C P P P: Rain'S Etrophysical Ocket AL
C P P P: Rain'S Etrophysical Ocket AL
C P P P: Rain'S Etrophysical Ocket AL
Crain’s Petrophysical Pocket Pal Sampler Copyright 1978 – 2017 E. R. Crain, P.Eng. Page 1 of 54
SAMPLE REFERENCE MANUAL
This document is intended as a sample of the presentation quality and technical content of the Petrophysical
Referemce Manuals offered in “Crain’s Petrophysical Series”. The full version of this Manual is more than 220
pages and a few selected pages are shown here to illustrate the style of writing and the quality of the
illustrations. There are 9 other manuals in the Series. Orders can be placed at www.spec2000.net/00-
refmanuals.htm .
Compare this sample to course handouts provided elsewhere and decide for yourself which is easier to read
and refer to in the future.
We offer practical, no-nonsense courseson a variety of petrophysical topics. Each seminar is supported by a
full colour Reference Manual and visual presentation with practical exercises. We sell solutions, not logging
tools.
You can run the slide shows at your own speed, repeat individual slides, pause to
read more in the supplied Reference Manuals, have a coffee, feed the baby, or check
your email - you can plan your time to suit your personal situation. The material is
also suitable for a structured environment such as In-House Training or
Tech School / University settings.
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CRAIN’S PETROPHYSICAL POCKET PAL
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Restrictions on reproduction 2
Special Copyright Notice 2
Trademarks 2
Warranty 2
About the Author 4
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TABLE OF CONTENTS - Continued
8.00 Water and Hydrocarbon Saturation 76
8.01 Determination of Saturation Parameters A, M, N 77
8.02 Water Saturation from Archie Method 81
8.03 Water Saturation from Simandoux Method 82
8.04 Water Saturation from Dual Water Method 82
8.05 Water Saturation from Buckles Number 83
8.06 Irreducible Water Saturation 85
8.07 Moveable Oil Saturation 86
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CRAIN’S PETROPHYSICAL POCKET PAL
1.00 Introduction To Quantitative Log Analysis
This Handbook is designed to give you a starting point for learning quantitative log analysis methods. It is a
condensed version of Chapters 4 through 11 of Crain’s Petrophysical Handbook on CD-ROM, avail able
at www.spec2000.net. When log analysis is combined with sample, core, test and production data, it is called
Integrated Petrophysics or just plain “petrophysics”.
Using productivity analysis based on accurate shale, porosity, lithology, saturation, and permeability
calculations from log data, you can compare the quality of a zone with known production in your area. From
this, you can decide if the well is worth completing or whether to drill more similar wells. You can also high-
grade your drilling or completion prospects based on estimated flow capacity as well as the more usual net
pay figures. This handbook provides the methods to extend conventional well log analysis to cover
productivity and cash flow analysis.
The real question you must answer is not "What is the porosity
and water saturation?" but "Will the zone produce economically
and at what rate?" This goes considerably beyond conventional
log analysis. That’s why my petrophysical software is called
Meta/Log (Meta = Beyond). There are cases where you cannot get
this far, either for lack of corroborative data or narrow-minded job
descriptions, but it never hurts to try. The full spectrum techniques
described here will help you find oil and gas more effectively from
logs, complete discoveries more economically, and work-over
wells with more confidence.
Although visual analysis, crossplots, and log overlay techniques have been widely used, this handbook
provides a step by step numerical method which has worked reliably in most formations in many parts of the
world. This computational approach minimizes the risk of bypassing lower quality zones, and improves your
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ability to estimate the quality of a zone. Finding zones of interest on a long log does require some form of
visual scanning. This topic is covered in Section 3.00, after we review the details of our log analysis model.
When logs are used for purposes other than evaluation of oil and gas,
they are often called geophysical logs instead of well logs. The science
is called borehole geophysics instead of petrophysics. This difference
is merely a matter of semantics and training. The theory doesn't
change - just the nomenclature, and sometimes the emphasis.
Surface equipment is mounted in a logging truck, van, or skid unit from which all logging operations are
controlled. The logging unit contains hoisting equipment for lowering and raising the tools in the hole, and
electronic or computer equipment for controlling and recording the downhole measurements.
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Recording the Well Log
Measurements are recorded in two forms, analog and digital. The analog data may be recorded on
photographic film, electronic plotter, or chart recorder. The same data are captured in digital form on
magnetic tape or disc for later use in computer aided analysis. Many instrument control and calibration
functions are now handled by the same computer used to record the digital data, with some human control.
The result is a log, as seen below.
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Example of a Well Log, with a standard 3-track presentation on the left and an image log on the right. Curve
names and scales in the scale heading help identify which curve is which.
Logs can be run on a number of vertical (depth) scales and quite a variety of horizontal (curve value) scales.
English Metric
Often Called Terminology Terminology
Detail scale or
large scale 5" = 100 ft 1:240 1:200 is also very common
Correlation scale or 2" = 100 ft 1:600 1:500 is also very common
small scale 1" = 100 ft 1:1200 1:1000 is also very common
Super detail scale 10" = 100 ft 1:120 1:100 is also very common
* 25" = 100 ft 1:48 1:50 is also very common
Dipmeter scale 60" = 100 ft 1:20
8 pages omitted
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CRAIN’S PETROPHYSICAL POCKET PAL
2.00 The Step By Step Procedure
Log analysis involves a series of logical steps, each necessary to proceed to the next step. Like an athlete
running to win the 100 meter sprint, log analysis requires training, planning, focus, and concentration before
the race starts. At race time, we proceed to the starting line, get Ready, Set, Go, and Finish. Then we critique
the results – did we win or finish last?
B. Get Ready:
1. Review local well histories and regional geologic information
2. Correlate offset logs and pick formation tops
3. Mark all known data on logs or data sheet
4. Edit the logs
C. Get Set:
1. Find clean zones and shale zones
2. Pick shale base lines on all logs
3. Find porous zones that are fairly clean
4. Find obvious water zones, if any
5. Look for hydrocarbon indications
6. Identify coal or salt beds
7. Identify the matrix rock from the log response
8. Look for signs of permeability
9. Estimate depositional environment
10. Check for indications of fractures
D. Go:
1. Subdivide cleaner zones into horizontal layers
2. Pick log values in each layer
3. Choose computation method
4. Calculate results
E. Finish:
1. Check results against samples, cores, and tests
2. Rework problem areas
3. Think to a conclusion - IS THE ZONE ANY GOOD?
4. Write a report, present results and conclusions
Log analysis also may be circular, or at least iterative, since the results from each step can often be
compared to other sources of data and corrected if differences are found.
This list looks pretty imposing, and a few steps might be skipped from time to time, but a consistent, step by
step procedure will produce more reliable results. It tends to remove some of the mystery involved in log
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analysis, and reduces effort in the long run. You might consider the procedure to be a "Step Ladder to
Success". Unfortunately, you may have to climb the ladder more than once if log analysis results do not
compare to ground truth, such as core analysis, sample descriptions, or test results.
Review the available data before embarking on detailed analysis. Locate the well history files or well history
cards, look at offset logs, review sample descriptions, formation tops, tests, cores, and production histories,
and possibly structural or isopach maps of the target formations. Known gas-oil and oil-water contacts must
be noted. If seismic maps or cross sections are available, review these as well.
On deep, remote, or offshore wells, a number of logs may be recorded while drilling, such as mud and
hydrocarbon logs, or even gamma ray, resistivity, or other quantitative log curves. These should be added to
the "Hopper of Knowledge".
Remember, however, that data from a new well may overturn all previous analysis results on older wells.
Thus, some critical assessment of the old data is required in addition to that usually accorded the new data.
A data retrieval from a computer data base may reduce the labor in locating much of the needed information.
Both commercial and in-house databases exist and appropriate software is available for most personal
computers and workstations.
The Log Analysis Model takes into account two distinct problems:
2. The complex mixture of rock types and fluids that comprise the formation.
Invasion is a process whereby drilling mud fluid is forced into the rock due to differential pressure. The
drilling mud is made up of solid particles and ions dissolved in water. This water displaces the native
formation water to some degree, and mixes with formation water that is not displaced. The distance to which
some displacement and/or mixing occurs is called the invasion diameter, and the zone so disturbed is termed
the invaded zone.
The zone nearest the borehole, or flushed zone, is the portion of rock where the maximum amount of
displacement and mixing has occurred. The balance of the invaded zone is named the transition zone, where
the transition between maximum flushing and no invasion occurs. These definitions are illustrated
schematically in Figure PP2.04.
The invasion process leaves behind the solid particles of the mud, which collect on the borehole wall. The
resulting material is called mudcake, and may be anywhere from 3 inches thick to very thin and difficult to
detect. The mudcake thickness by definition, is one half the difference between the bit size and the borehole
diameter. If the hole is enlarged by erosion beyond the bit size during drilling, the mudcake thickness may be
impossible to determine.
Mudcake is the sealing agent which slows down invasion. As a result, high permeability zones which allow
quick buildup of mudcake, invade the least, and low permeability zones invade the most or deepest. Non-
permeable zones are not invaded. Since the mudcake is scraped off each time a drill pipe joint or the bit
passes a formation, invasion of shallow zones may be repeated many times with many different fluids, thus
making such zones difficult or impossible to analyze.
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Figure PP2.04: The drilling fluid invasion model
Since the depth of investigation of logging tools varies, knowledge of the invasion profile is necessary in
making assumptions about log analysis methods or parameters. Resistivity distribution in a radial direction
from the borehole is determined by the invasion profile. The resistivity log reading in the formation depends
on the response field of the logging tool and varies with the design of each tool. Resistivity logs which
measure different depths into the rock can be used to estimate the invasion profile. Results are used to judge
the reliability of resistivity data, and to correct the log readings for the effects of invasion.
For example, if the ratio of the deep to medium resistivity log values is between 0.8 and 1.2, invasion effects
are minimal and no correction to the deep resistivity is made. If the ratio falls outside this range, corrections
should be applied using the appropriate service company "Tornado Chart". These charts are ONLY useful in
water zones – they do VERY BAD THINGS in hydrocarbon zones.
Sonic, density, neutron, gamma ray, and spontaneous potential logs see the invaded zone and are thus
influenced by those fluids. Most mathematical models include terms which account for invasion of mud
filtrate into oil or water zones, but special models are needed for gas zones. These are noted as special cases
in subsequent sections of this handbook.
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2.02 The Formation Rock Model
All log analysis methods are based on a uniform, industry accepted model of the reservoir rocks and fluids.
Here are the definitions that derive from the rock/fluid model shown above.
DFN 2: The matrix rock component (Vrock) can be subdivided into two or more constituents (Vmin1, Vmin2,
….), such as:
- limestone, dolomite, and anhydrite or
- quartz, calcite cement, and glauconite
The mineral mixture can be quite complex and log analysis may not resolve all constituents.
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The sum of the three water volumes is called clay bound water (CBW). CBW varies with shale volume and is
zero when Vsh = 0.
DFN 4: Bulk volume water of shale (BVWSH) is the sum of the three water volumes listed above in the
definition of shale and is determined in a zone that is considered to be 100% shale.
DFN 7: Effective porosity is the porosity of the reservoir rock, excluding clay bound water (CBW).
Some of the “free water” is not free to move - it is, however, not “bound” to the shale.
BVI is sometimes called “bound water”, but this is confusing (see definition of clay bound water above), so
“irreducible water” is a better term. Note that BVWm = BVW – BVI.
DFN 10: Free fluid index (FFI) is the sum of BVWm, BVHm, and BVHr. It is also called moveable fluid (BVM) or
useful porosity (PHIuse).
PHIuse = BVM = FFI = BVWm + BVHm + BVHr
OR PHIuse = PHIe – BVI
OR PHIuse = PHIe * (1 – SWir)
This definition is needed for the nuclear magnetic log (NMR, CMR, etc), since it cannot see BVWir. Non-
useful porosity also occurs as tiny pores that do not connect to any other pores. They are almost invariably
filled with immoveable water and do not contribute to useful reservoir volume or energy. Such pores occur in
silt, volcanic rock fragments in sandstones, and in micritic, vuggy, or skeletal carbonates. The NMR may see
some of this non-useful porosity – the jury is still out.
Sw = BVW / PHIe
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This is the standard definition of “water saturation”. Older books use this term to define total water
saturation. Since all interpretation methods described here correct for the effects of shale, we are not
normally interested in the total water saturation, except as a mathematical by-product. As effective porosity
approaches zero, the water saturation approaches one (by edict, if not by calculus).
DFN 16: The water saturation in the flushed zone (Sxo) is the ratio
- free water in the flushed zone, to
- effective porosity, which is assumed to be the same
porosity as in the uninvaded zone.
The amount of free water in the invaded zone is usually higher than in the uninvaded zone, when oil or gas is
present. Thus Sxo >= Sw. The water saturation in the invaded zone between the flushed and uninvaded zone
is seldom used.
All volumes defined above are in fractional units. In tables or reports, log analysis results are often converted
to percentages by multiplying fractional units by 100.
DFN 18: Capillary Pressure (Pc) is the force that pulls water up a
thin tube (capillary) above the free water level.
DFN 20: Effective Permeability (Ko, Kw, Kg) is the permeability for
a particular fluid, usually less than Kair.
DFN 21: Relative Permeability (Kro, Krw, Krg) is the ratio of the
effective permeability of one fluid compared to the second
fluid in a two phase system.
DFN 22: Water Cut (WC) is the ratio of water volume produced to the total fluid volume produced at the
surface.
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2.03 The Log Response Equation
The response of an individual log to the model described above is defined by the Log Response Equation,
which takes the form:
The response equations can be used in several ways. One is to find out what a log would read under a
hypothetical set of circumstances. This is called forward modeling of log response, and is used to generate
synthetic logs or to verify log analysis results. If the reconstructed log doesn’t match the recorded log, then
something in the analysis model is wrong and must be fixed.
Another way is to calculate one unknown in the equation, for example porosity or shale volume, by using a
log reading and assuming the other terms to be known or derivable from some other response equations. A
third approach is to use sets of response equations simultaneously to determine as many unknowns as
possible from the available log data.
Some terms in the response equation for certain logs go to zero. This is what makes it possible, for example,
to calculate the shale volume from the gamma ray response. Both the water and hydrocarbon terms go to
zero, since neither of these components has any gamma ray contribution. By re-arranging terms and further
assuming that porosity is small, we get:
Here GRlog, GRshale, and GRmatrix are read from appropriate places on the gamma ray log to calculate
shale volume.
In other cases, we sometimes lump two terms together, as for water and oil in the sonic log equation for
porosity. This strategy eliminates the need to know water saturation prior to knowing porosity. This approach
will fail if gas is present because the water and gas contributions are too dissimilar. The algorithms in
following chapters attempt to resolve as many of the unknowns as possible using these piecewise
techniques. Where this is inappropriate, sets of two or three simultaneous equations are solved, with the final
solution being given. It will not always be obvious that simultaneous response equations were used, but ALL
log analysis methods rely on this approach. What we have done here is eliminate the repetitive derivation of
the solution, and present instead the finished product, ready for inclusion in a calculator or computer
program. 4 Pages Omitted
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CRAIN’S PETROPHYSICAL POCKET PAL
3.00 Eyeball Analysis Of Logs – Crain’s Simplified Rules
You should know the basic rules for eyeball analysis of log curves to help you climb the “Ladder to
Success”. The common rules are described below with reference to Figures PP3.06A through PP3.06D. A
more elaborate set of rules follows in Section 3.01. Lets start the race.
Crain’s Rule “Minus 1”: Identify log curves available, and determine their scales.
FIGURE PP3.06A: The left half of this image shows a resistivity log with spontaneous potential (SP) in Track 1
and shallow, medium, and deep resistivity (RESS, RESM, RESD) on a logarithmic track to the right of the
depth track. The right half of the image shows a density neutron log with gamma ray (GR) and caliper (CAL)
in Track 1. Photo electric effect (PE) is in Track 2 with neutron porosity (PHIN) and density porosity (PHID)
spread across Tracks 2 and 3.
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Crain’s Rule #0: Gamma ray or SP deflections to the left indicate cleaner sands, deflections to the
right are shaly. Draw clean and shale lines, then interpolate linearly between clean and shale lines
to visually estimate Shale Volume (Vsh).
FIGURE PP3.06B: To find clean zones versus shale zones, examine the spontaneous potential (SP) response,
gamma ray (GR) response, and density neutron separation. Low values of GR, highly negative values of SP,
or density neutron curves falling close to each other usually indicate low shale volume. High GR values, no
SP deflection, or large separation on density neutron curves normally indicate high shale volume.
Very shaly beds are not “Zones of Interest”. Everything else, including very shaly sands (Vsh < 0.50) and
even obvious water zones, are interesting. Although a zone may be water bearing, it is still a useful source of
log analysis information, and is still a zone of interest at this stage.
THIS IS A SAMPLE – FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY
The complete manual is 193 pages, available at www.spec2000.net/00-orders.htm
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Crain’s Rule #1: The average of density and neutron porosity in a clean zone (regardless of
mineralogy) is a good first estimate for Effective Porosity (PHIe).
Crain’s Rule #2: The density porosity in a shaly sand is a good first estimate for Effective Porosity
(PHIe), provided logs are on Sandstone Units.
FIGURE PP3.06C: For zones of interest, draw bed boundaries (horizontal lines). Then review the porosity
logs: sonic, density, and neutron. All porosity logs deflect to the left for increased porosity. If density neutron
data is available, estimate porosity in clean sands by averaging the two log values. In shaly sands, read the
density porosity. IMPORTANT: This is just an estimate and not a final answer.
Scale the sonic log based on the assumed matrix lithology. Mark coal and salt beds, which appear to have
very high apparent porosity. Identify zones which show high medium, low, or no porosity. Low porosity, high
shale content, coal, and salt beds are no longer “interesting”.
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Crain’s Rule #3: Tracking of porosity with resistivity on an overlay usually indicates water or shale.
OR
Low resistivity with moderate to high porosity usually undicates water or shale.
Crain’s Rule #4: Crossover of porosity on a resistivity log overlay usually indicates hydrocarbons.
OR
High resistivity with moderate to high porosity usually indicates hydrocarbons.
FIGURE PP3.06D: Raw logs showing resistivity porosity overlay. Red shading indicates possible
hydrocarbon zones.
To find hydrocarbon indications and obvious water zones, compare deep resistivity to porosity, by mentally
or physically overlaying the density porosity on top of the resistivity log. High porosity (deflections on the
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density log to the left) and high resistivity (deflections to the right) usually indicate oil or gas, or fresh water.
See cross-hatched area on resistivity track of Figure PP3.06C.
Layer A on Figure PP3.06 is a shaly sand and has medium porosity. Layers B and C are clean sands and have
high porosity. All other layers are shale with no useful porosity.
The average of density and neutron porosity in Layers B and C is 24 %. This is close to the final answer
because there is not much shale in the zone. The average in Layer A is 16 % - much higher than the truth due
to the influence of the shale in the zone. The density porosity is about 11%, pretty close to the core data.
Therefore all our analysis must make use of shale correction methods.
Low resistivity and high porosity usually means water, as in Layer C. Known DST, production, or mud log
indications of oil or gas are helpful indicators.
Layer B and Layer A show crossover when the porosity is traced on the resistivity log, so these zones remain
interesting. In fresher water formations, it is often difficult or impossible to spot hydrocarbons visually. If it
was easy, log analysts would be out of work!
Crossover on the density neutron log usually means gas. Watch for rough hole problems, sandstone
recorded on a limestone scale, or limestone recorded on a dolomite scale, which can also show crossover –
not caused by gas.
Water zones with high porosity and low resistivity are called “obvious water zones”. Fresh water may look
like hydrocarbons, particularly in shallow zones. The lack of SP development will often help distinguish fresh
water zones. Low porosity water zones may not be obvious.
Crain’s Rule #5: Approximate Water Saturation (SWa) in an obvious hydrocarbon zone is estimated
from: SWa = Constant / PHIe
where Constant is in the range from 0.0100 to 0.1200. Use 0.0400 as a first try in clean sands,
0.0600 to 0.0800 in shaly sands, and 0.0250 in intercrystalline carbonates.
Water saturation is usually calculated from the Archie equation or a shale corrected version of it. This is not
easy to do with mental arithmetic. An easier estimate of water saturation can be made in obvious
hydrocarbon zones by using a method attributed to Buckles, and it is commonly used by reservoir engineers
in a hurry.
Crain’s Rule #6: On Limestone Units logs, the density neutron separation for limestone is near zero,
dolomite is 8 to 12 porosity units, and anhydrite is 15 or more. Sandstone has up to 7 porosity units
crossover.
On Sandstone Units logs, separation for sandstone is near zero, limestone is about 7 porosity
units, dolomite is 15 or more, and anhydrite is 22 or more.
Visual determination of lithology (in addition to identifying shale as discussed earlier) is done by noting the
quantity of density neutron separation and/or by noting absolute values of the photo electric curve. The rules
take a little memory work.
You must know whether the density neutron log is recorded on Sandstone, Limestone, or Dolomite porosity
scales, before you apply Crain’s Rule #5. The porosity scale on the log is a function of choices made at the
time of logging and have nothing to do with the rocks being logged. Ideally, sand-shale sequences are logged
on Sandstone scales and carbonate sequences on Limestone scales. The real world is far from ideal, so you
could find any porosity scale in any rock sequence. Take care!
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FIGURE PP3.07: Sand – shale identification from gamma ray and density-neutron separation. Small amounts
of density neutron separation with a low gamma ray may indicate some heavy minerals in a sandstone. Most
minerals are heavier than quartz, so any cementing materials, volcanic rock fragments, or mica will cause
some separation. Both pure quartz (no separation) and quartz with heavy minerals (some separation) are
seen in Figure PP3.07.
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FIGURE PP 3.08: Lithology identification is accomplished by observation of density neutron separation and
the gamma ray response, along with a review of core and sample descriptions.
The photoelectric effect is often a direct mineralogy indicator. (PE is invalid on Figure PP3.08).
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Crain’s Rule #7: PE below 1 is coal, near 2 is sandstone, near 3 is dolomite or shale, and near 5 is
limestone or anhydrite. The high density (negative density porosity) of anhydrite will distinguish
anhydrite from limestone. High gamma ray will distinguish shale from dolomite.
To check for indications of fractures, look for sonic log skips, density neutron crossover in carbonates,
hashy dipmeter curves, hashy resistivity curves, or caved hole in carbonates.
Crain’s Rule #10: Check your work and revise your assumptions, then refine rules for each
project area.
3 Pages Omitted
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CRAIN’S PETROPHYSICAL POCKET PAL
4.00 Shale Volume
Shale is an imprecise term used to describe a rock composed of clay, silt, and bound water. The clay type
and silt composition can vary considerably from one place to another. These can be determined from
appropriate cross plots of PE, thorium, and potassium logs. The bound water volume varies with clay type,
depth of burial, and burial history. Some shales have not lost as much water as others at similar depths and
are called overpressured shales. Most shales are radioactive due to potassium and thorium, and sometimes
due to uranium.
Shale distribution can vary, as shown in Figure 4.01 above. The shale volume calculations shown below are
insensitive to the shale distribution. However, porosity and water saturation are strongly affected by
laminated shale, so the methods shown in Sections 5, 6, 7, and 8 in this handbook do not apply to laminated
shaly sands.
Shale volume estimation is the first calculation step in a log analysis. All other calculations depend on the
shale volume being known from this step.
STEP 1: Convert density log (gm/cc or Kg/m3) tp porosity units if a density porosity log is not available (skip
this step if density data is already in porosity units):
1: PHIDSH = (DENSSH – KD2) / (KD1 – KD2) – do this once in an obvious shale zone
2: PHID = (DENS – KD2) / (KD1 – KD2) – do this for every data level
NOTE: The choice for KD2 must match the neutron log units – if neutron is in Limestone units, KD2 must be
2.71 for gm/cc or 2710 for Kg/m3 log scale.
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STEP 2: Calculate shale volume from the three common methods:
3: Vshg = (GR - GR0) / (GR100 - GR0)
4: Vshs = (SP - SP0) / (SP100 - SP0)
5: Vshx = (PHIN - PHID) / (PHINSH - PHIDSH)
In radioactive sands, replace the gamma ray method with Thorium method if gamma ray spectral data is
available:
7: Vshth = (TH - TH0) / (TH100 - TH0)
NOTE: Trim Vsh values between 0.0 and 1.0. If too many values fall outside this range, check the clean and
shale parameters. Do not calculate methods which fail to pass all usage rules listed below.
Calibration of log analysis shale volume is usually accomplished by comparing it to sample descriptions,
core description, thin section point counts, or X-ray diffraction data.
USAGE RULES:
• Do not use GR in radioactive sandstones or carbonates. Use Thorium curve from NGT for radioactive
sandstone, and uranium corrected GR (CGR) curve for radioactive carbonates.
• Do not use SP in fresh water formations, salt mud systems, high resistivity zones, or in carbonates.
• Do not use density neutron crossplot when bad hole, gas, or heavy minerals are present.
• Do not use the nonlinear young rock model unless there is some evidence that it is needed.
If log analysis porosity is too low, calculated shale volume may be too high (or vice versa).
The shale in the zone may not have the same properties as nearby shales seen on the log. Therefore, some
adjustments to shale properties might be necessary.
Average effective porosity calculated from logs is pessimistic in thinly laminated sand shale series, and
unconventional methods should be used to determine porosity and water saturation.
PARAMETERS:
GR0 = 8 to 35 GR100 = 75 to 150
SP0 = -20 to -120 SP100 = +20 to -20
PHIDSH = -0.06 to +0.20 PHINSH = 0.15 to 0.45
All values must be picked from logs or assumed from previous experience.
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CRAIN’S PETROPHYSICAL POCKET PAL
5.00 Pore Volume
The second calculation step in a log analysis is to find shale corrected porosity. Pore volume is the space in
a rock filled with oil, gas, or water. Total porosity includes the bound water in the shale and is called PHIt.
Effective porosity does not include bound water, and is called PHIe. When there is no shale, PHIe equals PHIt.
Logs read total porosity. All our analysis methods correct for shale, so the answers from any method
presented below will give effective porosity. Some analysis methods NEED total porosity as an intermediate
step, so you may also need to calculate it.
Raw log porosity, as presented in the field by the service company, does NOT take into account shale or
lithology effects, so raw log readings should NEVER be used as answers. Log analysis MUST ALWAYS be
done to find the correct porosity. All our analysis methods also account for matrix rock (lithology), but YOU
may be required to define the rock type for some methods. Other methods will define the lithology for you.
YOU MUST choose a method that is appropriate for the available data and for the rock type being analyzed.
The easiest methods are:
** Section 5.01: Porosity From The Sonic Log - use if density neutron combination is not available, or in bad
hole when density log is no good.
** Section 5.02: Porosity From The Density Log - use in preference to sonic if available, lithology is well
known, hole is good, and density neutron combination is not available.
** Section 5.03: Porosity From The Neutron Log - use if both sonic and density are not available.
** Section 5.04: Porosity From The Complex Lithology Density Neutron Crossplot - use in preference to a
single log method except in bad hole where density is no good.
** Section 5.05: Porosity From The Dual Water Density Neutron Crossplot – use in quartz sands with no heavy
minerals, otherwise use Complex Lithology method.
** Section 5.06: Porosity From The Photoelectric Density Neutron Crossplot - use in preference to complex
lithology ONLY if mineral model end points are well known.
In all cases, the results must be trimmed to prevent too high a porosity in shaly zones and in bad hole by
using Section 5.07: Material Balance for Porosity (Maximum Porosity). The META/ESP spreadsheet, available
on the Downloads tab at www.spec2000.net, handles these models and makes the work relatively painless.
Unfortunately there is no standard logging program, so there is no single foolproof log analysis method.
Each method has its own usage rules. These rules may need to be adjusted to suit local conditions. In the
classroom or when starting work in a new area, you may want to try several methods, and see which matches
core porosity the best.
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5.01 Porosity From The Sonic Log
The sonic is a simple method and must be employed if more modern density neutron data is not available.
The method shown is called the Wyllie time average equation. Other porosity methods are presented in
following sections.
Other methods for the sonic have been proposed, but they are really specific to certain areas, although this is
not clearly stated in the literature. For example, the Hunt-Raymer transform is appropriate for the US Gulf
Coast, but a poor model for the Lower Cretaceous in Western Canada. The Wyllie approach, when calibrated
to core, is universally applicable.
NORMAL CASES:
DTCSH is a constant for the zone, chosen from the sonic log in a nearby shale.
STEP 2: Calculate porosity from sonic log (PHIsc) for each layer in the zone:
2: PHIs = (DTC – DTCMA) / (DTCW – DTCMA)
3: PHIsc = PHIs – (Vsh * PHISSH)
The sonic porosity (PHIsc), after all corrections are applied, is called the effective porosity, PHIe.
SPECIAL CASES:
CASE 1: Correct each layer for lack of compaction, ONLY IF DTCSH > 328 (Metric) or DTCSH > 100 (English)
4: PHIe = PHIsc / KCP
CASE 2: Correct each layer for gas effect, ONLY IF PHIsc > PHItrue and gas is known or suspected
5: PHIe = PHIsc * KS
USAGE RULES:
• Use when density log is unavailable, or when density log is affected by bad hole.
• Of the three "one-log" porosity methods, the sonic corrected for shale is the preferred one for wells
that have no density log. However, crossplot methods or the density log corrected for shale are
usually better if the log data is available.
• If lithology is unknown, sonic log corrected for shale is better than density log because the lithology
effect on the sonic is smaller.
• Use the compaction correction KCP only if DTCSH > 100 usec/ft (for English units) or DTCSH > 328
usec/m (for Metric units). In western North America, this is normally required when above 3,000 -
4,000 feet (900 – l,200 meters).
• Use the gas correction KS only if PHIsc is too high compared to other sources and if gas is known to
be present. The need for this correction is common, but it is unlikely that a gas correction will be
needed in very shaly sands since invasion should be relatively deep.
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• Another way of making gas corrections is to change DTCW to a higher value, representing the travel
time of sound in a mixture of gas and water. This value depends on water saturation in the invaded
zone, pressure, temperature, and gas compressibility. Values in the range of 600 usec/ft (1900
usec/m) at shallow depths to 300 usec/ft (950 usec/m) at 6000 feet (2000 meters) are recommended as
a starting point.
• To calibrate to core porosity, adjust DTCMA, DTCW, DTCSH, KCP, KS, or Vsh to obtain a better match
by trial and error. Appropriate crossplots may assist.
• A newer method called the Hunt - Raymer equation has been proposed, but it seems to work well only
in the Gulf Coast of USA. Shale corrected data should be entered to this equation (not mentioned in
original paper).
PARAMETERS:
* English Metric
usec/ft usec/m
DTCW
Fresh drilling mud 200 656
Salty drilling mud 188 616
DTCMA
Clean Quartz 55.5 182
Calcite 47.3 155
Dolomite 44.0 144
Anhydrite 50.0 164
Gypsum 52.4 172
Mica Muscovite 47.3 155
Biotite 55.5 182
Clay Kaolinite 64.3 211
Glauconite 55.5 182
Illite 64.6 212
Chlorite 64.6 212
Montmorillonite 64.6 212
Barite 69.8 229
NaFeld Albite 47.3 155
Anorthite 45.1 148
K-Feld Orthoclase 68.9 226
Iron Siderite 44.0 144
Ankerite 45.7 150
Pyrite 39.6 130
Evaps Fluorite 45.7 150
Halite 67.0 220
Sylvite 73.8 242
Carnalite 78.0 256
Coal Anthracite 105 345
Lignite 160 525
For mixtures, take the average of two pure values as a starting point, eg: dolomitic sand, DTCMA = (144 +
182) / 2 = 163 usec/m, or prorate the values in proportion to the described mineral assemblage.
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5.04 Porosity From The Complex Lithology Density
Neutron Crossplot
The best method available for modern, simple, log analysis involves the density neutron crossplot. Several
variations on the theme are common, but not all models are recommended. A crossplot method, called the
shaly sand model was once widely used. It was found to be a poor model for any sandstone that contained
other minerals in addition to quartz. The complex lithology model works equally well in quartz sands as in
mixtures, so it is the preferred model today. Although the name of the method is complicated, the
mathematics are not.
NORMAL CASES:
STEP 1: Shale correct the density and neutron log data for each layer:
1: PHIdc = PHID – (Vsh * PHIDSH)
2: PHInc = PHIN – (Vsh * PHINSH)
PHIDSH and PHINSH are constants for each zone, and are picked only once.
STEP 2: Check for gas crossover after shale corrections and calculate porosity for each layer from the
correct equation:
3: IF PHInc >= PHIdc, there is no gas crossover
4: THEN PHIxdn = (PHInc + PHIdc) / 2
The density neutron crossplot porosity, PHIxdn, after all corrections are applied, is called the effective
porosity, PHIe.
Chartbook solutions are provided in Figure PP5.12. Shale corrected data must be entered.
SPECIAL CASES:
CASE 1: IF gas is known to be present AND gas crossover occurs after shale corrections, apply the following
gas correction:
6: IF PHInc < PHIdc, there is gas crossover
7: THEN PHIxdn = ((PHInc ^ 2 + PHIdc ^ 2) / 2) ^ 0.5
CASE 2: IF gas is known to be present but no crossover occurs after shale corrections, this usually means
gas in dolomite or in a sandstone with lots of heavy minerals, apply the following gas correction:
8: PHIx = – PHIdc / (PHInc / 0.8 – 1) / (1 + PHIdc / (0.8 – PHInc))
9: PHIxdn = PHIx + KD3 * (0.30 – PHIx) * (DENSMA / KD1 – KD2)
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FIGURE PP5.12: Density Neutron Complex Lithology Crossplot
Do not use Dolomite scale log for this special case. Figure PP5.14 shows the effect of using this gas
correction. Notice that computed porosity does not match core porosity unless the correct DENSMA is
chosen. DENSMA should reflect the matrix density of the expected lithology. This can be predicted accurately
if the PE curve can be used to determine mineral volumes in a two mineral model. Density and neutron data
cannot be used for this purpose because the gas effect masks the mineral effect.
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Chartbook solutions are provided in Figure PP5.13 when gas is present. Shale corrected data must be
entered.
CASE 3: IF rock is dolomite AND porosity is less than 5%, use the following instead of Equation 4 or 5:
10: E = (4 - (3.3 + 10 ^ (-5 * PHInc - 0.16))
11: PHIxdn = (E * PHIdc + 0.754 * PHInc) / (E + 0.754)
This option can be used instead of equation 4 as long as there is no gas crossover after shale corrections. It
is slightly more accurate, but requires a computer or preprogrammed calculator.
CASE 4: IF Archie or dual water model is to be used for water saturation, the following is needed:
12: BVWSH = (PHIDSH + PHINSH) / 2 (a constant for the zone)
13: PHIt = (PHID + PHIN) / 2 (one value for each layer)
USAGE RULES:
• Use in preference to most methods if data is available, even in shaly sands to correct for heavy
mineral content.
• No correction for log units (eg Sandstone or Limestone units) is needed for most cases, except gas in
dolomite and low porosity dolomite. Use Limestone units log ONLY for these two special cases.
• For better accuracy, use Equations 10 and 11 with Limestone units logs instead of simpler rules,
except gas rules must still be applied.
• The matrix density required for the gas correction must be assumed from the sample descriptions or
by calculating the lithology from the PE (photoelectric effect) log if it is available.
• Shale corrections could create apparent gas crossover and this may be real or an artifact of excessive
correction. Check against known data from the well if shale correction creates crossover.
• Charts and math for sonic density and sonic neutron crossplots are provided in Chapter Seven of
Crain’s Petrophysical Handbook.
• To calibrate to core porosity, adjust DENSMA, PHIDSH, PHINSH or Vsh to obtain a better match by
trial and error. Appropriate crossplots may assist, or regression of PHIxdn vs core porosity may be
used.
PARAMETERS:
PHIDSH -0.06 - 0.15 (choose from log)
PHINSH 0.15 - 0.45 (choose from log)
See Section 5.02 for matrix density (DENSMA) if needed for gas correction.
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FIGURE PP5.13: Density neutron crossplot for porosity with gas in heavy minerals (eg dolomite)
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5.09 Porosity from Nuclear Magnetic Log
The Log Response Equation for modern nuclear magnetic logs is the same as for all other logs. The
difference between the NMR and other porosity logs is that the Log Response Equation is solved by the
service company at logging time, instead of by the analyst after the logs are delivered. This transform is
illustrated in Figure PP5.16.
The matrix and dry clay terms of NMR response are zero. An NMR log run today can display clay bound water
(CBW), irreducible water (capillary bound water, BVI), and mobile fluids (hydrocarbon plus water, BVM), also
called free fluids or free fluid index (FFI). On older logs, only free fluids (FFI) is recorded and some
subtractions, based on other open hole logs, are required.
Some or all of the sums defined above may be displayed on the delivered log. Log presentation is far from
standard for NMR logs. In some situations, mobile water can be separated from hydrocarbon, and sometimes
gas can be distinguished from oil, by further (experimental) processing of the original signal. However, the
depth of investigation and measurement volume are tiny, so the hydrocarbon indication is from the invaded
zone.
For the same reason, PHIt and PHIe from NMR do not always agree with that derived from density neutron
methods, which see much larger volumes of rock.
PHIe and PHIt should be compared to density neutron or other methods defined earlier.
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KBUCKL is in the range 0.010 to 0.100, with a default of 0.040.
Fracture porosity is exceedingly small and seldom is larger than 0.25% (0.0025 fractional). This is well below
the noise level of conventional open hole logs. Fracture aperture from cores or thin section may be
exaggerated due to stress release, so be cautious using this data. Some “fracture-related” porosity, such as
solution porosity near the fracture face, will be seen by conventional logs, which is why some older fracture
porosity methods give quite high values for fracture porosity
This is pretty nearly a last resort. Old style neutron logs (Section 5.03) and the maximum porosity methods
(Section 5.07) may work better,
PARAMETERS
Mud Weight KML
lb/gal Kg/m3 frac
8 1000 1.000
10 1200 0.847
11 1325 0.708
12 1440 0.584
13 1550 0.488
14 1680 0.412
16 1920 0.380
18 2160 0.350
6 Pages Omitted
THIS IS A SAMPLE – FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY
The complete manual is 193 pages, available at www.spec2000.net/00-orders.htm
6.03 Lithology From PE Density Neutron Data
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This is the best method for calculating lithology if the data is available. This method provides two different
two-mineral and one three-mineral models.
YOU must choose the model which gives the best resolution for the mineral end points you have chosen.
Resolution is better when the values for the end points have the largest absolute difference.
NORMAL CASES:
STEP 1: Calculate shale density and shale capture cross section (a constant for each zone):
1: DENSSH = PHIDSH * KD1 + (1 – PHIDSH) * KD2
2: USH = PESH * DENSSH
STEP 6: Calculate three mineral rock volumes from Uma and DENSma:
9: D = (Uma * (DENS2 – DENS1) + DENSma * (UMA1 – UMA2)
+ UMA2 * DENS1 – UMA1 * DENS2) / (UMA1 * (DENS3 – DENS2)
+ UMA2 * (DENS1 – DENS3) + UMA3 * (DENS2 –DENS1))
SPECIAL CASES:
To use DTCma instead of Uma, replace all Uma terms with DTCma terms in Equations 9 and 10. Equations 1
thru 8 are not needed, but DTCma and DENSma must be derived as shown in Section 6.01.
USAGE RULES:
• If Min1 and Min2 are to be plotted in a volumetric track with Vsh and PHIe, multiply by Vrock before
plotting, where Vrock = 1 - PHIe – Vsh.
• Use the Uma method any time data is available, but not in bad hole conditions or when gas is present.
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CRAIN’S PETROPHYSICAL POCKET PAL
8.00 Water and Hydrocarbon Saturation
The fifth step in a log analysis is to find water saturation. Water saturation is the ratio of water
volume to pore volume. Water bound to the shale is not included, so shale corrections must be
performed if shale is present. We calculate water saturation from the effective porosity and the resistivity log.
Hydrocarbon saturation is 1 (one) minus the water saturation.
All methods rely on work originally done by Gus Archie in 1940-41. He found from laboratory studies that, in a
shale free, water filled rock, the Formation Factor (F) was a constant defined by:
1: F = R0 / Rw
For a tank of water, R0 = Rw. Therefore F = 1. Since PHIt = 1, then A must also be 1.0 and M can have any
value. If porosity is zero, F is infinite and both A and M can have any value. However, for real rocks, both A
and M vary with grain size, sorting, and rock texture. The normal range for A is 0.5 to 1.5 and for M is 1.7 to
about 3.2. Archie used A = 1 and M = 2. In fine vuggy rock, M can be as high as 7.0 with a correspondingly low
value for A. In fractures, M can be as low as 1.1. Note that R0 is also spelled Ro in the literature.
For shale free rocks with both hydrocarbon and water in the pores, he also defined the term Formation
Resistivity Index ( I ) as:
3: I = Rt / R0
4: Sw = ( 1 / I ) ^ (1 / N)
Archie used an N of 2 and the usual range is from 1.3 to 2.6, depending on rock texture. It is often taken to
equal M, but this is not supported by core data in all cases. Rearrangement of these four equations give the
more usual Archie water saturation shown in the next section.
Shale corrections are applied by adding a shale conductivity term with an associated shale porosity and
shale formation factor relationship. Numerous authors have explored this approach, leading to numerous
potential solutions for water saturation. Two of the most common are given in Section 8.03 and 8.04.
Again, YOU must choose an appropriate method from one of the following:
** Section 8.02: Water Saturation from Archie Method - use in clean (non-shaly) zones.
** Section 8.03: Water Saturation from Simandoux Method - use in shaly zones, simpler math than Dual Water
Method.
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** Section 8.04: Water Saturation from Dual Water Method - use in shaly zones, preferred when shale
resistivity is very low (less than 2 ohm-m).
** Section 8.05: Water Saturation from Buckles Number Method - use when water resistivity is not known, or
for rough approximations.
If you want to estimate moveable hydrocarbon, as opposed to hydrocarbons in place, you will have to
calculate water saturation in the invaded zone. Water cut is derived from the differences between actual water
saturation and irreducible water saturation.
Water saturation can be calibrated by comparing log analysis results with water saturation from
capillary pressure data on core samples, and in some cases from oil base cores.
In Figure PP8.23, the slope of the best fit line through the formation factor data is the cementation exponent,
M. The best fit line can be forced through the origin (a pinned line) which makes the tortuosity factor A = 1.0
exactly. The intercept of the best fit (un-pinned) line will give A; in this example A = 0.60. Data should be
grouped by rock type, porosity type, or mineralogy before the best fit lines are determined.
In water zones:
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1: log(RESD) = – M * log(PHIe) + log(A * RW@FT)
2: M = (log(A * RW@FT) – log(RESD)) / log(PHIe)
The M value can be varied zone-by-zone or for every data point. This is especially useful in fractured
reservoirs or carbonate reservoirs with varying pore geometry.
The value for the saturation exponent N is usually found in the laboratory as in Figure PP8.24. It is a plot of
resistivity index ( I ) versus water saturation. Several partial saturations are taken on each core plug and N is
determined from the slope of the line through these points. N can be varied by defining lithofacies for each
core plug and relating this to some log signature. There is no equivalent crossplot to find N from log data.
The best fit line on this plot is always pinned at the origin, since resistivity index must equal 1.0 when SW =
1.0 by definition.
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Figure PP5.24: Resistivity Index versus Water Saturation to determine saturation exponent N
Shell Method
Analysts at Shell Oil proposed a formula to vary M in
carbonates with porosity. Other relationships could
be found by fitting non-linear curves to the data used
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for the Pickett plot or by plotting individual M values versus porosity:
6: M = 1.87 + 1.9 * PHIe
WHERE:
M = cementation exponent (unitless)
PHIe = porosity from any source (fractional
Nugent Method
An equation proposed by Nugent uses the secondary porosity concept:
11: M >= 2 * log(PHIsc) / log(PHIxnd)
PHIsc represents the matrix porosity and PHIxnd represents the effective porosity in the carbonate rock. Both
should be shale corrected as described in Chapter Seven.
Use Nugent's method in intergranular, intercrystalline, vuggy, and fossilmoldic rock types. Results are too
low in oomoldic rock type.
PHIsc must be calculated with a matrix value (DELTMA) that varies with the rock lithology. This can be
derived from the results of a two or three mineral model or sample description with DELTMA = V1 * DELTMA1
+ V2 * DELTMA2 + V3 * DELTMA3.
Nurmi Method
In oomoldic porosity, Nurmi proposed the following:
12: PHIvug = 2 * (PHIxnd - PHIsc)
13: PHIma = PHIxnd - PHIvug
14: M >= 2 * log(PHIma) / log(PHIxnd)
Use Nurmi method in oomoldic rock type. PHIsc must be calculated with a matrix value (DELTMA) that varies
with the rock lithology. This can be derived from the results of a two or three mineral model or sample
description.
Rasmus Method
The same techniques used to derive M for various carbonate rock types can also be used to find M in
fractured carbonates. A standard Pickett plot in water zones, or a Pickett plot using a shallow resistivity log
in the invaded zone, will usually suffice. The M value so derived will be the result of BOTH fractures and the
rock type in the zone covered by the crossplot. Normally, M is chosen once for each fractured interval from
Pickett plots over well-defined rock type zones or layers.
However, there is no reason to believe M is a constant in a zone because fracture intensity probably varies
dramatically from foot to foot within the layer.
A method proposed by Rasmus, based on secondary porosity concepts, solves this problem:
11: Md = log((1 - (PHIxnd - PHIsc)) * (PHIsc^Mb) + (PHIxnd - PHIsc)) / log(PHIe)
Mb is the formation factor exponent for the bulk matrix (un-fractured) rock and Md is the value for the
combined matrix plus fracture, or double porosity, porosity. Mb should be determined separately in un-
fractured zones if possible.
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8.02 Water Saturation from Archie Method
The most common saturation method was developed by Gus Archie in 1941. It is widely used in all parts of
the world and is suitable for carbonates, clean sands, and shaly sands where RSH is above 8 ohm-m. Where
shale resistivity is low, the Archie method will be pessimistic in shaly sands.
The term (1/N) is usually ½ or 0.5, which represents the square root. Hence:
3A: SWa = Sqrt (RW@FT / Rwa)
The water saturation from the Archie method (SWa) is called the effective water saturation, Sw.
To calculate Sxo, replace RESD with RESS and RW@FT with RMF@FT.
USAGE RULES:
• The Archie method should only be used when Vsh < 0.20 and RSH > 8.0. If Vsh is high or RSH is low,
then SWa is too high and a shale corrected method should be used.
• A quick look version of the Archie formula sets A = 1.0, M = 2.0 and N = 2.0.
• This formula can be calculated by mental arithmetic or on a scratch pad when needed, and is accurate
enough for quick look work.
• Calibrate water saturation to core by preparing a porosity vs SW# graph from capillary pressure data.
Adjust RW, A, M, N, PHIe until a satisfactory match is achieved.
PARAMETERS:
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CRAIN’S PETROPHYSICAL POCKET PAL
9.00 Permeability
The sixth step in a log analysis is to estimate permeability and productivity. These values determine whether
a zone is commercially attractive. There are a number of methods for calculating matrix permeability.
** Section 9.01: Permeability from the Wyllie-Rose Method - use if no core data is available.
** Section 9.03: Permeability from the Coates Method - use in place of Wyllie-Rose, more optimistic in low
porosity.
Although it is not a quantitative measure of permeability, the separation between the two microlog curves is
an excellent indicator. The log can still be run today as part of a density log survey.
Log analysis matrix permeability is calibrated to maximum core permeability (absolute permeability
or air permeability). Allowance must be made to eliminate fractured samples from the core data set.
Permeability to liquids is lower than absolute permeability. Flow capacity from logs (KH) can be
compared to pressure buildup analysis. Again fractures will cause a difference.
USAGE RULES:
• Use anytime, usually when no core data is available.
• Calibrate to core by adjusting CPERM, DPERM, and EPERM. Sw, PHIe and Vsh should have been
accomplished earlier.
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PARAMETERS:
Values of CPERM as low as 10 000 and as high as 1 000 000 have been used in the Morris - Biggs equation. It
is also called the Tixier equation.
USAGE RULES:
• A best fit line of the logarithm of core permeability vs. core porosity is often used to obtain this
relationship for a particular zone.
PARAMETERS:
Sandstones Carbonates JPERM HPERM
Very fine grain Chalky –3.00 16
Fine grain Cryptocrystalline- –2.50 18
Medium grain Intercrystalline –2.20 20
Coarse grain Sucrosic- –2.00 22
Conglomerate Fine vuggy –1.80 24
Unconsolidated Coarse vuggy –1.50 26
Fractured Fractured –1.00 30
The medium grain parameters approximate the Wyllie - Rose equation. These parameters should be
calibrated to core data whenever possible.
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12.03 Case History – Devonian Carbonate Reef
This example is more complex than first appearances would indicate. Initially, the resistivity and porosity
logs show a 70 meter pay zone, but study of tests, production history, and workover history on this and
adjacent wells paint a different story. Water break through has begun in the lower portion, defined by lower
resistivity values at 2158, 2166, and 2173 meters.
The extra high resistivity from 2108 to 2115 meters is a gas cap, which probably extends down to 2130
meters. Since production rates are severely penalized by government regulations when GOR is too high, this
interval cannot be completed, leaving only a short interval between 2138 and 2174 meters available for
production – about half the “net pay” interval. Completing too close to the water contact is also unwise,
further restricting the completion interval.
The PE curve indicates clean dolomite, while the density neutron shows little separation for dolomite in the
gas zone at the top. The raw logs indicate limestone with 8 % porosity when the zone is really dolomite with
10 – 12% porosity. This is caused by gas effect canceling the dolomite effect. Porosity must be computed
from the special "Gas in Heavy Minerals" algorithm over this interval or the results will be far too pessimistic.
Many computer aided log analysis programs cannot do this without some help from you. Beware of
underestimating porosity in the “Gas in Dolomite” environment. Although visual observation would provide
good porosity values in the oil and water zones, it is completely inadequate in the gas and solvent zones.
FIGURE CH3.01: Induction and sonic logs on dolomite reef. Spikes on deep and shallow resistivity and poor
quality sonic (shaded red) suggest fractures, confirmed in the core and production rates. Sonic log from
offset well is shown in red to assist in editing the log. Deep induction sonde error was poorly set and curve
pegs at 2000 ohm-m, so medium induction should be used instead.
Crain’s Petrophysical Pocket Pal Sampler Copyright 1978 – 2017 E. R. Crain, P.Eng. Page 45 of 54
FIGURE CH3.02: Density neutron PE log on the dolomite reef. Limestone scale log (left) shows reduced
separation in top 15 – 20 meters, suggesting limy dolomite, but PE confirms pure dolomite, so it must be
gas. Dolomite scale presentation shows gas crossover at top of reef, minor crossover for 42 API oil, and no
crossover in water zone (so logs are properly calibrated for dolomite).The gas-oil contact is not perfectly
clear based on crossover. Test shows G/O below 2125 and residual oil in core suggests 2127 to -2130.
A depth plot of the density neutron log on a dolomite scale helps point this out by creating the gas cross over
effect. Beware of dolomite scales in a limestone rock – the crossover on the density neutron DOES NOT
indicate gas in this situation. Some very expensive mistakes have been made by inappropriate use of
dolomite scale logs.
There is also a small amount of crossover on the dolomite scale log in the oil zone caused by the light gravity
crude. Notice that there is no crossover in the water zone, demonstrating that the dolomite scaling is correct.
Although not shown on any of the depth plots, the porosity from the sonic log would be very optimistic in
some levels, caused by cycle skipping in fractured rock. In other levels, the porosity would be several
percent too low due to the sonic's inability to see all vuggy porosity. These observations indicate how
difficult it is to analyze older carbonate wells where the sonic may be the only porosity log.
Fractures are indicated by skips on the sonic log and spikes on the density log, as well as low resistivity
spikes on both the deep and shallow resistivity curves. These are also the most likely places for water break
through. The lithology crossplots show the effect of vugs, fractures, and gas on the sonic log, as well as
confirm the dolomite lithology. Some of the density spikes caused by hole breakout at fractures still show up
on the final results. These could have been edited to reflect reservoir conditions instead of borehole effects
Crain’s Petrophysical Pocket Pal Sampler Copyright 1978 – 2017 E. R. Crain, P.Eng. Page 46 of 54
Below are the well history and core data for this well. A detailed match to porosity from core is usually not
possible due to heterogeneity of the reservoir and the difference in rock volume seen by logs compared to
the core. A good match to average porosity and total pore volume can be achieved by adjusting the target
matrix density in the computer program. A permeability match may be possible if pore geometry is uniform
throughout the interval. Heterogeneity, fractures, and vuggy porosity usually prevent a reasonable
permeability from log analysis.
WELL HISTORY
Fossil Joffre 15-22-39-26W4 Twin Well in 10-22-39-26W4
KB Elev: 908.1 m Logs: DIL-SP, FDC-CNL-GR, BHCS-GR, GR (COMPL)
Log depths in METERS
DST #1 2120.0 – 2130.0 m Inflate Straddle VO: 1.0/2.0 SI: 28.0/27.0 min
FP: 6550.0/6223.0 kPa SIP: 16410.0/16410.0 kPa HP: 23718.0/23063.0 kPa
High permeability; No formation damage;
Blow description: none given, closed chamber.
Recovery: 188m clean condensate 192m mud.
0 .30
0 .25
Perf #4 2171.5 – 2176.5, 2178.0 – 2179.0 Production Test
No Pressures 0 .20
Gas 9600 m3/d (0.339 mmcf/d) 0 .15
0 .10
Perf #5 2166.0 – 2170.0 m Production Test No Pressures 0 .05
“not set” 0 .00
0 .01 1 1 00 1 00 00
Perf #6 2166.0 – 2174.6 m Production Test No Pressures H o r i z o n t a l P e r m e a b il it y - m D
Recovery: 52.6 m3 clean uncontaminated oil
M a t r ix P e r m = 1 0 ^ ( P H I e * 1 8 . 5 - 2 . 0
Crain’s Petrophysical Pocket Pal Sampler Copyright 1978 – 2017 E. R. Crain, P.Eng. Page 47 of 54
CUMMULATIVE PRODUCTION STATISTICS
Cum’l Gas Oil Water Inj CO2
10-22 8.4 Bcf 3.6 MM bbl 1.4 MM bbl
15-22 1.9 Bcf 1.4 MM bbl 0.07 MM bbl 5.5 Bcf
Log analysis production predictions in carbonates are difficult, and may be impossible, as in this case.
Most computer software does not handle gas in dolomite very well and underestimate porosity and over
estimate water saturation. The illustration on the next page show the difference between no gas correction
and a reasonable gas correction. The math is given earlier in this Handbook in Section 5.05.
Figure CH3.03: Computed results over gas interval. Results on left underestimate porosity in dolomite with
gas due to a conflict between gas crossover and dolomite separation. Results on the right uses the gas
correction given in Section 5.04. Black dots show core porosity. Some more sophisticated programs can
handle this problem, but only if you allow gas to be present.
Crain’s Petrophysical Pocket Pal Sampler Copyright 1978 – 2017 E. R. Crain, P.Eng. Page 48 of 54
FIGURE CH3.04: Final petrophysical analysis of the dolomite reef. Black dots are core data., showing
heterogeneous nature of the reservoir (and the difficulty in comparing the beer-can-sized core sample to a
barrel-sized log reading).
Crain’s Petrophysical Pocket Pal Sampler Copyright 1978 – 2017 E. R. Crain, P.Eng. Page 49 of 54
CORE ANALYSIS DATA FOR 10-22-39-26W4
10223926W4
S# Top Base Len Kmax K90 Kvert Porosi GrDen BkDen Soil Swtr Lithology
meters meters meter mD mD mD frac Kg/m3 Kg/m3 frac frac
25 2122.00 2122.28 0.28 120.00 50.70 28.80 0.101 2810 2627 0.001 0.412 DOL I VUG CARB VFRAC
26 2122.28 2122.64 0.36 11.30 5.64 8.23 0.064 2830 2713 0.001 0.182 DOL I PPV LV VFRAC
27 2122.64 2122.86 0.22 547.00 82.00 92.20 0.105 2830 2638 0.106 0.212 DOL I VUG STY VFRAC
28 2122.86 2123.05 0.19 2110.0 2110.0 2110.0 0.147 2810 2544 0.000 0.103 DOL I PPV SV CARB
29 2123.05 2123.47 0.42 5350.0 2880.0 32.70 0.146 2810 2546 0.087 0.174 DOL I VUG CARB STY VFRAC
30 2123.47 2123.67 0.20 560.00 166.00 443.30 0.148 2790 2525 0.080 0.353 DOL I MV LV CARB VFRAC
31 2123.67 2124.10 0.43 16.00 11.30 12.00 0.074 2820 2685 0.001 0.247 DOL I VUG CARB VFRAC
32 2124.10 2124.53 0.43 15.90 14.20 11.06 0.104 2840 2649 0.000 0.205 DOL I VUG
33 2124.53 2124.80 0.27 5.27 3.36 1.02 0.048 2890 2799 0.000 0.133 DOL I PPV SV ANHY
34 2124.80 2125.18 0.38 267.00 113.00 11.70 0.129 2830 2594 0.001 0.290 DOL I VUG
35 2125.18 2125.44 0.26 192.00 130.00 11.80 0.079 2840 2695 0.113 0.271 DOL I VUG STY
36 2125.44 2125.70 0.26 421.00 95.50 25.90 0.071 2830 2700 0.001 0.410 DOL I VUG STY VFRAC
37 2125.70 2126.00 0.30 572.00 572.00 1282.0 0.129 2830 2594 0.001 0.560 DOL I VUG
38 2126.00 2126.21 0.21 10000 10000 5.81 0.116 2830 2618 0.001 0.273 DOL I VUG
39 2126.21 2126.42 0.21 2.49 2.12 0.81 0.070 2830 2702 0.000 0.250 DOL I VUG
40 2126.42 2126.75 0.33 55.60 30.80 2.12 0.097 2840 2662 0.053 0.191 DOL I VUG
41 2126.75 2126.95 0.20 82.20 17.00 1.88 0.144 2840 2575 0.043 0.072 DOL I VUG
42 2126.95 2127.19 0.24 196.00 48.10 0.44 0.133 2840 2595 0.062 0.198 DOL I VUG
43 2127.19 2127.38 0.19 8.35 7.63 0.06 0.118 2840 2623 0.077 0.196 DOL I VUG
44 2127.38 2127.70 0.32 1840.0 1700.0 0.21 0.103 2830 2642 0.047 0.207 DOL I VUG
45 2127.70 2127.94 0.24 23.60 20.50 0.23 0.117 2830 2616 0.001 0.182 DOL I VUG FOSS
46 2127.94 2128.09 0.15 27.90 21.00 0.96 0.153 2830 2550 0.108 0.432 DOL I VUG
47 2128.09 2128.38 0.29 107.00 8.50 0.07 0.130 2830 2592 0.000 0.285 DOL I VUG
48 2128.38 2128.79 0.41 533.00 338.00 102.00 0.075 2840 2702 0.000 0.504 DOL I PPV MV
49 2128.79 2129.26 0.47 40.20 11.30 5.19 0.068 2830 2706 0.046 0.130 DOL I VUG STY VFRAC
50 2129.26 2129.76 0.50 2340.0 1800.0 99.70 0.097 2820 2643 0.068 0.370 DOL I VUG
51 2129.76 2130.32 0.56 1670.0 708.00 532.00 0.122 2820 2598 0.055 0.398 DOL I VUG CARB VFRAC
52 2130.32 2130.83 0.51 62.30 19.80 6.16 0.086 2810 2654 0.000 0.427 DOL I VUG CARB VFRAC
53 2130.83 2131.14 0.31 2110.0 1770.0 698.00 0.142 2820 2562 0.000 0.534 DOL I VUG CARB
54 2131.14 2131.60 0.46 226.00 20.90 6.76 0.075 2830 2693 0.121 0.338 DOL I VUG
55 2131.60 2131.94 0.34 37.50 16.30 5.62 0.075 2840 2702 0.118 0.037 DOL I VUG
56 2131.94 2132.15 0.21 90.40 36.40 7.00 0.062 2830 2717 0.204 0.082 DOL I VUG
57 2132.15 2132.54 0.39 30.80 16.60 1.92 0.073 2830 2696 0.261 0.104 DOL I PPV LV VFRAC
58 2132.54 2132.67 0.13 81.90 48.10 88.90 0.129 2840 2603 0.180 0.072 DOL I PPV SV VFRAC
Arithmetic Averages 0.36 875.1 672.8 165.8 0.104 2830 2640 0.054 0.260
FIGURE CH3.05: Core data listing for Carbonate Reef Example – partial listing over gas-oil contact
2 00 0
24 Pages Omitted
Crain’s Petrophysical Pocket Pal Sampler Copyright 1978 – 2017 E. R. Crain, P.Eng. Page 50 of 54
CRAIN’S PETROPHYSICAL POCKET PAL
EXERCISE #1: Shaly Sand – Thick Beds – Log Depths in Meters
Page 1 of 4 Your Name_____________
VISUAL ANALYSIS
Draw shale and clean lines on SP and gamma ray logs.
Estimate approximate shale volume and porosity for these 3 layers by observation of the logs:
Shale Volume (Vsh) A: _____ B: _____ C: _____
Effective Porosity (PHIe) A: _____ B: _____ C: _____
Based on the resistivity log, which layer is most likely to produce water? ________
Based on the approximation that water saturation (Sw) = 0.0400 / PHIe in clean hydrocarbon bearing zones,
0.0600 / PHIe in shaly hydrocarbon zones, estimate Sw in all zones:
Water Saturation (Sw) A: _____ B: _____ C: _____
A: Sh Sd B: Oil C: Water
COMMENTS:
This exercise illustrates a straight forward clean sand with oil over water and a shaly sand with oil.
The standard visual and quantitative rules apply. Water resistivity is calculated from the water
zone. These are thick beds for porosity analysis but the clean oil and water zones are thin beds as
far as the conventional induction log is concerned. Extending the conventional analysis to include
reserves and productivity gives a better understanding of the relative and absolute quality of the
two oil zones. This case history is described starting on page 92.
Crain’s Petrophysical Pocket Pal Sampler Copyright 1978 – 2017 E. R. Crain, P.Eng. Page 51 of 54
CRAIN’S PETROPHYSICAL POCKET PAL
EXERCISE #1: Shaly Sand – Thick Beds – Log Depths in Meters
Page 2 of 4 Your Name_____________
A: Sh-Sd B: Oil C: Water
Shale Volume
1: Vshg = (GR - GR0) / (GR100 - GR0) _____ _____ _____
2: Vshs = (SP - SP0) / (SP100 - SP0) _____ _____ _____
3: Vshx = (PHIN - PHID) / (PHINSH - PHIDSH) _____ _____ _____
4: Vsh = Minimum of above in each zone _____ ____ ______
Porosity
1: PHIdc = PHID – (Vsh * PHIDSH) _____ _____ _____
2: PHInc = PHIN – (Vsh * PHINSH) _____ _____ _____
3: PHIe = PHIxdn = (PHInc + PHIdc) / 2 _____ _____ _____
Water Resistivity from Water Zone Use A = 0.62, M = 2.15, N = 2.00 for Sandstone
1: PHIwtr = (PHID(wtr zone) + PHIN(wtr zone)) / 2 _______
2: RW@FT = (PHIwtr ^ M) * R0 / A _______
Water Saturation
1: PHIt = (PHID + PHIN) / 2 _____ _____ _____
2: Rwa = (PHIt ^ M) * RESD / A _____ _____ _____
3: Sw = SWa = (RW@FT / Rwa) ^ (1 / N) _____ _____ _____
Crain’s Petrophysical Pocket Pal Sampler Copyright 1978 – 2017 E. R. Crain, P.Eng. Page 52 of 54
CRAIN’S PETROPHYSICAL POCKET PAL
EXERCISE #1: Shaly Sand – Thick Beds – Log Depths in Meters
Page 3 of 4 Your Name_____________
Crain’s Petrophysical Pocket Pal Sampler Copyright 1978 – 2017 E. R. Crain, P.Eng. Page 53 of 54
CRAIN’S PETROPHYSICAL POCKET PAL
EXERCISE #1: Shaly Sand – Thick Beds – Log Depths in Meters
Page 4 of 4 SANDSTONE SCALE LOG Your Name_____________
42 Pages Omitted
Crain’s Petrophysical Pocket Pal Sampler Copyright 1978 – 2017 E. R. Crain, P.Eng. Page 54 of 54