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.
Lateral extent of the pool.

2.0

Types of Well Logging

Well logging is classified into three broad categories:

2.1

Open Hole Logging

Cased Hole Logging
Production Logging

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 alongwith 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. Density logs measure electron density of the formation which is
related to formation density.
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:

Flowmeter

Pressure

Temperature

Noise

Capacitance

Fluid Density

TDT

RST
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.

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 auxiliary winch containing a thinner mono- conductor cable

generally for use on production or workover operations.

The winch man control panel.

The surface logging panels which power and control the

downhole tools, process the incoming information and transmit the

information to recording equipment.

Logging Truck and Offshore Unit (Contd.)

Depth measuring system.

Electrical generator.

Dark room for development of film.

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.

10

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

13

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 wellsite, 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.

Modern logging cables are of two types:

Monoconductor cables.

Multiconductor cables.
17

4.1

Monoconductor Cables

Mono-conductor cables are mainly used for

completion services such as shooting
perforating guns, setting wireline packers
and plugs and for production logging
services such as flowmeters, temperature,
pressure and density logs in producing wells.

Mono-conductor cables are usually 0.25

0.5 inch in diameter. The smaller diameters
are used where high well head pressure is
used.
18

4.2

Multiconductor Cables

Multiconductor cables are mainly used for openhole logging services.

These are slightly longer in diameters and contain individual

insulated conductors in the core.

Multiconductor cables have a bearing strength near 18000 lb.

A typical multiconductor cable is 15/32 or 7/16 in diameter.

19

4.3

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.
20

4.4

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.

21

Fig. 4.1: Logging Tools in Combination

22

Fig. 4.2: Memorization

23

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.

24

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.
25

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.
26

Fig. 5.1:

Logging Tools

27

Fig. 5.2:

Electronic Cartridge

28

TOOLS
29

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

30

6.2

6.3

Porosity-Lithology Indicators

Sonic (Acoustic)

Density

Neutron

Natural Gamma Ray

Spectral Gamma Ray

Reservoir Geometry Indicators

Dipmeter

FMS/FMI

Star Imager

Circumferential Acoustic Scanning

31

6.4

6.5

Formation Sampling Tools

Formation Tester RFT, MDT

Sidewall Coring

Auxiliary Tools

Spontaneous Potential

Caliper

32

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.
33

Fig. 7.11: An example of Dual Induction Log

34

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.

35

Fig. 7.1.2: An example of Laterolog

36

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.

37

Fig. 7.1.3: An example of Microlog

38

7.1.4

Dipmeter

Dipmeter come in several versions, four-arm dipmeters and sixarm 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.

39

Fig. 7.1.4: An example of Dipmeter Log

40

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.

41

Fig. 7.2.1: An example of Sonic Log

42

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.

43

44
Fig. 7.2.2: Principle of Operation of VDL

Fig. 7.2.3: Uncemented Pipe

45

Fig. 7.2.4: Good Bond Casing Cement

46

Fig. 7.2.5: CBL-VDL Interpretation

47

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.

48

Fig. 7.1: An example of Gamma Ray Log

49

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.

50

Fig. 7.3.2: An example of Spectral Gamma Ray Log

51

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.

52

Fig. 7.3.3: An example of Density Log

53

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.

54

Fig. 7.3.4: An example of Dual-Spaced Neutron Log

55

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.

56

Fig. 7.3.5: An example of TDT Log

57

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.

58

Fig. 7.3.6: An example of Carbon / Oxygen Log

59

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.

60

Fig. 7.4: An example of Pretest

61

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.

62

Fig. 7.5: An example of SP Log

63

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.

64

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.
65

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.

66

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.

67

8.3

Principle of Linearity
Y = GxX+O

This is the equation of a linear response where:

Y

ideal tool response

actual tool response

gain

offset

An ideal tool would have Y = X as response.

68

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.

69

Fig. 8.1

70

Principles of Linearity (Contd.)

Example -

Caliper Calibration

ZREF

8 inch ring

PREF

12 inch ring

ZM

8.5 inches

PM

11.0 inches

Tool Reads:

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

71

Environment
72

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.
73

Fig. 9.1: A setup for a logging job

74

Fig. 9.2: Details of wireline logging rig up

75

Fig. 9.2.1: Top sheave and elevator arrangement during logging job

76

Fig. 9.2.2: Lower sheave tie-down arrangement

77

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

Resistivity & GR log

60

3600

Neutron log

30

1800

Density log

30

1800

Sonic log

30

1800

Dipmeter

60

1800

Micro-resistivity

40

2400

Faster is possible but unsafe.

78

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.
79

Fig. 9.3.1

Fig. 9.3.2

Fig. 9.3.3

80

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,
data, data logged type of equipment used,

mud

calibrations and

any special remarks concerning the job.

81

Fig. 9.4: Log Heading

82

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.

83