density, that is, heavy oil will have a dark colour and lighter oils will be more and
more colourless.
The oil colour shall be reported by:

 The amount
 The distribution (spotted, even)
 The colour
The amount of oil colour will qualitatively be reported as:

 excellent, 90-100% evenly distributed
 good, 50-90% evenly distributed
 fair, 20-50% spotted/evenly distributed
 poor, 10-20% spotted
 trace, < 10% spotted
B.3.3 Natural fluorescence
All samples shall be examined for fluorescence under UV light. In order to

have as representative analyses on the core samples as possible, the samples should be collected from "non
flushed" material. If necessary the samples have to be taken from the middle of the core. The natural fluorescence
from fresh, dry or wet samples shall be registered.
It is important to distinguish between hydrocarbon fluorescence and mineral fluorescence. Some ordinary minerals
such as dolomite and feldspar typically will have yellow or yellow-green fluorescence, and anhydrite has blue-grey
fluorescence. The minerals, possibly also the fossil fragments, will not give cut fluorescence when adding solvent.
In such cases no detectable hydrocarbons shall be reported. The mineral fluorescence shall not be described,
reported or drawn on the logs.
In addition to mineral fluorescence, mud chemicals and greasing materials may also give fluorescence, for instance
the so called "pipe dope", which gives blue-white fluorescence.
As soon as fluorescence is detected, the previous samples shall be rechecked in order to ascertain that no
hydrocarbons have been overlooked.

The hydrocarbon fluorescence shall be described by:
 Distribution
 Intensity
 Colour
 Amount
The distribution of fluorescence shall be described as:

 Even
 Mottled/patchy
 Spotted
 Pinpoint
The intensity of the fluorescence should be recorded as:

 Dull
 Pale
 Moderate
 Strong/bright
The colours to be used are:

Approximate hydrocarbon density
none
3
violet 0.785 g/cm gas
blue-white
yellow-white
green-white condensate
3
whitish yellow 0.83-0.785 g/cm light oil
3
yellow 0.88-0.83 g/cm "Brent" oil
yellow-orange
gold
3
orange 0.94-0.91 g/cm
brown-orange
3
brown 0.94 g/cm heavy/bitumen oil
The amount should be qualitatively reported, see chapter C.1.6.
B.3.4 Cut fluorescence
Within all intervals in which hydrocarbons are suspected, the samples shall be checked for streaming fluorescence.
Representative rock fragments that give fluorescence should be taken out and dried for some minutes before
adding the dissolving agent. The reason for this is that the water film on a wet sample may prevent the dissolution
material to have contact with possible hydrocarbons. The sample should be observed under UV light. The time of
reaction, the type of dissolution, the fluorescence colour and possibly also the colour of the dried dissolution should
be described.
Different types of dissolution fluids are used, mostly Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA), but all of them evaporate easily and
should not be inhaled. They should all be handled with care.
Trichlorethane is no longer allowed, and is hence not longer used as dissolution material. (Trichlorethane might
change to nerve gas if exposed to heat and UV light)

AVOID SPILL ON THE SKIN AND INHALING THE EVAPORATED LIQUID.
Due to the possible health risk, samples that have been added such dissolution material should not be stored
unless ventilated in a proper way. The samples should be destroyed as soon as they are described.
The time of reaction should be described as:

 None
 Slow
 Moderate
 Fast
 Instantaneous
The dissolution pattern should be described as:

 Flash
 Cloudy/blooming
 Streaming
 Ring
If a sample does not show streaming fluorescence it should be broken and observed again.
Colour and intensity should be described as listed in chapter C.1.7
Notice that different dissolving agents will act different and give different colours. Therefore the dissolving agent
should be noted together with the description of the cut fluorescence.
B.3.5 Residual dissolution(dried)
The intensity of the dissolution pattern should be described as:

 excellent, 90-100% evenly distributed
 good, 50-90% evenly distributed
 fair, 20-50% spotted/evenly distributed
 poor, 10-20% spotted
 trace, < 10% spotted
The dissolution pattern should be described as:

 Spotted
 Cloudy/blooming
 Even
 Ring
During the evaporation process toxic gases may be released, and due to this fact the UV-box shall always be
connected to a proper ventilation device.
B.3.6 Hydrocarbon shows in oil based mud
Due to the background fluorescence that sometimes exists, description of hydrocarbon shows may be more difficult
in oil-based mud than in water-based mud. The base oil dissolved natural HC very good compared to water; hence
there is often not much to see in cuttings. In unflushed part of cores, virgin HC shows can be observed.

The background fluorescence usually has a characteristic pale yellow-green colour, and with some experience it
might be possible to separate it from the base oil fluorescence.
Exlog's "Logging Techniques in Oil Based Drilling Fluids", 1984, gives a detailed description of techniques related
to hydrocarbon shows in oil based mud.
B.4 Hydrocarbon show evaluation
The shows evaluation depends on the rock porosity, type of fluorescence and the percentage of rock-pieces with
shows as given in Table C.1 below.
POOR OR NO
FAIR VIS POROSITY,
POROSITY, LITTLE OR GOOD POROSITY
PERCENT OF FAIR VIS. STAIN,
NO STAIN, GOOD VISIBLE STAIN, BRIGHT
FORMATION MODERATE
WEAK FLUORESCENCE
WITH SHOWS FLUORESCENCE
FLUORESCENCE, GOOD STREAMING CUT
SLOW STREAMING CUT
CRUSHING CUT
FEW PIECES
TRACE POOR POOR - FAIR
TO 10%
10 - 20%
POOR FAIR FAIR - GOOD
25 - 50%
FAIR GOOD GOOD - EXCELLENT
GREATER THAN
GOOD EXCELLENT EXCELLENT
50%
Table C.1 Qualitative evaluation of registered hydrocarbons

App C Abbreviations for Lithological Descriptions
Note: Abbreviations for nouns always begin with a capital letter.

WORD ABBREVIATION black (-ish) blk, blksh
blade (-ed) Bld, bld
A bleeding bldg
about abt blocky blky
blooming blmg
above ab blue (-ish) bl, blsh
absent abs bored (-ing) Bor, bor
abundant abd bottom Btm
acicular acic botryoid (-al) Bot, bot
agglomerate Aglm boulder Bld
aggregate Agg boundstone Bdst
algae, algal Alg, alg brachiopod Brach
allochem Allo brackish brak
altered alt branching brhg
alternating altg break Brk, brk
ammonite Amm breccia (-ted) Brec, brec
amorphous amor bright brt
amount amt brittle brit
and & brown brn
angular ang bryozoa Bry
anhedral ahd bubble Bubl
anhydrite (-ic) Anhy, anhy buff bu
anthracite Anthr burrow (-ed) Bur, bur
aphanitic aph
apparent apr C
appears ap calcarenite Clcar
approximate apprx calcilutite Clclt
aragonite Arag calcirudite Clcrd
arenaceous aren calcisiltite Clslt
argillaceous arg calcisphere Clcsp
arkose (-ic) Ark, ark calcite (-ic) Calc, calctc
as above a.a. calcareous calc
asphalt (ic) Asph, asph caliche cche
assemblage Assem carbonaceous carb
associated assoc carbonized cb
at @ cavern (-ous) Cav, cav
authigenic authg caving Cvg
average Av, av cement (-ed, -ing) Cmt, cmt
cephalopod Ceph
B chalcedony (-ic) Chal, chal
background bkgrd chalk (-y) Chk, chky
band (-ed) Bnd, bnd charophyte Char
barite Bar chert (-y) Cht, cht
basalt (-ic) Bas, bas chitin (-ous) Chit, chit
base bse chlorite (-ic) Chlor, chlor
basement Bm chocolate choc
become (-ing) bcm circulate (-ion) circ, Circ
bed (-ed) Bd, bd WORD ABBREVIATION
bedding Bdg
bentonite (-ic) Bent, bent clastic clas
bioclastic biocl clay (-ey) Cl, cl
bioherm (-al) Bioh, bioh claystone Clst
biomicrite Biomi clean cln
bimodal bimod clear clr
biosparite Biosp cleavage Clvg
WORD ABBREVIATION cloudy cldy
cluster Clus
biostrom (-al) Biost, biost coal c
biotite Biot coarse crs
bioturbated bioturb coarsening upwards CU
bird’s-eye Bdeye coated (-ing) cotd, cotg, Cotg
bitumen (-ious) Bit, bit coated grains cotd gr

cobble Cbl downward (-s) dwrd
colour (-ed) col, col drilling drlg
common com drill stem test DST
compact cpct drusy dru
compare cf dull dll
concentric cncn
conchoidal conch E
concretion (-ary) Conc, conc earthy ea
conglomerate (-ic) Cgl, cgl east E
conodont Cono echinoid Ech
considerable cons elevation Elev
consolidated consol elongate elong
conspicuous conspic embedded embd
contact Ctc equant eqnt
contamination (-ed) Contam, contam equivalent Equiv
content Cont euhedral euhd
contorted cntrt euxinic eux
coquina (-oid) Coq, coqid evaporite (-itic) Evap, evap
coral, coralline Cor, corln excellent ex
core C, exposed exp
covered cov extraclast (-ic) Exclas, exclas
cream crm estimate est
crenulated cren extremely extr
crinkled crnk extrusive rock Exv
crinoid (-al) Crin, crinal extrusive exv
cross x
cross-bedded x-bd F
cross-laminated x-lam facet (-ed) Fac, fac
cross-stratified x-strat faint fnt
crumbly crmb fair fr
crumpled crpld fault (-ed) Flt, flt
crush crsh fauna Fau
cryptocrystalline crpxln feet Ft
,crystal (-line) Xl, xln feldspar (-athic) Fspr, fspr
cube, cubic Cub, cub fenestra (-al) Fen, fen
cuttings Ctgs ferruginous ferr
fibrous fibr
D fine (-ly) f, fnly
dark (-er) dk, dkr firm frm
dead dd fissile fis
debris Deb fissure (s) fiss
decrease (-ing) Decr, decr fining upwards FU
deformed def flaggy flg
dense dns WORD ABBREVIATION
depauperate depau
WORD ABBREVIATION flake, flaky Flk, flk
flaser flsr
deposited dep flat fl
description Descr floating fltg
detrital detr flora Flo
devitrified devit fluorescence (-ent) Fluor, fluor
diabase Db foliated fol
diagenesis (-etic) Diagn, diagn foot Ft
diameter Dia foraminifer, foraminiferal Foram, foram
difference dif formation Fm
direct dir fossil (-iferous) Foss, foss
discontinous discon fracture (-d) Frac, frac
disseminated dissem fragment (-al) Frag, frag
distillate Dist frequent freq
ditto " or do fresh frs
dolomite (-ic) Dol, dol friable fri
dominant (-ly) dom fringe (-ing) Frg, frg

frosted fros instant (-eous) inst
frosted quartz grains F.Q.G. interbedded intbd
fucoid (-al) Fuc, fuc intercalated intercal
fusulinid Fus intercrystalline intxln
intergranular intgran
G intergrown intgn
gabbro Gab interlaminated intrlam
gastropod Gast interparticle intpar
gas G intersticies (-itial) Intst, intst
generally gen interval Intvl
geopetal gept intraclast (-ic) Intclas, intclas
gilsonite Gil intraparticle intrapar
glass (-y) Glas, glas intrusive rock, intrusive Intr, intr
glauconite (-itic) Glauc, glauc invertebrate Invtb
Globigerina (-inal) Glob, glob iridescent irid
gloss (-y) Glos, glos ironstone Fe-st
gneiss (-ic) Gns, gns irregular (-ly) irr
good gd isopachous iso
grading grad
grain (-s, -ed) Gr, gr J
grainstone Grst jasper Jasp
granite Grt joint (-ed, -ing) Jt, jt
granite wash G.W.
granule (-ar) Gran, gran K
grapestone grapst kaolin (-itic) Kao, kao
graptolite Grap
gravel Grv L
grey, grey (-ish) gry, grysh lacustrine lac
graywacke Gwke lamina (-tions, -ated) Lam, lam
greasy gsy large lge
green (-ish) gn, gnsh laterite (-itic) Lat, lat
grit (-ty) Gt, gt lavender lav
gypsum (-iferous) Gyp, gyp layer Lyr
leached lchd
H lens, lenticular Len, lent
hackly hkl light lt
halite (-iferous) Hal, hal lignite (-itic) Lig, lig
hard hd limestone Ls
heavy hvy limonite (itic) Lim, lim
hematite (-ic) Hem, hem WORD ABBREVIATION
Heterostegina Het
WORD ABBREVIATION limy lmy
lithic lit
heterogeneous hetr lithographic lithgr
high (-ly) hi lithology (-ic) Lith, lith
homogeneous hom little Ltl
horizontal hor littoral litt
hydrocarbon Hydc local loc
hygroscopic hyg long lg
loose lse
I lower 1
igneous rock (igneous) Ig, ig lustre Lstr
immediate imm lutite Lut
impression Imp
inch In M
inclusion (-ded) Incl, incl macrofossil Macrofos
increasing incr magnetite, magnetic Mag, mag
indistinct indst manganese.mangan(fer) Mn, mn
indurated ind marble Mbl
Inoceramus. Inoc marl (-y) Mrl, mrl
in part i.p. marlstone Mrlst
insoluble insl marine marn

maroon mar opaque op
massive mass orange (-ish) or, orsh
material Mat Orbitolina Orbit
matrix Mtrx organic org
maximum max orthoclase Orth
medium m or med. orthoquartzite O-Qtz
member Mbr ostracod Ostr
meniscus men overgrowth ovgth
metamorphic rock, Meta oxidised ox
metamorphic (-osed) meta, metaph oyster Oyst
mica (-ceous) Mic, mic
micrite (-ic) Micr, micr P
microcrystalline microxln packstone Pkst
microfossil (-iferous) Microfos, pale pa
microfos paper (-y) Pap, pap
micrograined micgr part (-ly) Pt, pt
micro-oolite Microol particle Par, par
micropore (-osity) Micropor, parting Ptg
micropor parts per million PPM
microspar Microspr patch (-y) Pch, pch
microstylolite Microstyl pebble (-ly) Pbl, pbl
middle Mid pelecypod Pelec
miliolid Milid pellet (-al) Pel, pel
milky mky pelletoid (-al) Peld, peld
mineral (-ized) Min, min permeability (-able) Perm, k, perm
minor mnr pendular (-ous) Pend, pend
moderate mod petroleum, petroliferous Pet, pet
mold (-ic) Mol, mol phlogopite Phlog
mollusc Moll phosphate (-atic) Phos, phos
mosaic mos phyllite, phyllitic Phyl, phyl
mottled mott phreatic phr
mud (-dy) md, mdy pink pk
mudstone Mdst pinkish pkish
muscovite Musc pin-point (porosity) P-P-
pisoid (~al) Piso, piso
pisolite, pisolitic Pisol, pisol
N pitted pit
nacreous nac plagioclase Plag
nodules (-ar) Nod, nod WORD ABBREVIATION
normal nrm
planar pln
WORD ABBREVIATION plant Plt
plastic plas
north N platy plty
no sample n.s. polish, polished Pol, pol
no show n/s pollen Poln
novaculite Novac polygonal poly
no visible porosity n.v.p. polymict (-ic) polmc
numerous num poor pr
porcelaneous porcel
O porosity, porous Por, , por
occasional occ possible (-ly) poss
ochre och predominant (-ly) pred
odour od preserved pres
oil O primary prim
oil source rock OSR probable (-ly) prob
olive olv production Prod
ooid (-al) OO, oo prominent prom
oolicast (-ic) Ooc, ooc pseudo- ps
oolite (-itic) Ool, 00l pseudo oolite (-ic) Psool, psool
oomold (-ic) Oomol, oomol pumice-stone Pst
oncolite (-oidal) Onc, onc purple purp

pyrite (-itized, -itic) Pyr, pyr slabby slb
pyrobitumen Pybit slate (-y) Sl, sl
pyroclastic pyrcl slickenside (-d) Slick, slick
slight (-ly) sli, slily
Q slow slo
quartz (-ose) Qtz, qtz slumped slmp
quartzite (-ic) Qtzt, qtzt small sml
smooth sm
R soft sft
radial (-ating) Rad, rad solution, soluble Sol, sol
radiaxial Radax somewhat smwt
range rng sorted (-ing) srt, srtg
rare r south s
recemented recem spar (-ry) Spr, spr
recovery (-ered) Rec, rec sparse (-ly) sps, spsly
recrystallized rexlzd speck (-led) Spk, spkld
red (-ish) rd, rdsh sphalerite Sphal
reef (-oid) Rf, rf spherule (-itic) Spher, spher
remains Rem spicule (-ar) Spic, spic
replaced (-ment) rep, Repl splintery Splin
reservoir resv sponge spg
residue (-ual) Res, res spore Spo
resinous rsns spotted (-y) sptd, spty
rhomb (-ic) Rhb, rhb stain (-ed, -ing) Stn, stn
ripple Rpl stalactitic stal
rock Rk sticky stky
round (-ed) rnd, rndd strata (-ified) Strat, strat
rounded, frosted, pitted r.f.p. streak (-ed) Strk, strk
rubble (-bly) Rbl, rbl streaming strmg
rudist Rud striae (-ted) Stri, stri
stringer strgr
S stromatolite (-itic) Stromlt, stromlt
saccharoidal sacc stromatoporoid Strom
salt (-y) Sa, sa strong strg
salt and pepper s&p WORD ABBREVIATION
salt water S.W.
WORD ABBREVIATION structure Str
stylolite (-itic) Styl, styl
same as above a.a. subangular sbang
sample Spl subelongate sbelg
sand (-y) Sd, sdy subfissile sbfis
sandstone Sst sublithic sblit
saturation (-ated) Sat, sat subrounded sbrndd
scarce scs sucrosic suc
scattered scat sulphur, sulphurous Su, su
schist (-ose) Sch, sch superficial oolite (-ic) Spfool, spfool
scolecodont Scol surface Surf
secondary sec syntaxial syn
sediment (-ary) Sed, sed
selenite Sel T
shale (-ly) Sh, sh tabular (-ate) tab
Shell Shl tan tn
shelter porosity Shlt por terriginous ter
show Shw texture (-d) Tex, tex
siderite (-itic) Sid, sid thick thk
sidewall core S.W.C. thin thn
silica (-iceous) Sil, sil thin-bedded t.b.
silky slky thin section T.S.
silt (-y) Slt, slty throughout thru
siltstone Sltst tight ti
similar sim top Tp
skeletal skel tough tgh

trace Tr App D
translucent trnsl
transparent trnsp
trilobite Tril
tripoli (-itic) Trip, trip
tube (-ular) Tub, tub
tuff (-aceous) Tf, tf
type (-ical) Typ, typ
U
unconformity Unconf
unconsolidated uncons
underclay Uc
underlying undly
uniform uni
upper u
upwards uwrd
V
vadose Vad, vad
variation (able) Var, var
variegated vgt
varicoloured varic
varved vrvd
vein (-ing, -ed) Vn, vn
veinlet Vnlet
vermillon verm
vertebrate vrtb
vertical vert
very v
very poor sample V.P.S.
vesicular ves
WORD ABBREVIATION
violet vi
visible vis
vitreous (-ified) vit
volatile volat
volcanic rock, volcanic Volc, volc
vug (-gy) Vug, vug
W
wackestone Wkst
washed residue W.R.
water Wtr
wavy wvy
waxy wxy
weak wk
weathered wthd
well Wl, wl
west w
white wh
with w/
without w/o
wood Wd
Y
yellow (ish) yel, yelsh
Z
zircon Zr
zone Zn

References
Statoil’s requirements and local authority
requirements (APOS)
Directional Drilling requirements - Link

Theme document Wireline logging- Link
Theme document MWD/LWD- Link
Theme document Geosteering- Link
Theme document pore pressure- Link
Theme document DST - Link
Theme document Operations geology -
Link
Theme document Geological and
petroleum technical data Acquisition
Usable references:
Mud Logging Handbook (Whittaker)
Log Data Acquisition and Quality Control
(Theys)
Statoil Winlog User Guide
Geological interpretation of well logs
(M.Rider).
Well Site Geology Course Documentation
http://npd.no
Link: Standard Operational Procedures
(SOP).
(http://intranet.statoil.no/earthweb).
Link: Best practice core descriptions
Lithology Coding for Open Works
Standard forms:
Link to core chips description sheet.
Link to Statoil’s Well Site sample descr_form
Link to sidewall core description sheet.
Link to The Geology Qualification scheme
should be used for this purpose
Gas Oil Ratio Analysis

Manual Wellsite Geology

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Manual Wellsite Geology

Classification: Internal Status: Final Expiry date: 2011-02-04 Page 1 of 75

Manual Wellsite Geology

Document no. : Contract no.: Project:

Distribution date: Rev. no.: Copy no.:

Valid from: Updated:

Responsible publisher: Authority to approve deviations:

Techn. responsible (Organisation

Responsible (Organisation unit): Responsible (Name): Date/Signature:

Recommended (Organisation unit): Recommended (Name): Date/Signature:

Approved by (Organisation unit): Approved by (Name): Date/Signature:

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2.2 Data from service companies

2.2.1 Drilling parameters

2.2.2 Mud logs

Classification: Internal Status: Final Expiry date: 2011-02-04 Page 9 of 75

2.3 Statoil descriptions and plot/presentations

2.3.1 Lithology Descriptions

2.3.1.1 Summary of Lithology Descriptions

2.3.2 Well Site Sample Descriptions

Classification: Internal Status: Final Expiry date: 2011-02-04 Page 10 of 75

2.3.3 Core Description

2.3.4 Sidewall Core Description

2.3.5 Wellsite Geology responsibility for making the Completion Log

Statoil Winlog User Guide

2.3.6 Pore Pressure and drilling parameters

The Statoil standard drilling parameters plot contains:

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2.3.7 Risk Log/Trip log

2.3.8 Cross Section

2.4 Statoil Reports

2.4.1 Wellsite Geology Daily DBR reporting requirements

2.4.2 Partner Report

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2.4.3 Pore Pressure Report

2.4.4 NPD Report/Shallow Gas Report

2.4.5 Section Report

2.4.6 Detailed logging operation report

2.4.7 Experience report

2.4.8 Input to Final Well Report

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2.5 Office routines

2.5.2 Daily meetings/Telephone meetings

The Wellsite Geologist is obliged to:

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The diary will primarily contain the following information:

2.5.5 Well archive

On some production platforms there is a well archive with geological data.

2.5.6 Rig library

Other documents for exploration and development wells might be available:

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And in addition the following documents may be useful:

2.5.7 Inventory list

2.6 Security routines

2.6.1 Geologist’s office

2.6.2 PC – Data equipment

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A dispatch note shall be attached to all shipments