1

An

to Wireline Logging
2
1.0 Introduction

Well logs or wireline logs are continuous recordings of well depth versus
different petrophysical characteristics of the rocks through which the well is
drilled. There are many types of well logs, depending upon the characteristics
of the rock being measured.

1.1 Logging Objectives

The main purpose of well logging is:

 to provide data for evaluating petroleum reservoirs.

 to aid in testing, completion and repairing of the well.

To calculate the oil reserve in an oil pool we need to know the following.

 Thickness of the oil bearing formation.

 Porosity of the formation.
 Oil saturation.
3
 Lateral extent of the pool.
2.0 Types of Well Logging

Well logging is classified into three broad categories:

 Open Hole Logging

 Cased Hole Logging
 Production Logging

2.1 Open Hole Logging

Logging surveys taken before the hole is cased are called open hole logs.
The logs included in this group are:

 Electrical surveys (induction, laterolog and microlog logs).

 Sonic logs.
 Caliper Logs.
 Dipmeter Logs.
 Radioactive surveys (density, neutron and gamma ray logs).
4
2.1.1 Electrical Logs

Electrical logs (Induction, laterolog, and microlog) measure the electrical

properties of the formation along with the formation fluids.

2.1.2 Sonic Logs

Sonic logs measure the elastic or (sound) wave properties of the formation.

2.1.3 Caliper Logs

Caliper logs measure the size or geometry of the hole.

2.1.4 Dipmeter Logs

Dipmeter logs measure dip of the formations.

2.1.5 Radioactive Logs

Gamma ray & neutron logs measure radioactive and neutron absorption
properties.
5
2.2 Cased Hole Logging

Logging surveys taken after the casing is lowered are usually categorized
as cased hole logs. The surveys included in this group are:

 Gamma Ray
 Neutron
 Temperature
 Chlorine
 Pulsed Neutron
 Cement Bond Log
 Tracer Logs

Some of these surveys like the gamma ray, neutron and temperature logs
can be run in both open and cased hole wells.
6
2.3 Production Logging

Well logging surveys taken to improve production or repair the well are

termed as production logs. Surveys included in this category are:

Pressure

Temperature

Fluid Density

7
3.0 Logging Equipment: Surface and Downhole

Log measurements are made using a measuring sonde (with

electronic cartridge) lowered on a cable from a winch, which is

mounted on a logging truck or offshore unit.

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3.1 Logging Truck and Offshore Unit

The truck and units are laboratories containing:

 The main winch which may hold as much as 26,000 ft (8,000 m)

of multi-conductor steel-armored cable with a pulling capacity of
several tons.

 The winch man control panel.

 The surface logging panels which power and control the

down hole tools, process the incoming information and transmit
the information to recording equipment.

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Logging Truck and Offshore Unit (Contd.)

 Depth measuring system.

 Electrical generator.

 Printer for making log prints.

 Recent years have seen the introduction of fully computerized

logging unit which not only handle the data acquisition but

permit well site data processing/evaluations.

 Offshore units are mounted on skids and bolted (or welded) to

the deck of drilling vessel or platform.

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Fig. 3.1: A Logging Truck
11
Fig. 3.2: An Offshore Logging Unit
12
3.2 Computerized Logging Units

Service companies offer logging services from computer-based

logging units. The advantages of using computer-based units are

many and their use is to be encouraged. Some of the systems

available include:

 Eclips 5700: Western Atlas

 Maxis 500: Schlumberger

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Computerized Logging Units (Contd.)

Computer-based units offer the following features:

 All logs are recorded on 4 mm dats.

 Computer control of the data allows logs to be recorded either

logging up or down with all curves on depth.

 Calibration are performed under programme control and can be

performed more quickly, consistently and accurately.

 Logs can be played back from the data tapes on many different

formats.

 Basic well-site, processing/analysis of data is available.

14
Fig. 3.3: CLS-3700 15
 16
Fig. 3.4: ECLIPS-5700
4.0 Logging Cables

The logging cables fulfill three functions:

 Running in and pulling out the tool and control of tool speed.
 Electrical interface between the downhole logging tool and the
surface processing and recording equipment.
 Depth measurement.

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4.1 Depth Measurement

 Film and tape movement are governed by cable motion,

which is transmitted by a calibrated spooler wheel to

mechanical or electrical drive system which permit choice of

depth scale on film.

 The cable is marked magnetically every 100 ft or 25 m under

constant tension. These marks are detected at the cable

passing the spooler device and serve as the reference for

precise depth.
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4.2 Memorization

Where several tools are in combination, it is necessary to store in

a memory the readings of each tool as it passes a given depth

and to discharge this memory only when the last sensor reaches

that depth. In this way all the data is recorded on depth.

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 20
Fig. 4.1: Logging Tools in Combination
 21
Fig. 4.2: Memorization
5.0 The Logging Tool

 Logging tools vary in complexity from a simple electrode

carrying mandrel to a sophisticated system of electronic circuits,
enclosed in a pressure – resistant metal housing and capable of
operating at high temperatures.

 The sonde is generally attached below an electronic cartridge,

which carries in a protective housing the electronic modules or
hardware for the downhole instrument.

 Where several tools are being run in combination each of the

sondes and cartridges in the tool string has a pass through
facility for the signals to or from tools lower in the string.
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The Logging Tool (Contd.)

 Each sonde-cartridge set can be connected electrically and

mechanically to the bridal or cable head by a quick connect

system consisting of pins and sockets and a thread ring.

 (Ex) Centralizers or stand-off may be attached to the sonde

and cartridge.

 Logging tools vary in sizes and shapes. A typical logging

string is 3 5/8” in diameter and 35 ft long.

23
The Logging Tool (Contd.)

 Most tools are built to withstand 20,000 psi pressure and 350oF

to 400oF temp.

 Modern tools are “modularised” to allow combination tool

strings by appropriate mixing and matching.

 The need for pressure control equipment will limit the total

length of the tool string that can be safely assembled and run in

the hole.
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 25
Fig. 5.1: Logging Tools
Fig. 5.2: Electronic Cartridge
26
TOOLS
27
6. Modern Logging Tools

6.1 Formation Fluid Content Indicators

 Induction

 Laterolog

 Micro-focused (micro resistivity) devices

 Pulsed neutron

 Inelastic gamma (carbon/oxygen)

 MRI

 NMR

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6.2 Porosity-Lithology Indicators

 Sonic (Acoustic)
 Density
 Neutron
 Natural Gamma Ray
 Spectral Gamma Ray

6.3 Reservoir Geometry Indicators

 Dipmeter
 FMS/FMI
 Star Imager
 Circumferential Acoustic Scanning
29
6.4 Formation Sampling Tools

 Formation Tester RFT, MDT

 Sidewall Coring

6.5 Auxiliary Tools

 Spontaneous Potential

 Caliper

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7.0 CHARACTERISTICS OF DOWNHOLE TOOLS

The characteristics of these devices are summarized as under:

7.1 Resistivity Tools

7.1.1 Induction Tools

Induction tools belong to the resistivity tool family and attempt to

measure true formation resistivity, Rt. They work like metal detectors
by inducting currents in the formation. Induction logs are called by a
variety of names and initials such as:

 Induction logs
 ISF
 DIL or DIFL

They may be run simultaneously with a variety of other measurements

such as SP, Gamma Ray (GR), caliper and porosity devices. 31
 32
Fig. 7.11: An example of Dual Induction Log
7.1.2 Laterolog Tool

The most important tool in the family of Laterolog Tools is

the Dual Laterolog-Microspherically Focused log (MSFL).

Older versions such as LL3 or LL7 are no longer widely

used. The DLL-MSFL can be run with SP, GR, caliper and

some porosity tools.

33
 34
Fig. 7.1.2: An example of Laterolog
7.1.3 Micro-resistivity Devices

Micro-resistivity devices attempt to measure the formation

resistivity close to the borehole wall. The MSFL is usually run

with the dual laterolog and not separately, but the proximity and

microlaterolog tools are run as separate surveys usually with a

microlog (ML). The ML is a special type of log and gives good

indications of porous and permeable zones.

35
 36
Fig. 7.1.3: An example of Microlog
7.1.4 Dipmeter

Dipmeter come in several versions, four-arm dipmeters and six-

arm dipmeters. High resolution dipmeters record all the

necessary information for computing formation dip and azimuth.

A secondary application is the use of the dipmeter

measurements of hole deviation and direction to determine hole

geometry, location and true vertical depth of points in deviated

wells.
37
 38
Fig. 7.1.4: An example of Dipmeter Log
7.2 Acoustic Tools

7.2.1 Sonic Tool

The modern sonic tool is known as full wave sonic which improves on

the older borehole compensated sonic. It may be run with GR, SP and

caliper or combined with an induction tool. In addition to recording the

travel time of a compressional wave through the formation (t), special

waveform recording techniques and use of multiple receivers allow the

measurement of shearware travel time amplitude logs of different

waveform components are used for fracture detection.

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Fig. 7.2.1: An example of Sonic Log 40
7.2.2 Cement Bond Log tool

Cement Bond Log (CBL) measures the attenuation of the sound

waves between the transmitter and the receiver.

The CBL indicates the amplitude of the first arrival E1.

This amplitude is a maximum for un-cemented and free casing and it

is minimum when the casing is well cemented.

41
 42
Fig. 7.2.2: Principle of Operation of VDL
 43
Fig. 7.2.3: Uncemented Pipe
 44
Fig. 7.2.4: Good Bond Casing Cement
 45
Fig. 7.2.5: CBL-VDL Interpretation
7.3 Radioactive Tools

7.3.1 Gamma Ray Tool

Gamma ray tools measure the natural radioactivity of the

formation. Gamma rays are bursts of high energy

electromagnetic waves which are spontaneously emitted by

some of the radioactive elements as they decay to a more

stable state. Three most common elements in rocks which emit

gamma rays are uranium, thorium and potassium.

46
 47
Fig. 7.1: An example of Gamma Ray Log
 7.3.2 Spectral Gamma Ray Tool

This tool measures the number and energy of naturally occurring

gamma rays in the formation and distinguishes between elements

and daughter products of three main radioactive families; uranium,

thorium and potassium.

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Fig. 7.3.2: An example of Spectral Gamma Ray Log 49
 7.3.3 Density Tool

Compensated density tools are the primary porosity measuring

devices. A GR, caliper and neutron log are normally run with the

density. A modern version of the density tool is known as litho

density tool. In addition to measuring bulk density, it measures

the photoelectric factor (Pe) which is an indicator of formation

lithology.

50
 51
Fig. 7.3.3: An example of Density Log
 7.3.4 Neutron Tool

There are several types of neutron tools. Todays standard is

the dual spaced neutron which records N, the neutron

porosity index. It is normally recorded for an assumed

lithology. Reading the porosity curve requires close attention

to the porosity scale and assumed matrix.

52
 53
Fig. 7.3.4: An example of Dual-Spaced Neutron Log
7.3.5 Pulsed Neutron Capture Tool

The pulsed neutron capture tool makes a measurement that

helps distinguish oil from salt water in the formation in cased

holes. It may also be used in open holes as a last resort when

drill pipe becomes stuck.

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 55
Fig. 7.3.5: An example of TDT Log
7.3.6 Carbon / Oxygen Logging Tool

Carbon/oxygen logging is a relatively new service which uses in

elastic fast neutron scattering in an attempt to directly measure the

relative abundance of carbon, oxygen and other elements in a

formation. Its application is in cased holes and it is a natural

candidate for these parts of world where fresh formation waters

preclude the use of pulsed neutron capture logs.

56
 57
Fig. 7.3.6: An example of Carbon / Oxygen Log
7.4 Wireline Formation Testers

Several types of wireline formation testers are available. These

devices allow limited samples of formation fluid to be drawn from

the formation and brought to the surface for analysis. These

wireline formation testers also allow multiple formation pressure

tests one try into the hole and are valuable addition to the

formation evaluation arsenal.

58
 59
Fig. 7.4: An example of Pretest
7.5 Spontaneous Potential (SP)

The SP device measures naturally occurring (spontaneous) potential in

the wellbore. This tool utilizes a single moving electrode in the

borehole and a reference electrode at the surface, usually located in

the mud pit. The SP curve therefore is a record of the potential

difference which exists between the surface electrode and the moving

electrode in the borehole.

60
 61
Fig. 7.5: An example of SP Log
 7.5.1 The “Fish”

This is a remote electrode made out of lead, connected to the

logging panel by a long insulated wire, via a truck installation. It is

usually buried in a damp earth, the mud-pit or lowered into the sea,

sufficiently far from electrical sources to be at zero potential. It is

needed as the reference electrode at infinity for the Sp.

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8.0 Calibrations

The calibrations of logging tools fall into three categories.

8.1 Types of calibration

 Shop or Master Calibration.

 Before Survey Calibration.

 After Survey Calibration.

8.1.2 Shop Calibration

 The response of some tools is affected by

their physical status (pad wear, aging of
components…).

 These tools need to be normalised against

known standards. The equipment used for
the calibration is bulky and not transportable
to the field. 63
8.1.2 Before / after Survey Calibration

 Done on the wellsite. It ensures that downhole

and uphole equipment is working.

 In some cases it is the Master Calibration.

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8.2 Purpose

 To determine the response of tools against know standards.

 To normalize the tool response back to the standard.

 A check of the tool operation before and after the job.

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8.3 Principle of Linearity

Y = GxX+O

This is the equation of a linear response where:

Y - ideal tool response

X - actual tool response

G - gain

O - offset

An ideal tool would have Y = X as response.

66
Principle of Linearity (Contd.)

Two points are needed to determine the linear function.

Two measurements are made against two reference values.

ZM - zero measurement

PM - plus measurement

ZREF - zero reference

PREF - plus reference

Gain and offset are computed from these two measurements.

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Fig. 8.1
68
Principles of Linearity (Contd.)

Example - Caliper Calibration

ZREF - 8 inch ring

PREF - 12 inch ring

Tool Reads:

ZM - 8.5 inches

PM - 11.0 inches

Gain = 0.889 Offset = 2.22

Y = 0.889 X + 2.22

After calibration, a tool reading of 6.5 inches is normalised to:

Y = (0.889 x 6.5) + 2.22 = 8 inches 69

Environment
70
9.0 Logging Environment

9.1 Rigging Up To Run a Log

 Fig. 9.1 shows a setup for a typical land logging job. A logging
truck is anchored about 100 to 200 ft from the well.

 Two sheave wheels are mounted in the derrick, one hung from
the crown block and the other chained down near the rotary
table.

 The logging cable from the truck winch is passed through the
sheave wheels, attached to the logging tool string and lowered
in to the hole. A more detail diagram of this rig up is shown in
Fig. 9.2.

 Between the top sheave wheel and the elevators there is a

tension device called the “load cell” to measure the logging
cable tension and displays it in the logging truck. 71
Fig. 9.1: A setup for a logging job 72
Fig. 9.2: Details of wireline logging rig up
73
 74
Fig. 9.2.1: Top sheave and elevator arrangement during logging job
 75
Fig. 9.2.2: Lower sheave tie-down arrangement
9.2 Logging Speed

Logging speed is indicated by curve, gaps, ticks on the edge of log.

Acceptable speed depends on the type of log, the intended use of data and
type of formation being logged. Normal logging speeds are given in table.

9.2.1 Recommended Logging Speed

Tool F/min. F/hr. Remarks

Resistivity log 100 6000 Faster is possible but unsafe.
Resistivity & GR log 60 3600
Neutron log 30 1800
Density log 30 1800
Sonic log 30 1800
Dipmeter 60 1800
Micro-resistivity 40 2400 76
9.3 Log Presentation

 The API standard presentation used by all logging companies

consists of a left hand track (Track-1) 6.4 cm wide, a depth track
1.9 cm wide and two right hand tracks, each 6.4 cms wide (track
2 & 3).

 Track 1 is always scaled linearly into 10” large divisions” (A

“small division” is 1/10 of a “large division” i.e., 1/100 track
width).

 Track 2 and 3 may be both linear (Fig. 9.3.1) both logrithmic

(Fig. 9.3.2) or a mixture of logrithmic and linear (Fig. 9.3.3) with
track 2 serving for resistivity and track 3 for sonic. 77
Fig. 9.3.1

Fig. 9.3.2

Fig. 9.3.3

78
Log Presentation (Contd.)

 The depth scaling is chosen according to the purpose

of the log, 1:200 and 1:500 are the conventional

scales for recording.

 The log headings (Fig. 9.4) displays all the relevant

information about the well and the logging operations:

well name, company, field, well coordinates bit size,

mud data, data logged type of equipment used,

calibrations and any special remarks concerning the

job.
79
 80
Fig. 9.4: Log Heading
9.3.1 Repeatability and Calibrations

 At the end of a log, a repeat section and calibration tail are

usually attached. The repeat section verifies that the tool is
functioning consistently.

 A calibration record is made on the film/print and tape before

and after the survey to show that the equipment was correctly
adjusted and no drift in adjustment has occurred during the
log.

9.4 Data Transmission

Taped data can be transmitted by telephone to a log

computing centre or company office for decision making. 81