WELL LOGGING (PE413)

WATER SATURATION
The Water saturation can be estimated from a resistivity measurement using the Archie Equation, an
empirical relationship derived from experiments done by G.E. Archie in 1942.

R0 is the resistivity of rock 100% saturated by water, and Rt is resistivity of same rock with formation
fluids.

If, Rw = Resistivity of water in the rock pores (measured)

R0 = Resistivity of rock 100% saturated by water of Rw. Then, a Formation Resistivity Factor (F) can
be defined:

F = R0/Rw, and R0 = F Rw

Based on experiments, Archie found that F could also be related to a tortuosity factor (a) the porosity
(ɸ) and a “cementation exponent” (m)

By combining these relationships produces the Archie Equation:

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N, F, a and m are experimentally determined, and there are tables for typical rock types.

Rw = resistivity of fluids in the rock and must be estimated at the well site.

Rt is the resistivity of the combined rock and fluid measured by the logging tool.

In a simple carbonate, the parameters are simplified to: m = (2), n =(2), a = (1).

In a sandstone the following values are often quoted: m = (1.8 to 2.15) , n = (2), a = (0.62 to 1).

In water saturated flushed zones, the porosity can be determined from the short reading resistivity
logs. The Archie equation for the flushed zone is: So solving for F, If there are any hydrocarbons left in
the flushed zone, F will be too low.

The water saturation use to determine the volume of oil in a reservoir Shc (hydrocarbon saturation) .

1-Sw=Shc.

Formation Water Resistivity (RW)

As previously indicated, formation matrices are insulators; thus a formation’s ability to conduct
electric current depend on:

A) Water Salinity: As salinity increases, more ions are available to conduct electricity so Rw (water
resistivity) decreases.

B) Water Temperature: As water temperature is raised, ionic mobility increases and resistivity
decreases as shown in (Figure) illustrates these relationships.

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