Basic Well Logging

Neutron Logs
Neal Alleyne
neal.alleyne@utt.edu.tt
Basic Well-Logging Interpretation
Sequence
 Learning Outcomes
• To understand the physical principles behind the
operation of neutron logging tools.
• To learn how to interpret neutron logs in terms of
lithology and fluid types.
• To learn how to combine gamma-ray, resistivity,
neutron, and bulk density logs to estimate
lithology, types of fluid, and porosity.
• To understand the importance of the
environmental and interpretation corrections
applied to neutron logs.
 Recommended Reading
• Pages 79, and 149 - 163 in “Introduction to
Wireline Log Analysis”, Baker Hughes Inc.
(2002).

• Chapter 9, Neutron Logs, pp 172 – 188 in

“Theory, Measurement, and Interpretation of
Well Logs” by Zaki Bassiouni, SPE Textbook
Series Vol. 4 (1994).
 Principle of Neutron Logging
• Fast neutrons are emitted into the formation by a neutron
source
• The neutrons are slowed down by collisions with the
nuclei of elements in the solid and liquid parts of the
formation
• Fast neutrons are slowed first by inelastic scattering
• Neutrons are then slowed further by elastic scattering.
Hydrogen nuclei dominate this process which slows
neutrons to the epithermal level and then to the thermal
level
• Thermal neutrons are then captured by a nucleus and
gamma-rays are emitted
 Principle of Neutron logging Cont’d
• Neutron tools can be designed to detect
Epithermal neutrons
Thermal neutrons
Gamma-rays
• The common Compensated Neutron Tool
(CNT) detects thermal neutrons
 Calibration of Neutron Tools
• Calibration pit at University of Houston
• Tools are calibrated using limestone
blocks of known porosity which are 100%
saturated with fresh water.
• Bore-hole of 7.875” is drilled through the
blocks
 Working with Neutron Logs
• Before doing any computations with a
neutron log always be clear on the matrix
which was used to display the log.
• Correct for lithology using the
Schlumberger charts CP-1c or CP-1d
 Response of Neutron Tools
• Neutron tools respond to the hydrogen
index of the formation. The response is to
hydrogen nuclei concentration regardless
of the molecules containing the hydrogen
• Clay minerals which contain hydrogen in
the OH radical impact the hydrogen which
the tool senses and thus the porosity
reading from neutron logs is increased by
the presence of shale.
 Some Review Questions
• Why is the name “neutron porosity log” an inaccurate
description of the measurement made by the neutron
logging tool? What would be a more accurate name
based on what the tool measures?
• Describe the difference between epithermal and thermal
neutrons.
• Describe the origin of capture gamma rays.
• In what cases will the neutron logging tool compute
accurate values of rock porosity?
• What are the radial depth of investigation and the vertical
resolution of neutron logging tools? Would neutron
logging measurements be affected by invasion?
 More Review Questions
• Why is the neutron logging tool referred to as “compensated”? What
is the tool designed to compensate for?
• Do neutron porosity logs respond to the solid or to the fluid
components of the rock, or to both?
• Is the porosity determined from the neutron tool total or effective
porosity?
• What are the environmental and interpretation corrections that are
normally applied to neutron logs?
• Explain why gas-saturated rock formation will exhibit relatively low
values of neutron porosity.
• What is the effect of shale concentration on neutron porosity logs?
What would be the combined effect of gas and shale concentration
on neutron logs?
• Explain how bulk density and neutron logs are used in combination
to assess the density of hydrocarbons.
 Acknowledgements:
Dr. Carlos Torres-Verdin, UT at Austin

Schlumberger

Baker Atlas