Chapter 9 -Density logs
Lecture notes for PET 370
Spring 2012
Prepared by: Thomas W. Engler, Ph.D., P.E.
Density Log Uses
Porosity/Lithology Determination
Mineral identification in evaporates
Gas detection (w/ other logs)
Estimate mechanical properties (w/ sonic)
Evaluation of shaly sands and complex lithologies
other
Determination of hydrocarbon density
Determination of oil shale yield
Identify overpressured zones
Density Log Tool Schematic
Logging speed:
15 to 30 fpm
Depth of investigation:
Vertical 3 to 6
Resolution ~ 1 ft
Density Log Principle of Operation
Bassiouni, 1994
Density Log Theory
Density logging is based on measuring the attenuation
of gamma rays caused by compton scattering, (CPS per
energy)
Density Log Calibration
1. Compton scattering depends only on the electron density of the formation
(# of electrons/cc)
2Z
r
2. The electron density is related to the bulk density by, e r b A
Where for common elements in sedimentary rocks, 2Z
1.00
A
But for H2 the ratio is double.
3. To account for variations in Z/A, the tool is calibrated in a freshwater filled
limestone formation.
rba 1.0704re 0.1883
Where rba is the apparent bulk density.
Density Log Calibration
rba rb for most common sedimentary rocks
For other formations (salt, anhydrite, coal) corrections are necessary.
Density Log FDC-Borehole Correction
Teague (Mckee) Field
Density Log La Munyon #76
Incorrect
Density
Readings
Caliper
Density Log Porosity
Measured matrix pore fluid
bulk density contributi on contributi on
rb (1 )r ma rf
or
r ma r b
r ma r f
where r ma matrix density
2.65 for ss
2.71 for lms
2.86 for dolo
Density Log Porosity
Define rf as average density of fluid in pore space
Depth of investigation of density tool is shallow (invaded zone), thus
rf Sxo rmf (1 Sxo ) rh
In practice,
Mud Type rmf (gm/cc)
oil 0.9
Fresh water 1.0
Salt water 1.1
In water-bearing zones,
Sxo = 1 and rf = rmf
In oil-bearing zones, use same rf = rmf Assumes Sxo is large and rh rmf.
Density Log Porosity-Example
The density porosity is usually calculated assuming rf = 1 gm/cc.
Compare this apparent porosity, a, to the true porosity, t , that
corresponds to a bulk density of 2.1 gm/cc in the following:
(1). a water-bearing sandstone invaded by a mud filtrate of 1.05 gm/cc
density
rma rb 2.65 2.1
33.3%
a r r 2.65 1.0
ma f
rma rb 2.65 2.1
34.4%
t r r 2.65 1.05
ma f
Density Log Porosity-Example
The density porosity is usually calculated assuming rf = 1 gm/cc.
Compare this apparent porosity, a, to the true porosity, t , that
corresponds to a bulk density of 2.1 gm/cc in the following:
rma rb 2.65 2.1
33.3%
a r r 2.65 1.0
ma f
(2). a 0.8 gm/cc oil-bearing sandstone characterized by Sor = 30%.
rf Sxo rmf (1 Sxo ) rh
0.7 *1.05 0.3 * 0.8
0.975
r rb 2.65 2.1
ma 32.8%
t r r 2.65 0 .975
ma f
Density Log Porosity-Example
The density porosity is usually calculated assuming rf = 1 gm/cc.
Compare this apparent porosity, a, to the true porosity, t , that
corresponds to a bulk density of 2.1 gm/cc in the following:
rma rb 2.65 2.1
33.3%
a r r 2.65 1.0
ma f
(3). a low pressure gas-bearing sandstone with 30% residual gas
saturation.
rf Sxo rmf (1 Sxo ) rh
0.7 *1.05 0.3* 0
0.735
r rb 2.65 2.1
ma 28.7%
t r
ma rf 2.65 0.735
Density Log Porosity-Example
The density porosity is usually calculated assuming rf = 1 gm/cc.
Compare this apparent porosity, a, to the true porosity, t , that
corresponds to a bulk density of 2.1 gm/cc in the following:
rma rb 2.65 2.1
33.3%
a r r 2.65 1.0
ma f
(4). a change in matrix density to 2.68 gm/cc.
r rb 2.68 2.1
ma 34.5%
t r r 2.68 1.0
ma f
Density Log
Example:
rmf = 1.1 gm/cc
rma = 2.71 gm/cc (reference)
rb = 2.81 A
Porosity?
rb = 2.68 B
rb = 2.40 C
Density Log LDT - measurement
Photoelectric absorption depends on both re and the average atomic number
of the formation.
Two independent parameters, re and U, are measured in a low energy window
Density Log LDT - measurement
The absorption rate depends on the absorption coefficient per electron (Pe) and re;
barns barns electrons
U Pe * re
cm 3 electron cm 3
Substitute for electron density,
1.0704 U
Pe
r b 0.1883
Density Log LDT - measurement
Advantage:
The Pe curve distinguishes mineralogy regardless of porosity and fluid type in
the pore space.
Common Pe values:
quartz 1.81
calcite 5.08
dolomite 3.14
anhydrite 5.05
Density Log
LDT Example
rmf = 1.0 gm/cc
Zone X
Pe = ? rma = ?
rb = ? = ?
Zone Y
Pe = ? rma = ?
rb = ? = ?
Dog Canyon (Wolfcamp) Field
Density Log Blackbird BKR St #2
Pe curve
Density Log LDT/FDC comparison
LDT
Detector counts high energy gamma rays (compton scattering) and low
energy region (photoelectric effect)
Measures both bulk density and Pe
Pe is strong function of matrix
Lower statistical variation
Better vertical resolution
FDC
Detects only high energy gamma rays
Measures only bulk density
Strong function of porosity, matrix, and fluids
Density Log
Overpressured shale
Normal
Pressure
gradient
Overpressured
Density Log References
Bassiouni, Z: Theory, Measurement, and Interpretation of Well Logs, SPE Textbook
Series, Vol. 4, (1994)
Chapter 2, Sec 6 8
Chapter 8
Schlumberger, Log Interpretation Charts, Houston, TX (1995)
Schlumberger, Log Interpretation and Principles, Houston, TX (1989)
Western Atlas, Log Interpretation Charts, Houston, TX (1992)
Western Atlas, Introduction to Wireline Log Analysis, Houston, TX (1995)
Halliburton, Openhole Log Analysis and Formation Evaluation, Houston, TX (1991)
Halliburton, Log Interpretation Charts, Houston, TX (1991)
Teague (Mckee) Field
Density Log La Munyon #76
0 10
Caliper
Pe curve
