QUALITY CONTROL IS JOB ONE

Log quality control and assessment is usually part of a petrophysicists job desc
ription. Modern logs are run and calibrated under control of a computer program,
monitored by the logging engineer. Most problems will be related to poor boreho
le condition and mistakes in recording the log as set out in the logging program
found in the well prognosis. Tool failures and missing curves may cause difficu
lties later during the analysis phase.
On current drilling wells, the first items to tabulate are which service company
ran the log, the engineer's name, who the log was run for, and who was the witn
ess. In time, these names will become familiar and the particular failings or go
od points of the individuals involved will be helpful in solving future problems
.
Older logs can have more serious calibration problems , with lower precision and
vertical resolution issues in addition to the recording problems.
On projects, keep track of the service company, tool type, age of the logs, and
mud system variations. These factors create differences in log response that may
need to be accounted for.
Examine headings for any notes concerning tool problems or scale changes. Monito
r log scales over the interval in question to ensure they are reasonable for the
type of log being reviewed. Verify that calibrations have been run and are atta
ched to the bottom of the log. In addition, check that the repeat section is pre
sent and that the log does repeat. On older logs, some of these features may be
missing.
To improve consistency, establish a realistic policy for wellsite and office QC.
Few logs are perfect but few are completely useless. You want the best consiste
nt with rig time and logging cost considerations.
CRAIN'S QUALITY CONTROL POLICY
1. If the problem (e.g. wrong scale, sonde error, off depth) can be fixed by replay on a computerized truck, re-play the log, and label the heading accordingly
.
2. If the problem can be fixed by a re-play in the service company's computer ce
nter, label field prints accordingly and arrange for the re-play in the office.
3. If the problem can be overcome by use of another (redundant) log curve (e.g.
GR, caliper) arrange to re-play log with this curve. Label the heading according
ly.
4. If the problem is a function of hole size or condition, and sufficient repeat
sections indicate that no improvement can be made, do not re-run further. Label
the heading accordingly.
5. If log does not repeat, shifts, does not compare with offsets, or contains un
explainable anomalies (e.g. conductive spikes, very high density), or cannot be
replayed to be corrected, re-run with a different set of tools (all components s
hould be changed).
6. If a log cannot be re-run when requested (due to lack of tools, hole conditio
n, client request), note this on the log heading and in your report.

In older versions of this Handbook, various forms were offered to assist in QC a

t the well site. These are pretty obsolete. You should obtain copies of the curr
ent service company tool catalogs that can explain calibration and accuracy for
each logging tool.
All faults (tool failures and log problems) should be noted in your report, even
if they do not cause lost rig time or invalidate the log. This information is u
sed to point out potential areas of concern, and provide historical information
to track service company and logging engineer performance. Reporting forms to ke
ep track of problems, rig activity, and log quality can be found in Appendix One
of this handbook.
While it is your duty and desire to obtain the best logs possible for your clien
ts, this objective may create a conflict with the service company doing the logg
ing. You are not in a position to insist on unreasonable or impossible demands,
but you are expected to mediate diplomatically in such a way as to ensure that a
reasonable effort is made to achieve useable, valid logs. Bear in mind that "th
e client" is the oil company (your boss) and not the service company.
You do not have the full authority of the client at your disposal. All significa
nt decisions which may involve the safety of the well, the time and cost of the
job, and the need to continue logging in the face of bad hole conditions, must b
e discussed with the client. No attempt should be made to usurp the authority of
the drilling supervisor or wellsite geologist, but you are expected to make wel
l reasoned presentations of the current situation, the possible alternatives, an
d the expected outcome of each choice to these people.