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Density log

 Aamir Zaman
 Khizar Lodhi
 Usman Awan
 Wasif Rafiq
 Contents
1.0 INTRODUCTION

 1.1 Well logging

 1.2 Classification of well logging
 
2.0 THE DENSITY LOG

 2.1 Principal uses

 2.2 Principles of measurements
 2.3 Log presentation
 2.4 Log characteristics
 2.5 Tools
 2.6 Unwanted effects
 2.7 Geological applications
 2.8 Refrences
 1.1 WELL LOGGING:
 Definition: The continuous recording of a
geophysical parameter along a borehole produces a
geophysical well log.

 Main purpose of well-logging is formation

evaluation (lithology, porosity, permeability, bed
thickness and water and hydrocarbon saturation).
Well-logging is done in most oil wells, mining
exploration wells, and in many water wells.
(Robinson & Coruh, 1988)
 1.2 CLASSIFICATION OF WELL LOGGING:

There are certain types of well log

 Electrical logs
 Radioactive logs
 Sonic logs

Radioactive logs are also of certain types

 Natural gamma radiation logs

 Density logs
 Neutron-gamma-ray logs
 2.0 THE DENSITY LOG

 Density logging is a well logging tool

determining rock bulk density along a wellbore.

 Geologically, bulk density is a function of the

density of the minerals forming a rock (i.e.
matrix) and the enclosed volume of free fluids
(porosity).
 Principle uses of density log
Used for knowing

Quantitative Porosity Matrix density, fluid density

Acoustic impedance (Use raw log)

Qualitative and semi- General lithology, shale textural Combined with neutron,
quantitative changes, mineral identification average trends, mineral
densities

Overpressure identification, Average trends, sonic

fracture recognition properties

Source rock evaluation Density, OM calibration

Principle of measurement
 2.3 LOG PRESENTATION
SCALE AND UNITS
 The density log is normally plotted on a linear
scale of bulk density.
 The log is run across track 2 and 3.
 Most often its scale is between 1.95 and 2.95
g/cm3.
 The main log is accompanied by a curve
indicating the borehole and mud-cake corrections
that have been applied.
 A record of cable tension may also be included,
as the density tool tends to stick in poor holes.
 2.4 LOG CHARACTERISTICS:
 The tool is run typically as a density-neutron
combination along with a gamma ray tool and a caliper.
 Its vertical resolution is 33 inches.
 Depth of investigation is 1.5 inches.

The tool can be run in

 Open hole
 In Cased hole.
 In a borehole fluid of gas or air, water or water based
mud, oil or oil based mud.
 The logging speed of the tool is 60 feet/minute.
 Tool
Near
detector
Collimated
gamma ray Compensation of
source (usually borehole effects
radiocaesium)
Far detector
Figure showing density tool
 2.7 GEOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS
 POROSITY CALCULATION:
  To calculate porosity from the log derived bulk density it is
necessary to know the density of all the individual materials
involved.
 By knowing the grain (matrix) density and the fluid density, the
equation can be solved that gives
From the summation of fluids and matrix components.
 
ρb = Ф x ρf + (1 – Ф) x ρma

   Where ρma = matrix (or grain) density

 ρf = fluid density
ρb = bulk density(as measured by the tool hence
include porosity and density of grains).
 When solved for porosity this equation become:
PorosityФ = (ρma - ρb)/(ρma - ρf)

 Erroneous porosities may be calculated when the

fluid density changes. This is the case when a rock
is saturated with gaseous hydrocarbons. In the
presence of gas the fluid density drops
dramatically. The density log gives too high
porosity.
 When oil is present the porosity given by the
density log is essentially correct because the
density of oil is quite close to that of water. Gas is
more mobile and frequently occurs because of
large density difference with water.
Figure showing the effect of gas on density log. In this example gas zone reads about 35% porosity, it should be
27%
LITHOLOGY IDENTIFICATION

 The densities of the common lithologies are rarely

diagnostic since there is too much overlap.
Overall, oilfield densities generally measure
between 2.0 g/cm3 and 3.0 g/cm3, the common
lithologies spanning the whole of this range.
 The density log is itself a poor indicator of
lithology, combined with the neutron log it
becomes best qualitative indicator of litholgy.
Figure showing density ranges of some common lithologies
 SHALE COMPACTION

 The compaction of shales with burial is a well

known phenomenon and it can be followed on
the density log. Shale compaction involves a
series of textural and compositional changes,
resulting in a progressive increase in density. For
example shallow, un-compacted clays have
densities around 2.0g/cm3, while at depth, this
figure commonly rises to 2.6g/cm3.
Figure showing shale compaction with depth seen on a bulk density log plotted at a compressed
vertical scale
 SHALE AGE AND UNCONFORMITY

 shale density is often indicative of age. In general, older

shales are denser. Paleozoic clays are rare, as are Tertiary
shales. The increase in shale density during compaction,
although essentially due to a decrease in porosity is
accompanied by irreversible diagenetic changes.
 In the subsurface, a change in compaction trends will
indicate a change in age, in other words an unconformity.
Beyond this, if general compaction curves for a region
can be established, the maximum depth of burial of the
formation can be estimated.
Figure showing tertiary shale uncomformably overlying cretaceous shale. The
abrupt change in density marks the unconformity.
 SHALE COMPOSITION

 Local variations in shale density are more likely

due to changes in shale composition. For example,
an increase in carbonate content is generally
accompanied by an increase in shale density.
 The increase in density is even more marked when
iron carbonate is involved. When organic matter is
present, the reverse occurs and the density
diminishes, organic matter having a very low
density.
Figure showing thin carbonate/siderite cemented horizons in shale. The intervals may be thin continuous
bands
 THE DENSITY LOG IN SANDSTONE, COMPOSITION AND
DIAGENESIS

 Bulk density variations in sandstone generally indicate

porosity changes. This is not true when there are changes
in grain density. Overall grain density will change
depending on the non-quartz constituents. Sands are
commonly mixed with feldspars (density 2.52 g/cm3),
micas (2.65-3.1 g/cm3). Heavy minerals may also be a
constituent (2.7-5.0 g/cm3).
 Changes in grain density in sands are gradual and of a
moderate order. Abrupt changes, especially in
homogenous beds, often indicate diagenetic or secondary
changes.
Figure showing the effect of muscovite on the bulk density log in micaceous sands. The increase in density
below15m is due to mica cntent
Figure showing secondary calcaroeus cementation in sandstone .
 MINERAL IDENTIFICATION

 Density becomes a criterion for lithological

identification when it is either abnormally high or
abnormally low. Coals, for example, are
identified by very low densities, between 1.2
g/cm3 and 1.8 g/cm3 and pyrite, conversely by
very high densities between 4.8 g/cm3 and 5.17
g/cm3.
Figure showing coal, with low density and pyrite with high density, on the bulk density log
 EVAPORITE
IDENTIFICATION
 Chemical deposits, because of their purity, may
be identified by their densities. Most evaporates
tend to give intervals of constant density with
little variation. When this occurs, along with
densities near the pure mineral values, evaporates
are probable.
Figure showing bulk density log over a salt shale series.
 SOURCE ROCK
EVALUATION
  The presence of organic matter in shales lowers their density.
The normal average matrix density of a mixture of clay
minerals is about 2.7g/cm3, while organic matter has densities
between 0.50 -1.80g/cm3. The presence of organic matter
therefore has a marked effect on the overall shale bulk density.
 This organic matter effect on the density log can be quantified,
so that the log can be used to evaluate source rocks.
Difficulties arises when organic matter is mixed with a high
density mineral such as pyrite (4.8-5.17g/cm3), Since the
density of the pyrite masks the effect of the low density
organic matter.
Figure showing effect of organic matter on the density log. This relationship is inverse .
 2.8 REFERENCES

 Schlumberger, 1998, log interpretation charts;

Schlumberger wire-line and testing, SMP-7006, sugar
land, Texas.
 
 Rider, M.H., 1986. The geological interpretation of well
logs, Blacky and Son Limited, Bishopbrigg,
Glasgow.175P
 
 Western Atlas logging services, 1985, log Interpretation
charts, Rev. 12/95; Baker atlas, Houston, Texas