Electrical Resistivity Logs: Notes

Electrical Resistivity Logs
Notes
1
© Schlumberger 1999 1
Resistivity is resistance per unit length. We can often employ electrical analogies when dealing with resistivity
tools measuring in the formation.
This was the first type of measurement ever made and it is still the only way to find and evaluate the hydrocarbons
Resistivity Theory in a reservoir.
The resistivity of a substance is a measure of its

ability to impede the flow of electrical current.
Resistivity is the key to hydrocarbon saturation

determination.
Porosity gives the volume of fluids but does not Notes

indicate which fluid is occupying that pore space.
2
2
The flow of current can only be carried by ions in the formation. The ions are only present in the pore space and
only in the water. The more ions (more water) the lower the resistivity. The higher the salinity (more ions) the
lower the resistivity.
Resistivity Theory 2 The formation water has a resistivity of Rw. The formation containing only water has a resistivity of Ro. This is a
definition.
Current can only pass through the water in the

formation, hence the resistivity depends on:
Resistivity of the formation water.

Amount of water present.
Pore structure.
Notes
3
3
Most tools read in the invaded zone, hence only parameters here are required. Resistivity tools have to measure
both the invaded and virgin zones. This means that the the parameters for both zones have to be defined. The
borehole also contains components which are “seen” by the tools.
Resistivity Model These three zones have resistivities, Rm, Rmc, Rmf, Rw of the fluids involved. There are also the resistivities of
the formations, Rxo and Rt. The water saturations of both zones also need to be defined as this determines the
resistivity, Sxo and Sw. Finally the diameter of the invaded zone, di is needed to compute the contribution from
this zone.
Some of these parameters are measured, others are calculated.
Notes
4
4
The problem with the surface measurement of the mud resistivities is not with the measurement procedure or
equipment, but with the procurement of the samples.
The mud sample comes from the mud tanks and is usually good. The mud filtrate and cake come from a sample of
Mud Resistivities mud put through a mud press. This is often done in advance of the logging and the samples left exposed to
contamination.
The checks given in the Chart Books enable the values to be verified and if necessary redone with fresh samples.
These values are important as they are used in corrections and in computations.
The first resistivities encountered are those of the

mud, mud filtrate and mud cake.
The surface measurements to obtain these values

are often erroneous.
Key points:
The samples must be identical to the mud
used in the logging interval.
Check answers using the Chart Book Notes
formulae.
Rmf < Rm < Rmc
Identify the sample source (measured or
charts).
5
5
The chart is given in most Chart Books.
Salinities chart
Grains/gal
10
at 75ÞF
8
ppm
6
5
200
4 10
3 300
15
400
2 20
500
25
600
30
700
800
40
NaCl Concentration (ppm or grains/gal)

1 0
100
50
Resistivity of Solution (ž - m)
0.8 20 0
1
0
140
0.6
0 0
0.5 17
0
200
100
0.4
0
300
0.3 150
0
400
200
0.2 500
0
0 250
600
0
70000 300
80
400
000
0.1 10, 500
2, 000
1
0.08 1 4, 000
000
17,
0.06
Notes
000
1000
20 ,
0.05
00
30,0
0.04 1500
00
40,0
2000
0.03 0 0
2500
50 , 0
00
60,0 0
0 3000
70,0 00
0.02 80,0 4000
00
100,0 5000
,0 00
,000 120 000
300 140, 00
170,0
0.01 00
200,0 00 10,000
250,000
280,0 15,000
50 75 100 125 150 200 250 300 350 400
20,000
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 120 140 160 180 200
Temperature (ÞF or ÞC)

This chart is used to compute salinities from
resistivities of solution e.g. mud, and vice versa.
It is also used to find the resistivities at a given
temperature.
6
6
The simple electrical tool theory forms the basis of all electrical tools. The tool has a current source which creates
a series of equipotential spheres centred on the source. The measure electrode measures the voltage at a distance
from the source. This voltage is dependent on the spacing and the resistivity of the formation between the two
Old Tools
electrodes.
The voltage measured at M is proportional to the

formation resistivity.
This electrode configuration is the Normal tool.
The distance between the A and M electrodes.

The spacing determines the depth of investigation
and hence the resistivity being read.
Notes
7
7
The configuration of the lateral device is different but the principle is the same with the equipotential surface
voltage being read by the measure electrode M.
Devices using this type of technique are still in use in Ultra Long Spacing Electrical Log (ULSEL) used for the
Normal and Lateral Tools detection of salt domes and nearby well casings (when drilling relief well for a blow out) also in use in some
Russian logging tools.
The Lateral device used

the same principle.
The difference is in
electrode configuration
and spacing.
Problems came from

"thin beds" when the
signature of the curve
was used to try and find
the true resistivity. Notes
8
8
The major problem with these old tools came with “thin beds”. If the bed was thick enough the tool read the true
formation resistivity. If this was not the case the tool read a value which depended on the resistivities of the target
bed and the beds on either side and also on the electrode configuration. The curves were distorted.
Old Tools 2 The slide shows a typical distortion of both a normal and a lateral device in a thin resistive bed. These departure
curves and a number of electrode spacings were used to compute a true spacing.
Notes
This figure shows some of the "signature curves"

for the interpretation of lateral and normal
devices in thin beds.
A library exists plus the rules to extrapolate the
measured value to the true resistivity of the bed.
9
9
The problem of a resistive bed with lower resistivity beds on either side is that in the old tools the current takes the
easiest path.
The solution is to focus the measure current into the formation. This is done using a current emitted from
Laterolog Principle electrodes above and below the measure electrode.

This forces the current to flow in a sheet directly into the formation in front of it with little deviation.
Notes
A current-emitting electrode, Ao, has guard

electrodes positioned symmetrically on either
side.
Guard electrodes emit current to keep the
potential difference between them and the
current electrode at zero.
This forces the measuring current to flow into the
formation of interest.
10
10
The names of the tools reflect the number of electrodes. Extra electrodes are added to improve the focusing.
The current tools use the same electrodes to produce two different depths of investigation, a shallow and a deep
measurement. This is achieved using different frequencies for each.
Tool Types
Various configurations have been used:
LL3 to LL7 to LL9 to DLT

These tools added more electrodes and were
eventually able to run deep and shallow
simultaneously.
These tools looked in all directions.
HALS/ARI
Using the same principle, these are azimuthal Notes
tools capable of looking in 12 directions.
HRLA
Latest tool, using modern techniques to eliminate
the need for a voltage reference and produce a
much more accurate resistivity.
11
11
The objective of this tool is twofold, firstly to better the vertical resolution and secondly to look all around the
borehole.
This is achieved using a set of twelve electrodes much smaller than the standard ones set in a ring around the tool.
Azimuthal Laterolog principle This means each electrode looks at a 30Þ region.
As the tool can be run eccentred in the borehole each electrode will have a different borehole correction. To be
able to perform this correctly a very shallow measurement is made giving an electrical radius of the hole in front
of every electrode. This is used to correct the raw readings. It can also be used to provide a borehole profile.
Notes
The current emitting electrode is split into twelve

separate electrodes.
It has 12 electrodes set equally spaced around the

tool giving 12 azimuthal Laterolog readings.
These are focused to give a deep reading and a

very shallow reading of the tool stand-off. 12
12
The availability of the passive mode increases the range of the Laterolog measurement. Mud resistivity is best
measured using a device in the tool string.
Azimuthal Laterolog principle 2
There are two modes: Notes

Active mode: current is emitted from each
of the electrodes.
12 calibrated resistivities are output in
real time.
Passive mode: no current is emitted. This

is used if the resistivity is above 2 ohm-m
The mud resistivity is needed to compute
the resistivities.
13
13
The string of resistivities in series is all measured by the tool. The objective is to minimise the unwanted Rm, Rmc
and Rxo and read the best possible Rt. Hence the need for salty muds which would give low Rm, Rmc and Rxo.
Rmc is neglected as its a small thickness compared to the beam width of the tool.
borehole effects This type of tool reads best at the highest resistivities.
Laterologs see the borehole environment as:
RLL = Rm + Rmc + Rxo + Rt
Rm Best measurement is in salt-saturated, low

Notes
resistivity mud. Worst readings obtained
in fresh mud. Measurements cannot be
made in oil-based mud.
Rmc Usually neglected as very small.
Rxo Depends on Rmf, needs to be known.
Rt Parameter to be measured, the higher the

better. 14
14
The tool can be run either centred or eccentred with stand offs. The volume of mud seen by the tool in the two
cases is different hence it is important to know the tool position.
The latest tools have small differences between the two m operational modes, the older tools could only be run
Laterolog Corrections centred.
The log should be corrected for the effect of mud

resistivity.
There are two possible conditions:

Centred.
Eccentred.
There is only a small difference between the two in

most circumstances.
The correction to the shallow is greater than the Notes
deep, especially in large hole sizes.
However the correction is very small in most
circumstances.
15
15
The top chart is for the deep measurement and as expected the borehole effect is minimal as it is designed to read
far into the formation. The shallow has increasing corrections with increasing hole size and formation/mud
contrast. Eventually the shallow is reading entirely in the borehole.
Laterolog Corrections
Notes
16
16
The corrections are very similar to the deep Laterolog in magnitude. This chart shows the centred chart. Once
again the chart is entered with the ratio of the resistivity measured divided by the mud resistivity, reading up to the
hole size and across to the y-axis gives the correction factor.
Azimuthal Laterolog corrections

The borehole correction is similar to the other
Laterolog measurements. It is a function of the
borehole diameter and the ratio of formation to
mud resistivity.
This chart is used to make the correction. It can
be done by the surface acquisition system.
Notes
17
17
This set of charts is for the eccentred case. The curves are similar for both measurements.
Correction Charts
Notes
18
18
In spite of focusing the measurement is still affected by beds above and below. This is the so-called squeeze and
anti-squeeze effect.
If the shoulder beds are more resistive the reading has to be reduced, if it is less resistive it has to be increased.
Bed Correction
The next correction accounts for the effects of
adjacent beds which still occur despite focusing.
If the shoulder bed is highly resistive, the log has

to be reduced. (Squeeze.)
If the shoulder bed is of low resistivity, the log has

to be increased. (Anti-squeeze.)
Notes
19
19
The chart shown is for the deep measurement which has more correction than the shallow device. The chart shows
that even with large beds, 10m or so, there is still a correction if there is sufficient contrast between the shoulder
beds and the target bed.
Squeeze/Anti-Squeeze
Notes
Rs is the resistivity of the bed above and below the
formation of interest.
The chart is entered with the bed thickness,
moving up the ratio RLLD/RS.
The correction factor is read on the y-axis.
20
20
The shallow Laterolog only has an effect in beds less than 10 feet thick
Squeeze/Anti- Squeeze
The same method is used in this chart for the
Shallow Laterolog
Notes
21
21
Shoulder-Bed Squeeze Effects
Notes
Deep measurement reads too high and All resistivities read lower than Rt and
results in erroneous invasion profile. separation is reduced.
Current tool strings can be very long. In the past with a single tool this problem was rarely seen. The tool uses
frequency to make the deep and shallow measurement. This means that the tool is subject to electromagnetic
theory. The effect is that in low resistivity (high conductivity) formations the deep Laterolog reads too high.
String Effect The effect depends on the length of the tool string and to a certain extent the tools it contains.
Laterolog tools have another problem in low

resistivity beds due to the frequency of the
measurement.
In long combination tools, the LLD reads too

high.
The effect has been commonly seen in low

resistivity formations. Notes
23
23
Knowing the tool string a correction chart such as the ones shown can be computed. There are two, one for the
hole size the other for the mud resistivity. Both have to be used.
It is clear that the correct factor is very large below 1 ohm-m.
Correction Example
The correction depends on the hole size, Dh, and
the mud resistivity, Rm.
This correction has to be applied before any other

borehole corrections.
A new chart is needed for each tool combination.
Notes
24
24
The apparent resistivity at large Rt/Rm contrasts is lower because of the shorter length between the tool and the
reference electrode.
The skin depth of the LLD current, 3mm in steel, is less than the drill pipe thickness.
TLC effect These lead to another problem for Laterolog devices at low resistivities.
There are two effects occurring when a Laterolog

tool is run on drill pipe.
1)In TLC operations Laterologs need a special

stiff bridle usually made of three sections of
tool housing giving a length of 30 feet compared
to the normal 80 foot bridle.
2)The total current returns to the pipe which acts

as the return electrode. Notes
The relative error is proportional to /Ra (the

apparent resistivity).
This can be up to 200% at low Rt/Rm contrasts

and low Rm.
25
25
The chart assumes a “stiff bridle” of 30 feet and computes the apparent resistivity read by the tool to compute the
resistivity that would be seen in a vertical well with a normal bridle.
Once again the effect is greatest at the lowest resistivities.
Example Chart
The chart is used to transform the TLC reading
into the reading theoretically obtained in a
vertical well with a bridle.
Notes
26
26
After correction for the borehole effects the apparent resistivity, Ra, seen by the tool is composed of some signal
coming from the invaded zone and some from the virgin zone. The proportion depends on the diameter of
invasion, di.
Pseudo Geometrical Factor This is taken into account in the fraction J, the pseudo-geometrical factor. This describes how much of the signal
comes from the invaded zone.
If J=1, the entire signal comes from the invaded zone, this is the case for the very shallow reading tools. If J=0, all
the reading comes from the virgin zone. In practice even for the deep Laterolog J is never zero, but a small
number.
Once corrected, the log can be evaluated to find
Rt.
Neglecting the mud and mud cake resistivities

(corrected log), the tool response equation is:
Ra = J(di)Rxo + (1-J(di))Rt
Where J(di) is the pseudo-geometrical factor Notes

which is a function of the invasion diameter, di.
For large di, J(di) is large reflecting the
important contribution of the invaded zone to the
measurement.
27
27
The plot shows the diameter of invasion plotted against the pseudo-geometrical factor for the common resistivity
measurements. The shallowest tools have J=1 for a very small invasion. The deep tool has j reading low even for
deep invasion meaning that most of its signal comes from the virgin zone.
Depth of Investigation The depth of investigation of resistivity tools is given as the depth corresponding to J=0.5. This means that 50% of
the signal comes from the virgin zone. The example shows the LLS reads about 35” while the deep Laterolog is
around 70”.
The plot shows the pseudo-geometrical factor

versus di for various tools.
The relative depth of investigation is defined as
the invasion diameter for which the invaded zone
contributes to 50% of the signal (J = 0.5).
The relative depth of investigation is computed
from the chart.
Notes
For example, it is 35" for the LLS.

28
28
The example log shows a Laterolog which starts with both the deep and shallow curves together. The deep
increases maintaining a separation until finally the shallow increases as well right at the top of the interval. At first
glance this look like hydrocarbon but it is actually due to the Groningen effect.
Groningen Effect
Resistive Bed
The induction log shown as comparison does not increase in the same way as the deep Laterolog.
The tool is shown with distance between the measure point and the torpedo noted. The Effect begins when the
torpedo enters the high resistivity bed. The other curve shown, labelled LLG, is another deep Laterolog using an
electrode on the bridle instead of the torpedo. Hence this curve exhibits the same effect but it starts later. In this
way the effect can be recognised as such and distinguished from hydrocarbons.
Torpedo
Laterolog
Induction
bridle
electrode
LLS distance to
LLD /LLG
torpedo =
distance
below high
Groningen resistivity
Response Groningen
effect seen.
LLG
Induction
does not react Notes
LLD
increase
DLT measure
point
The high and increasing LLD reading, associated

with a flat LLS, can be caused by the presence of
hydrocarbon in the formation, or by the infamous
Groningen effect. 29
29
The cause of the effect is the use of the torpedo (the cable) as a voltage reference point for the measurement of the
deep Laterolog. If the torpedo enters a highly resistive bed the current is forced into the borehole changing the
voltage on the torpedo, it is no longer usable as a reference.
Groningen Effect Physics
Notes
This is caused by the voltage reference (cable-

torpedo) becoming non-zero.
Caused by highly resistive beds overlying the

formation that is being measured.
This forces the deep current into the mud

column.
30
30
If the voltage in phase and out-of-phase measurements (DLTD and HALS/ARI) are sent uphole, the problem can
be eliminated for the "no-casing" Groningen effect.
(If casing is set in the high resistivity, the problem is more complex. The HALS/ARI can solve it by making a
Solutions second pass with a different return).

Another way is to locate the voltage return under the tool. In this configuration there in no Groningen effect
entering a high resistivity bed, but there is on leaving it.
The HALS/ARI tool can be corrected for

Groningen effect.
There is a curve measurement by the laterolog

called LLG, which gives an indication of the
Groningen effect.
LLG is:
An LLD using a bridle electrode as return
rather than the torpedo.
Notes
An indicator of the presence of Groningen
Effect because:
LLG equals LLD when there is no
effect.
LLG is affected at a different depth
than LLD.
LLG is not an LLD corrected for Groningen.
31
31
Groningen-Affected Log
Notes
32
32
Groningen Corrected Log
Notes
33
33
No Groningen Effect
Curve
separation
HRLA suggests
resistivities invasion but is
clearly show due to Notes
zone is not Groningen
invaded effect
Groningen Example
Array Resistivity − RLA1
2 200
( ohm.m )
MSFL (Logarithmic Scale) Array Resisitivity − RLA2 LLS
0.2 200 2 200 2 200
( ohm.m ) ( ohm.m ) ( ohm.m )
Bit Size (BS) Array Resistivity − RLA3 LLG
5 10 2 200 2 200
( in ) ( ohm.m ) ( ohm.m )
Gamma Ray (GR) Array Resistivity − RLA4 LLD
0 150 2 200 2 200
( gAPI ) ( ohm.m ) ( ohm.m )
Caliper (CALI) MD Array Resistivity − RLA5
5 10 2 200 Groningen Separation
( in ) m ( ohm.m )
Curve separation
results from
Groningen effect
Curve
separation
XX40
shows
invasion Notes
High vertical
resolution
Groningen effect
in indicator curve
XX60
HRLA tool DLL tool

The Laterolog find most of its application in high resistivities where it works best. It will work in fresh muds if the
resistivity is high enough.
The tools do not measure Rt directly, rather they measure a deep and shallow Laterolog from which Rt can be
Laterolog Applications found.
Measures Rt.
Standard resistivity in high resistivity

environments.
Usable in medium-to-high salinity muds.
Good results in high contrast Rt/Rm.
Notes
Fair vertical resolution (same as porosity tools).
36
36
Oil based and air (or foam) muds will not allow the current to pass hence no measurement can be made.
Modelling is used to predict the log reading in a given formation. It can be used to explain unanswered questions.
The condition Rxo > Rt is that of having mud fresher than the formation water in a water zone. Here the Laterolog
Laterolog Limits is trying to read a low resistivity through a higher one.
Cannot be used in oil-based muds.
Cannot be used in air-filled holes.
Affected by the Groningen Effect in some

environments.
Difficult to model.
Notes
Poor when Rxo > Rt.
37
37
Modelling of resistivity devices means analysing a network of resistances. In the early days this is exactly what
was used. Today this technique is replaced by finite element modelling using a computer. The full version of this
method is very time consuming hence the field version is much simplified. It is still, within limits, able to predict
Modelling
or explain the log readings.
It is useful to model the tool response for different

conditions.
The approach of bed boundaries can be seen in

deviated wells.
Unusual log responses can be checked with

different model formations.
A finite element method has to be used to model Notes

Laterologs, and all resistivity tools.
This type of program is heavy on computer time.
38
38
The standard curves are retained and the new curve LLhr is added. This has a vertical resolution of around 8
inches compared with the 24 for the standard tool.
The twelve individual curves can be displayed if required. To avoid clutter they are often shifted on the scale.
Azimuthal Laterolog outputs An image around the borehole is made using the twelve curves and extrapolating between them. This display is
useful for identifying features seen by the tool.
The standard outputs of the Azimuthal Laterolog

are:
Standard LLD and LLS curves.
LLhr - high resolution deep Laterolog.
12 azimuthal resistivity curves.
12 electrical stand-off measurements.

Notes
An electrical image of the borehole similar

to FMS.
39
39
The superior resolution of this tool is clearly seen in the zone from x660-x680. Here the LLS and LLD show a
single bed while the high resolution curves show around 20. The standard measurements are averaging the beds to
give a result that is, in this case, incorrect.
Azimuthal Laterolog uses Note the shift between the 12 curves and the rest of the log for display clarity.
The simplest use of the ARI is for deep resistivity

in laminated formations. Here the tools high
vertical resolution reads the correct value when
the LLD averages the beds.
Notes
40
40
Fractures will be seen by this tool if they are large enough. The detail seen will not be as fine as with the very high
resolution imaging tools but fractures will cause low resistivity to be measured.
On the image this will come out as a dark (low resistivity) sine wave. The higher the amplitude of the wave the
Azimuthal Laterolog Uses 2 higher the angle of the fracture.
Another use of the ARI is fracture identification.

As with any resistivity measurement it reacts to
the presence of the conductive fluid (mud) in the
fractures. They show up as low resistivity on each
of the 12 resistivities at different depths
depending on their geometry. The best indication
is the image.
Notes
41
41
ARI Uses 3
There are a number of other uses for this
azimuthal tool:
Heterogeneous formation
One or more of the resistivities will react to a
heterogeneity while the others read normally. An example could
be a shale lens in an oil zone. Here the resistivity will be reduced
by the low resistivity shale if a standard LLD is used, however the
shale will be "seen" by some of the azimuthal resistivities and the
true resistivity of the oil zone can then be understood.
Horizontal well
The ultimate heterogeneous formation. The azimuthal resistivities Notes
will be able to see the overlying and underlying formations, the
cap rocks and the water table for example. Knowing where these
are will greatly assist in completing the well as well as computing
saturations.
Dip computation
This is an extra due to having 12 azimuthal
resistivities and the possibility of adding directional information.
The output dips are not as good as a standard Dipmeter as the
resolution is not as fine, however, they are sufficient for most
structural interpretations.
42
42
Azimuthal Laterolog parameters

Depth of investigation
LLhr close to LLD
Vertical resolution
8" (in a 6" hole)
Azimuthal resolution
60° for a 1" stand-off
Notes
Resistivity range
0.2 - 100000 ohm-m
Mud resistivity
< 2 ohm-m active mode
< 5 ohm-m passive mode
43
43
Standard Laterolog Limits
Limitation in approach
Does not account for
coupling between radial and
vertical response
Risk of underevaluating
reserves
Overestimated Rt in water
zones Notes
Underestimated Rt in thin
hydrocarbon-bearing zones
HRLA Solutions Hardware
Multiple depth of
investigation
Clear indication of
invasion
Improved vertical
resolution
No need for deep mode Notes

or bridle
No Groningen or
drillpipe-conveyed
logging effects and
reduced shoulder-bed
effect
Mode 1 Mode 2 Mode3 Mode 4 Mode 5

Array Laterolog Principle
Return Electrodes Mode 2 current

lines
mode 0 mode 1 mode 2 mode 3 mode 4 mode 5
24 ft
Source Electrodes
Notes
Return Electrodes
0V 0V 0V 0V 0V 0V
potential (V)
HRLA Software Solutions
Better inversion with

improved formation
models
2D earth model
More accurate Rt
computation
Correction for coupling of Notes
radial and vertical response
Tool Radial Response
Notes
Borehole effect
dh=10in centered
Borehole corrections dh=10in, tool centered
3
2.5
2
Ra/Rm
1.5
Notes
0.5 RLA1
RLA2
RLA3
RLA4
RLA5
0
−1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10
Rt/Rm
49
49
Shoulder-Bed Squeeze Effects
Notes
Deep measurement reads too high and All resistivities read lower than Rt and
results in erroneous invasion profile. separation is reduced.
Shoulder-bed Effect- Laterolog

HLLS Maxis
0.2 2000
( ohm.m )
MD HLLD Maxis
1 : 200 0.2 2000
ft ( ohm.m )
RHOZ .HILTC .0 DSOZ .H HART Maxis
1.95 2.95 PEx 1 0 0.2 2000
( g/cm3 ) ( in ) ( ohm.m )
TNPH .HILTC .0 VCL_HILT RSOZ .H RXOZ .HILTC .075 [A7380343]
0.45 −0.15 0 2 1 0 0.2 2000
( ft3/ft3 ) ( ft3/ft3 ) ( in ) ( ohm.m )
8950
Notes
9000
51
51
Corrected Dual Laterolog
HLLS .HALS_EC [A3157794]

0.2 2000
( ohm.m )
MD HLLD .HALS_EC [A3157784]
1 : 200 0.2 2000
ft ( ohm.m )
RHOZ .HILTC .0 DSOZ .H HART .HALS_EC [A7385363]
1.95 2.95 PEx 1 0 0.2 2000
( g/cm3 ) ( in ) ( ohm.m )
TNPH .HILTC .0 VCL_HILT RSOZ .H RXOZ .HILTC .075 [A7380343]
0.45 −0.15 0 2 1 0 0.2 2000
( ft3/ft3 ) ( ft3/ft3 ) ( in ) ( ohm.m )
8950 Notes
9000
52
52
HRLA Shoulder-bed Effect
Notes
HRLA tool HALS tool 1D-Rt comparison

Full Process
Notes
54
54
Except for the Microlog tool all the others were/are focused to pass through the mud cake and read only the
invaded zone. They are all resistivity devices. All are pad tools pushed against the wall by a powered caliper
device.
Microresistivity Devices
Shallow reading versions of resistivity tools;
always pad-mounted.
First was the Microlog which is still in use;

Second was the Micro Laterolog (MLL),
replaced by
Proximity (PL) tool, replaced by
MicroSpherically Focused Log (MSFL),
replaced by
Micro Cylindrical Focused Log(MCFL) Notes
Objective is to read Rxo (Invaded Zone

Resistivity) only.
Tools are focused to pass through the mud cake.
55
55
This is the very oldest microresistivity device. It has been used for a number of years to measure the “sand” zones
i.e.. the permeable layers. The absolute value of the resistivity is not of interest, only the separation between the
two curves.
Microlog Uses A number of synthetic micrologs have been devised using some of the currents output by the more sophisticated
tools.
Microlog is used to identify permeable zones.
2" Micronormal. (A -> M2)

1"x1" Microinverse. (A -> M1)
(Slightly different depths of
investigation).
Notes
If the zone of investigation is shale (no invasion),
both curves read the same.
If the zone is sand (with invasion), Microinverse
reads mud cake plus some of the formation and
Micronormal reads some mud cake plus the
formation (slightly higher).
We are only interested in the separation between
these curves and so scales are chosen to show this
and not the rest of the readings.
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A focusing current flowing between the A0 and A1 electrodes passes mainly through the mud cake.
In this way, the measuring current is constrained to the formation and importantly to the invaded zone.
The exact depth investigated depends on the mud cake thickness and the resistivities of the mud components.
MSFL Principle However, it is normally around 6 inches.
Notes
This tool uses a set of 5 electrodes which focus the

signal into the invaded zone just beyond the mud
cake.
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The mud cake thickness can be estimated from the bit size minus the caliper or from the MSFL caliper minus the
Density tool caliper (divided by 2). This assumes that the MSFL caliper “floats” on top of the mud cake while the
other cuts through it. Unfortunately this measurement of a small quantity is a the limit of the tools accuracy.
MSFL Borehole Corrections Note the MCFL gives Rxo as output and does not need correction.
In spite of its focusing, the tool still needs to be

corrected for the mud cake thickness and
resistivity.
The correction requires an input of mud cake
thickness which is not measured directly.
Notes
It also needs the mud cake resistivity which is

either measured or computed from charts.
The tool focusing has been set assuming there is

always some mud cake, hence the tool
always needs some correction.
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The measurement of Rxo is needed to compute the water saturation in the invaded zone, Sxo.
Knowing Rxo the deep measurements can be inverted to give the true virgin formation resistivity Rt.
As with all pad type tools bad hole conditions will badly affect the measurement quality.
Uses and Limits
Uses:
Rxo measurement in water- based
muds.
Correction for deep resistivity
tools.
Sxo determination.
Limits: Notes
Rugose hole.
Oil-based mud.
Heavy or thick mud cake.
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Electrical Resistivity Logs: Notes

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Electrical Resistivity Logs: Notes

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Electrical Resistivity Logs

Electrical Resistivity Logs

Resistivity Theory in a reservoir.

The resistivity of a substance is a measure of its

Resistivity is the key to hydrocarbon saturation

Porosity gives the volume of fluids but does not Notes

Current can only pass through the water in the

Resistivity of the formation water.

The first resistivities encountered are those of the

The surface measurements to obtain these values

NaCl Concentration (ppm or grains/gal)

Temperature (ÞF or ÞC)

The voltage measured at M is proportional to the

This electrode configuration is the Normal tool.

The distance between the A and M electrodes.

The Lateral device used

Problems came from

This figure shows some of the "signature curves"

Laterolog Principle electrodes above and below the measure electrode.

A current-emitting electrode, Ao, has guard

LL3 to LL7 to LL9 to DLT

The current emitting electrode is split into twelve

It has 12 electrodes set equally spaced around the

These are focused to give a deep reading and a

Azimuthal Laterolog principle 2

There are two modes: Notes

Passive mode: no current is emitted. This

Laterologs see the borehole environment as:

RLL = Rm + Rmc + Rxo + Rt

Rm Best measurement is in salt-saturated, low

Rmc Usually neglected as very small.

Rxo Depends on Rmf, needs to be known.

Rt Parameter to be measured, the higher the

Laterolog Corrections centred.

The log should be corrected for the effect of mud

There are two possible conditions:

There is only a small difference between the two in

Azimuthal Laterolog corrections

If the shoulder bed is highly resistive, the log has

If the shoulder bed is of low resistivity, the log has

The correction factor is read on the y-axis.

Laterolog tools have another problem in low

In long combination tools, the LLD reads too

The effect has been commonly seen in low

This correction has to be applied before any other

A new chart is needed for each tool combination.

There are two effects occurring when a Laterolog

1)In TLC operations Laterologs need a special

2)The total current returns to the pipe which acts

The relative error is proportional to /Ra (the

This can be up to 200% at low Rt/Rm contrasts

Neglecting the mud and mud cake resistivities

Where J(di) is the pseudo-geometrical factor Notes

The plot shows the pseudo-geometrical factor

For example, it is 35" for the LLS.

The high and increasing LLD reading, associated

Groningen Effect Physics

This is caused by the voltage reference (cable-

Caused by highly resistive beds overlying the

This forces the deep current into the mud

Solutions second pass with a different return).

The HALS/ARI tool can be corrected for

There is a curve measurement by the laterolog