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