07 Electrical Res Log

A-12 Electrical Resistivity Logs
Electrical Resistivity Logs
1
1
Resistivity Theory
The resistivity of a substance is a measure of its

ability to impede the flow of electrical current.
Resistivity is the key to hydrocarbon saturation

determination.
Porosity gives the volume of fluids but does not

indicate which fluid is occupying that pore space.
2
2
Resistivity Theory 2
Current can only pass through the water in the
formation, hence the resistivity depends on:
Resistivity of the formation water.

Amount of water present.
Pore structure.
3
3
Resistivity Model
4
4
Mud Resistivities
The first resistivities encountered are those of the
mud, mud filtrate and mud cake.
The surface measurements to obtain these values

are often erroneous.
Key points:
The samples must be identical to the mud
used in the logging interval.
Check answers using the Chart Book
formulae.
Rmf < Rm < Rmc
Identify the sample source (measured or
charts).
5
5
Salinities chart
Grains/gal
10
at 75ÞF
8
ppm
6
5
200
4 10
3 300
15
400
2 20
500
25
600
30
700
800
NaCl Concentration (ppm or grains/gal)

1 0
40
- m)
100
0.8 0 50
120
0
140
0.6
Resistivity of Solution (
0
170
0.5 0
200
100
0.4
0
300
0.3 150
0
400
200
0.2 500
0
0 0 250
60
0
70000 300
80
400
000
10,
0.1 ,000 500
12
0.08 000
14,
7,000
1
0.06 20,
000
1000
0.05
00
30,0
0.04 1500
00
40,0
2000
0.03 50,0
0 0
0 00 2500
,
60
00 3000
70,0 00
0.02 80,0 4000
000
100, 5000
000
,000 120,000
300 140, 00
0
170, 0
0.01 0
200,,0000 10,000
250 000
280, 15,000
50 75 100 125 150 200 250 300 350 400
20,000
10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 120 140 160 180 200
Temperature (ÞF or ÞC)

This chart is used to compute salinities from
resistivities of solution e.g. mud, and vice versa.
It is also used to find the resistivities at a given
temperature.
6
6
Old Tools
The voltage measured at M is proportional to the
formation resistivity.
This electrode configuration is the Normal tool.
The distance between the A and M electrodes.

The spacing determines the depth of investigation
and hence the resistivity being read.
7
7
Normal and Lateral Tools

The Lateral device used
the same principle.
The difference is in
electrode configuration
and spacing.
Problems came from

"thin beds" when the
signature of the curve
was used to try and find
the true resistivity.
8
8
Old Tools 2
This figure shows some of the "signature curves"

for the interpretation of lateral and normal
devices in thin beds.
A library exists plus the rules to extrapolate the
measured value to the true resistivity of the bed. 9
9
Laterolog Principle
A current-emitting electrode, Ao, has guard

electrodes positioned symmetrically on either
side.
Guard electrodes emit current to keep the
potential difference between them and the
current electrode at zero.
This forces the measuring current to flow into the
formation of interest.
10
10
Tool Types
Various configurations have been used:
LL3
The first tool of its type; single guard electrodes.
LL7
Four extra electrodes added, including a feedback
loop to keep the bucking current at an optimal
value.
LL9
Two more electrodes added, plus a Shallow
Laterolog measurement. Deep and Shallow
measurements were taken sequentially.
DLT
Same as the LL9 but able to run deep and
shallow simultaneously.
11
11
borehole effects
Laterologs see the borehole environment as:
RLL = Rm + Rmc + Rxo + Rt
Rm Best measurement is in salt-saturated, low

resistivity mud. Worst readings obtained
in fresh mud. Measurements cannot be taken
in oil-based mud.
Rmc Usually neglected as very small.
Rxo Depends on Rmf, needs to be known.
Rt Parameter to be measured, the higher the

better. 12
12
Laterolog Corrections
The log must be corrected for the effect of mud
resistivity.
There are two possible conditions:

Centred.
Eccentred.
There is only a small difference between the two

in most circumstances for the modern tool DLT-
E.
The old tool, DLT-B, could only be run centred.
The correction to the shallow is greater than the

deep, especially in large hole sizes.
13
13
Laterolog Corrections
14
14
Correction Charts
15
15
Bed Correction
The next correction accounts for the effects of
adjacent beds which still occur despite focusing.
If the shoulder bed is highly resistive, the log has

to be reduced. (Squeeze.)
If the shoulder bed is of low resistivity, the log has

to be increased. (Anti-squeeze.)
LLS has a better definition because it is a shallow

device.
16
16
Squeeze/Anti-Squeeze
Rs is the resistivity of the bed above and below the

formation of interest.
The chart is entered with the bed thickness,
moving up the ratio RLLD/RS.
The correction factor is read on the y-axis.
17
17
Squeeze/Anti- Squeeze
The same method is used in this chart for the
Shallow Laterolog
18
18
String Effect
Laterolog tools have another problem in

conductive beds due to the frequency of the
measurement.
In long combination tools, the LLD reads too

high.
The effect has been commonly seen in low

resistivity formations.
19
19
Correction Example
The correction depends on the hole size, Dh, and
the mud resistivity, Rm.
This correction has to be applied before any other

borehole corrections.
A new chart is needed for each tool combination.
20
20
TLC effect
There are two effects occurring when a Laterolog
tool is run on drill pipe.
1)In TLC operations Laterologs need a special

stiff bridle usually made of three sections of
tool housing giving a length of 30 feet compared
to the normal 80 foot bridle.
2)The total current returns to the pipe which acts

as the return electrode.
The relative error is proportional to /Ra (the

apparent resistivity).
This can be up to 200% at low Rt/Rm contrasts

and low Rm.
21
21
Example Chart
The chart is used to transform the TLC reading
into the reading theoretically obtained in a
vertical well with a bridle.
22
22
Pseudo Geometrical Factor

Once corrected, the log can be evaluated to find
Rt.
Neglecting the mud and mud cake resistivities

(corrected log), the tool response equation is:
Ra = J(di)Rxo + (1-J(di))Rt
Where J(di) is the pseudo-geometrical factor

which is a function of the invasion diameter, di.
For large di, J(di) is large reflecting the
important contribution of the invaded zone to the
measurement.
23
23
Depth of Investigation
The plot shows the pseudo-geometrical factor
versus di for various tools.
The relative depth of investigation is defined as
the invasion diameter for which the invaded zone
contributes to 50% of the signal (J = 0.5).
The relative depth of investigation is computed
from the chart.
For example, it is 35" for the LLS.

24
24
Groningen Effect
Resistive Bed
Torpedo
Laterolog
Induction
bridle
electrode
LLS distance to
LLD /LLG
torpedo =
distance
below high
Groningen resistivity
Response Groningen
effect seen.
LLG
Induction
does not react
LLD
increase
DLT measure
point
The high and increasing LLD reading, associated

with a flat LLS, can be caused by the presence of
hydrocarbon in the formation, or by the infamous
Groningen effect. 25
25
Groningen Effect Physics
This is caused by the voltage reference (cable-

torpedo) becoming non-zero.
Caused by highly resistive beds overlying the

formation that is being measured.
This forces the deep current into the mud

column.
26
26
Solutions
The HALS/ARI tool can be corrected for
Groningen effect.
There is a curve measurement by the DLT called

LLG, which gives an indication of the Groningen
effect.
LLG is:
An LLD using a bridle electrode as return
rather than the torpedo.
An indicator of the presence of Groningen
Effect because:
LLG equals LLD when there is no
effect.
LLG is affected at a different depth
than LLD.
LLG is not an LLD corrected for Groningen.
27
27
Laterolog Applications
Measures Rt.
Standard resistivity in high resistivity

environments.
Usable in medium-to-high salinity muds.
Good results in high contrast Rt/Rm.
Fair vertical resolution (same as porosity tools).
28
28
Laterolog Limits
Cannot be used in oil-based muds.
Cannot be used in air-filled holes.
Affected by the Groningen Effect in some

environments.
Difficult to model.
Poor when Rxo > Rt.
29
29
Modelling
It is useful to model the tool response for different
conditions.
The approach of bed boundaries can be seen in

deviated wells.
Unusual log responses can be checked with

different model formations.
A finite element method has to be used to model

Laterologs, and all resistivity tools.
This type of program is heavy on computer time.
30
30
DLT Parameters
Vertical resolution: 24"
Maximum reading:
LLD 40000ohm-m
LLS 6000ohm-m
Minimum reading:
LLD 0.2ohm-m
LLS 0.2ohm-m
31
31
Azimuthal Laterolog principle
The current emitting electrode is split into twelve

separate electrodes.
It has 12 electrodes set equally spaced around the

tool giving 12 azimuthal Laterolog readings.
These are focused to give a deep reading and a

very shallow reading of the tool stand-off. 32
32
Azimuthal Laterolog principle 2
There are two modes:

Active mode: current is emitted from each
of the electrodes.
12 calibrated resistivities are output in
real time.
Passive mode: no current is emitted. This

is used if the resistivity is above 2 ohm-m
The mud resistivity is needed to compute
the resistivities.
33
33
Azimuthal Laterolog corrections

The borehole correction is similar to the other
Laterolog measurements. It is a function of the
borehole diameter and the ratio of formation to
mud resistivity.
This chart is used to make the correction. It can

be done by the surface acquisition system.
34
34
Azimuthal Laterolog outputs

The standard outputs of the Azimuthal Laterolog
are:
Standard LLD and LLS curves.
LLhr - high resolution deep Laterolog.
12 azimuthal resistivity curves.
12 electrical stand-off measurements.
An electrical image of the borehole similar

to FMS.
35
35
Azimuthal Laterolog uses

The simplest use of the ARI is for deep resistivity
in laminated formations. Here the tools high
vertical resolution reads the correct value when
the LLD averages the beds.
36
36
Azimuthal Laterolog Uses 2

Another use of the ARI is fracture identification.
As with any resistivity measurement it reacts to
the presence of the conductive fluid (mud) in the
fractures. They show up as low resistivity on each
of the 12 resistivities at different depths
depending on their geometry. The best indication
is the image.
37
37
ARI Uses 3
There are a number of other uses for this
azimuthal tool:
Heterogeneous formation
One or more of the resistivities will react to a
heterogeneity while the others read normally. An example could
be a shale lens in an oil zone. Here the resistivity will be reduced
by the low resistivity shale if a standard LLD is used, however the
shale will be "seen" by some of the azimuthal resistivities and the
true resistivity of the oil zone can then be understood.
Horizontal well
The ultimate heterogeneous formation. The azimuthal resistivities
will be able to see the overlying and underlying formations, the
cap rocks and the water table for example. Knowing where these
are will greatly assist in completing the well as well as computing
saturations.
Dip computation
This is an extra due to having 12 azimuthal
resistivities and the possibility of adding directional information.
The output dips are not as good as a standard Dipmeter as the
resolution is not as fine, however, they are sufficient for most
structural interpretations.
38
38
Azimuthal Laterolog parameters

Depth of investigation
LLhr close to LLD
Vertical resolution
8" (in a 6" hole)
Azimuthal resolution
60° for a 1" stand-off
Resistivity range
0.2 - 100000 ohm-m
Mud resistivity
< 2 ohm-m active mode
< 5 ohm-m passive mode
39
39
Microresistivity Devices
Shallow reading versions of resistivity tools;
always pad-mounted.
First was the Microlog which is still in use;

Second was the Micro Laterolog (MLL),
replaced by
Proximity (PL) tool, replaced by
MicroSpherically Focused Log (MSFL),
replaced by
Micro Cylindrical Focused Log(MCFL)
Objective is to read Rxo (Invaded Zone

Resistivity) only.
Tools are focused to pass through the mud cake.
40
40
Microlog Uses
Microlog is used to identify permeable zones.
2" Micronormal. (A -> M2)

1"x1" Microinverse. (A -> M1)
(Slightly different depths of
investigation).
If the zone of investigation is shale (no invasion),

both curves read the same.
If the zone is sand (with invasion), Microinverse
reads mud cake plus some of the formation and
Micronormal reads some mud cake plus the
formation (slightly higher).
We are only interested in the separation between
these curves and so scales are chosen to show this
and not the rest of the readings.
41
41
MSFL Principle
This tool uses a set of 5 electrodes which focus the

signal into the invaded zone just beyond the mud
cake.
42
42
MSFL Borehole Corrections

In spite of its focusing, the tool still needs to be
corrected for the mud cake thickness and
resistivity.
The correction requires an input of mud cake
thickness which is not measured directly.
It also needs the mud cake resistivity which is

either measured or computed from charts.
The tool focusing has been set assuming there is

always some mud cake, hence the tool always
needs some correction.
43
43
Uses and Limits
Uses:
Rxo measurement in water- based
muds.
Correction for deep resistivity
tools.
Sxo determination.
Limits:
Rugose hole.
Oil-based mud.
Heavy or thick mud cake.
44
44

07 Electrical Res Log

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

07 Electrical Res Log

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

A-12 Electrical Resistivity Logs

Electrical Resistivity Logs

The resistivity of a substance is a measure of its

Resistivity is the key to hydrocarbon saturation

Porosity gives the volume of fluids but does not

Resistivity of the formation water.

The surface measurements to obtain these values

NaCl Concentration (ppm or grains/gal)

Temperature (ÞF or ÞC)

This electrode configuration is the Normal tool.

The distance between the A and M electrodes.

Normal and Lateral Tools

Problems came from

This figure shows some of the "signature curves"

A current-emitting electrode, Ao, has guard

RLL = Rm + Rmc + Rxo + Rt

Rm Best measurement is in salt-saturated, low

Rmc Usually neglected as very small.

Rxo Depends on Rmf, needs to be known.

Rt Parameter to be measured, the higher the

There are two possible conditions:

There is only a small difference between the two

The correction to the shallow is greater than the

If the shoulder bed is highly resistive, the log has

If the shoulder bed is of low resistivity, the log has

LLS has a better definition because it is a shallow

Rs is the resistivity of the bed above and below the

The correction factor is read on the y-axis.

Laterolog tools have another problem in

In long combination tools, the LLD reads too

The effect has been commonly seen in low

This correction has to be applied before any other

A new chart is needed for each tool combination.

1)In TLC operations Laterologs need a special

2)The total current returns to the pipe which acts

The relative error is proportional to /Ra (the

This can be up to 200% at low Rt/Rm contrasts

Pseudo Geometrical Factor

Neglecting the mud and mud cake resistivities

Where J(di) is the pseudo-geometrical factor

For example, it is 35" for the LLS.

The high and increasing LLD reading, associated

Groningen Effect Physics

This is caused by the voltage reference (cable-

Caused by highly resistive beds overlying the

This forces the deep current into the mud

There is a curve measurement by the DLT called

LLG is not an LLD corrected for Groningen.

Standard resistivity in high resistivity

Usable in medium-to-high salinity muds.

Good results in high contrast Rt/Rm.

Fair vertical resolution (same as porosity tools).

Cannot be used in air-filled holes.

Affected by the Groningen Effect in some

Poor when Rxo > Rt.

The approach of bed boundaries can be seen in

Unusual log responses can be checked with

A finite element method has to be used to model

This type of program is heavy on computer time.

Azimuthal Laterolog principle

The current emitting electrode is split into twelve

It has 12 electrodes set equally spaced around the

These are focused to give a deep reading and a

Azimuthal Laterolog principle 2