Spontaneous Potential and Gamma Ray

A Spontaneous Potential Measurement
Spontaneous Potential
and
Gamma Ray
1
Schlumberger 1999 1
Spontaneous Potential Measurement
SP Theory 1
SP results from electric currents flowing in the
drilling mud.
There are three sources of the currents, two

electrochemical and one electrokinetic.
Membrane potential - largest.
Liquid - junction potential.
Streaming potential - smallest.
2
2
SP theory 2
Membrane and Liquid Potential
These two effects are the main components of the SP. They are
caused because the mud flitrate and the formation waters contain
NaCl in different proportions.
Firstly, shales are permeable to the Sodium ions but not the
Chlorine. Hence there is a movement of charged particles through
the shale creating a current and thus a potential.
The ions Na+ and Cl- have different mobilities at the junction of
the invaded and virgin zones. The movement of the ions across this
boundary creates another current and hence a potential.
Streaming Potential
This is generated by flow of the mud filtrate through the mud

cake. As this does not normally occur this effect is small. It will
only become important if there are high differential pressures
across the formations.
3
3
SP theory 3
4
4
log-1
The SSP is the
quantity to be
determined.
It is the deflection
seen on the SP
from the Shale
Base Line (zero
point) to the Sand
Line (max.
deflection)
5
5
example log 2
The maximum
SP deflection in
this example
occurs at the
same depths as
the resistivity
curves show a
separation.
The minimum
point on the SP
corresponds to
where all the
resistivity
curves overlay,
no invasion, a
shale.
6
6
SP uses
Differentiate potentially porous and permeable

reservoir rocks from impermeable clays.
Define bed boundaries.
Give an indication of shaliness (maximum

deflection is clean; minimum is shale).
Determine Rw in both salt and fresh muds.
7
7
Rw from the SP
Rw is often known from client information or
local knowledge.
The SP can be used to check the value or compute

it when it is unavailable.
It is especially useful when there are variations

along the borehole.
Rmfe
SSP k log
Rwe
K is a constant - depending on the temperature.
K = 61 + .133T ( 0F )
8
8
9
9
Salinities chart
Grains/gal
10
at 75F
8
ppm
6
5
20 0
4 10
3 30 0
15
40 0
2 20
50 0
25
60 0
30
NaCl Concentration (ppm or grains/gal)

70 0
80 0
1 40
Resistivity of Solution ( - m)
0
10 0
0.8 0 50
12 0
0
14 0
0.6
0 0
0.5 17
0
20 0
100
0.4
0
0.3 30 0
150
0
40 0
200
0.2 50 0
0
00 250
0
6 0
70 000 300
80
400
0 00
0.1 10 , 0 500
00
12 , 0
0.08 ,
14 0
0 0
7 ,00
1
0.06 0 00
20 , 1000
0.05
00
30 ,0
0.04 1500
00
40 ,0 2000
0.03 0
50 , 0
00
0 2500
60 ,0 0 3000
0
70 ,0 00
0.02 80 ,0 4000
000
10 0, 5000
0, 000
, 000 12 , 000
30 0 0
14 00
0
17 0, 0
0.01 0,0000
2 00 0
10,000
,
25 000
28 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 (F or C)
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.
10
10
Rw from the SP
Knowing the SSP (the maximum deflection) from
the log and the temperature, the ratio of
resistivities is obtained from Log Interpretation
Chart SP-1.
Rmfe
output =
Rwe
11
11
Rw from SP 2
Rmf is measured, using the mud cell.

Rmfe is computed from Log Interpretation Chart
SP-2.
Rwe is computed, from the ratio from SP1 and
Rmfe.
12
Chart SP-2 output is Rw. 12
Rw Calculation Procedures
1 . Read SSP in Clean H20 zone greater than 10 ft. thick,
close to Zone of Interest
2. Calculate Formation temperature at ZOI
3. Convert Rmf at Surface Temp. to Rmf at Formation Temp.
4. Convert Rmf to Rmfeq Rmfeq = Rmf x .85
5. Use SP-1 to determine Rweq
6. Use SP-2 to determine Rw

Practice
Rmf = .9 @ 80
TD = 12000 ft
-120 +30
BHT = 210 0F
10400
SSP = ___
Form. Temp. _______

Rmf @ FT _______
Rmf eq _______
10500
Rweq ________
Rw __________
13
13
Calculate Rw from SP
Shale base line
.14 & .42
Por - .33
= 7 Sw=.21 A .09 & .48
7 Sw= .19 B por = .35
0 Sw = .17 C Por = .34
8 Sw = .17 D Por = .36
5 Sw = .23 E Por = .36
.26 Sw = 1 F Por = .35
Rmf = .5 @ 90 0F
BHT = 202 0F
TD = 12500 ft.
Rw @ 11222 = ______
14
14
Calculate Rw at 13850
Rmf = 1.80 @ 70F

BHT = 2350F @ 13920
15
15
Gamma Ray Measurement
16
Schlumberger 1999 16
Gamma Ray Principles
The Gamma Ray log is a measurement of the

formation's natural radioactivity.
Gamma ray emission is produced by three
radioactive series found in the Earth's
crust.
Potassium (K40) series.

Uranium series.
Thorium series.
Gamma rays passing through rocks are slowed

and absorbed at a rate which depends on the
formation density.
Less dense formations exhibit more radioactivity
than dense formations even though there may be
the same quantities of radioactive material per
unit volume. 17
17
Basic Gamma Ray Uses

Bed definition:
The tool reacts if the shale
is radioactive (usually the
case), hence show the
sands and shales, the
permeable zones and the
non-permeable zones.
Computation of the
amount of shale:
The minimum value gives

the clean (100%) shale free
zone, the maximum 100%
shale zone. All other points
can then be calibrated in
the amount of shale.
18
18
GR Uses
The gamma ray log is used for:
Lithology/mineralogy, e.g. shaliness.
Correlation:
A major use of the tool is to identify marker beds and thus allow
well-to-well correlation. Marker beds can be the top or bottom of
the reservoir or a specific shale giving a high reading.
Determination of Shale Content

A comparison is made of the GR reading in Shales, Clean Zones
and Shaly Zones . A linear estimate can be made of the shale
content in these Shaly sections.
Tracer logging:
A radioactive fluid is ejected by a tool at a chosen level. The fluid
movement is monitored by the gamma ray and will show thief
zones and channels in the cement behind the casing.
19
19
NGT
The NGT tool measures a spectrum that is the
result of the three naturally occurring radioactive
series.
The Potassium has a sharper shape than the other

two as it decays through a single reaction to a
stable element. The other two decay through a
number of daughter elements each with some
contribution to the final picture. 20
20
NGT Log
Outputs are the relative amounts of Thorium,

Uranium and Potassium in the formation.
With:
Thorium in ppm.
Uranium in ppm.
Potassium in %.
Additional curves are the total gamma ray (SGR)
and a Uranium-corrected gamma ray (CGR).
21
21
NGT uses
This tool has many applications:
Lithology identification.
Study of depositional environments.
Investigation of shale types.
Correction of the GR for clay content
evaluation.
Identification of organic material and
source rocks.
Fracture identification.
Geochemical logging.
Study of a rock's diagenetic history.
A major application was to solve North Sea log

interpretation problems in micaceous sands.
22
22
NGT uses
The three radioactive elements measured by the
NGT occur in different parts of the reservoir. If
we know the lithology, we can obtain further
information.
In Carbonates:
U - indicates phosphates, organic matter

and stylolites.
Th - indicates clay content.
K - indicates clay content, radioactive

evaporites.
23
23
NGT in Clastics
In Sandstones:
Th - indicates clay content, heavy

minerals.
K - indicates micas, micaceous clays and

feldspars.
In Shales:
U - in shale, suggest a source rock.
Th - indicates the amount of detrital

material or degree of shaliness.
K - indicates clay type and mica.
24
24
NGT Crossplots - 1
The NGT data is interpreted using
three major crossplots. In order of
complexity:
Thorium versus Potassium:
Gives clay type
Photoelectric factor, Pe, versus

Potassium:
Gives clay type and micas.
Pe versus Thorium/Potassium
ratio:
Gives clay type and micas.
25
25
NGT Crossplots - 2
This plot can be used to determine the type of

clay mineral or mica.
26
26
NGT Crossplots - 3
This plot adds in the Thorium contribution
making it more precise than the previous one.
27
27
NGT/GR parameters
Vertical resolution 18"
Depth of investigation 6"-8"
Readings in: API units
Limestone <20
Dolomite <30
Sandstone <30
Shale 80-300
Salt <10
Anhydrite <10
No formation is perfectly clean, hence the GR readings

will vary. Limestone is usually cleaner than the other two
reservoir rocks and normally has a lower GR.
28
28
GR/NGT Limits
GR
- Organic materials (see the uranium as

"shale").
- Micas (sees micaceous sands as shaly).
NGT
- Barite in the mud (reduces the count rate

but can be partially corrected for).
- KCI mud (Potassium in the mud masks
the formation response but can be
partially corrected for).
- Large boreholes decrease the count rate
hence increase the statistics.
- Statistical errors.
29
29
GR Correction 1
GR logs require correction for the effects of the

mud.
30
30
GR Correction 2
An additional correction is needed if there is mud

in the borehole.
31
31
Shales
32
Schlumberger 1999 32
shales
Matrix Shale Porosity
Clean formation Structural shale
Porosity Porosity
Shale
Matrix Matrix
Laminar shale Dispersed shale

Porosity Porosity Shale
Shale
Matrix Matrix
33
33
clay minerals
b N (thermal) Pe
Kaolinite 2.54 59.6 1.85

Illite 2.52 47.9 3.97
Smectite 2.02 87 1.70
Chlorite 2.73 59.6 4.07
Most shales are comprised of these clay minerals.

Clay minerals frequently occur together in
"mixed layers", e.g. Illite - Montmorillonite.
Kaolinite Al, Si, little K

Illite K, Fe, Mg, Si
Smectite Very high porosity.
Chlorite Fe, Mg, no K
34
34
Shale and Logs

Shales have properties that have important
influences on log readings:
They have porosity.
The porosity is filled with salted water.
They are often radioactive.
Resistivity logs exhibit shales as low resistivity

zones.
35
35
Shale and Logs continued

Neutron porosity logs exhibit shales as high
porosity.
Density and sonic logs react to the porosity and

matrix changes.
Gamma ray logs react to shale radioactivity.
36
36
Shale Corrections
The electrical properties of shales greatly
influence the calculation of fluid saturations.
A layer of water close to the clay surface is

electrically charged.
Archie's equation assumes that the formation

water is the only electrically-conductive material
in the formation.
The clay layer requires an additional term in the

saturation equation.
Porosity tools can be corrected for the shale

effect. An "effective porosity" can be computed as
compared to a "total porosity" which includes the
shale effect.
37
37
Shale Volume 1
The volume of shale must be computed to correct
the tool readings.
This is achieved using simple equations such as:
GRlog GRmin
Vcl
GRmax GRmin
or
SPlog SPmin
Vcl
SPmax SPmin
38
38
Vsh from GR
1
Ish = Vsh
.5
Vsh Clavier, et al
Steiber
0
0 .5 1
I sh
GR - GRcl
Ish =
GRsh - GRcl
Clavier Vsh = 1.7 - 3.38 - (Ish +.7)2
.5 Ish
Steiber Vsh =
1.5 - Ish
39
39
Shale Volume 2
However, as every tool reacts to shale, each tool is

a shale indicator. For example:
b wS w h 1 S w ma 1 Vcl clVcl
Shale volume can be computed from different

sources and from crossplots of different kinds of
log data.
The ideal method of computing shale volume is to

use the Neutron Density plot.
40
40
Calculate Ish - Vsh

0 GR 150
Calculate Vsh using Vsh = Ish at the indicated point
41
41

Spontaneous Potential and Gamma Ray

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Spontaneous Potential and Gamma Ray

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

A Spontaneous Potential Measurement

There are three sources of the currents, two

Membrane potential - largest.

Liquid - junction potential.

Streaming potential - smallest.

This is generated by flow of the mud filtrate through the mud

Differentiate potentially porous and permeable

Define bed boundaries.

Give an indication of shaliness (maximum

Determine Rw in both salt and fresh muds.

The SP can be used to check the value or compute

It is especially useful when there are variations

K is a constant - depending on the temperature.

NaCl Concentration (ppm or grains/gal)

Rmf is measured, using the mud cell.

2. Calculate Formation temperature at ZOI

3. Convert Rmf at Surface Temp. to Rmf at Formation Temp.

4. Convert Rmf to Rmfeq Rmfeq = Rmf x .85

5. Use SP-1 to determine Rweq

6. Use SP-2 to determine Rw

Form. Temp. _______

0 Sw = .17 C Por = .34

8 Sw = .17 D Por = .36

5 Sw = .23 E Por = .36

.26 Sw = 1 F Por = .35

Rmf = 1.80 @ 70F

Gamma Ray Measurement

Gamma Ray Principles

The Gamma Ray log is a measurement of the

Potassium (K40) series.

Gamma rays passing through rocks are slowed

Basic Gamma Ray Uses

The minimum value gives

Lithology/mineralogy, e.g. shaliness.

Determination of Shale Content

The Potassium has a sharper shape than the other

Outputs are the relative amounts of Thorium,

A major application was to solve North Sea log

U - indicates phosphates, organic matter

Th - indicates clay content.

K - indicates clay content, radioactive

Th - indicates clay content, heavy

K - indicates micas, micaceous clays and

U - in shale, suggest a source rock.

Th - indicates the amount of detrital

K - indicates clay type and mica.

Photoelectric factor, Pe, versus

This plot can be used to determine the type of

Depth of investigation 6"-8"

Readings in: API units

No formation is perfectly clean, hence the GR readings

- Organic materials (see the uranium as

- Barite in the mud (reduces the count rate

GR logs require correction for the effects of the

An additional correction is needed if there is mud

Matrix Shale Porosity

Clean formation Structural shale

Laminar shale Dispersed shale

Kaolinite 2.54 59.6 1.85

Most shales are comprised of these clay minerals.

Kaolinite Al, Si, little K

Shale and Logs

The porosity is filled with salted water.