SHALY SAND EXAMPLE – Depths in Feet (Logs above were in

meters)
RAW DATA PICKS
Shale Properties:
Gamma Ray clean line (GR0) ___22___ api units
Gamma Ray shale line (GR100) ___105___ api units
SP clean line (SP0) ____14___ mv
SP shale line (SP100) ____78___ mv
Density shale line (PHIDSH) __0.03___
Neutron shale line (PHINSH) __0.26___
Sonic shale line (DTCSH) ___NA___ us/m
Resistivity shale line (RSH) ___20____ ohm-m
Resistivity of Water Zone (R0) ___2.7___ ohm-m

Log Data Values for Layers A: Sh Sd B: Oil C: Water

Layer Top __3364_ _3499_ _3512__
feet
Layer Bottom __3406_ _3512_ _3530__
feet
Deep Resistivity RESD ___20__ __100_ __2.7___
ohm-m
Neutron Porosity PHIN __0.24__ __0.27_ __0.24_
Density Porosity PHID __0.12__ __0.22_ __0.19_
Sonic Travel Time DTC __NA____ __NA__ __NA__
usec/m
Gamma
Ray GR __75____ __25__ ___30__ api units
Spontaneous
Potential SP __55____ __23__ ___15__ mv
Photo Electric Effect PE __3.4___ __2.0__ ___2.0__
cu
Caliper CAL __8.5__ __7.7__ ___7.7__
inches

When using computers, log data is usually digitized at an increment much finer than the tool
resolution. Thus answers are calculated even on slopes and in thin beds. Understanding such
results usually requires some thought. Again, be sure to pick the correct curve from the data
file.

GENERAL RULES FOR PICKING LOG VALUES

In order to perform a log analysis, it is necessary to read or pick log values in the various
zones of interest, and other key locations, such as in shale or water bearing zones. Selections
should be made on a consistent basis from day to day to assist reproducibility of results.

In computer aided log analysis, picks are made continuously with a digitizer or by reading
magnetic tapes created when the logs were recorded. Such data tends to be more accurate
than hand picked values. Accuracy can be a hindrance on noisy logs, rounded bed boundaries,
or in large or rough holes. Some editing or curve shaping may be required prior to digitizing,
hand picking data, or using tape-recorded data.

To select a log value it is helpful, especially for the novice, to "box the log". Draw horizontal
lines at each bed boundary, at the inflection points on each curve. In thinner beds, draw
vertical lines on each curve at the peaks and valleys, thus transforming the log into a series of
individual beds with a single specific log reading. Pick peaks or valleys in thin beds to get the
best possible values.

On thicker beds, draw a line through the average value of the curve. It is necessary to create a
new bed or layer each time the porosity changes by 2% (porosity units), or when resistivity or
gamma ray change by more than 10% (relative units)

The rule is to draw bed boundaries at the top and bottom of each clean zone, then draw
boundaries at the porosity breaks within each clean zone. Finally draw any new boundaries
needed to accommodate resistivity changes, which usually represent oil or gas water
interfaces. The major interval between the top and bottom boundary of a relatively clean rock is
called a ZONE. Each boundary inside a ZONE defines a LAYER of rock. Each layer will be
analyzed separately by picking log values for each layer, called "Reading the Log"..

This concept is shown on the log at the right.

For thick layers, pick average values. For porosity,

gamma ray, laterolog, and array induction logs,
"thick" means more than 6 feet (2 meters). For older
style induction logs, "thick means greater than 15 feet
(5 meters).

In thick beds, pick average values

(heavy black vertical lines) =

Old style induction log, layer roughly

15 feet (5 meters), pick peaks and valleys;
other logs, pick averages =
 = Thin beds, < 6 feet (2 meters),
pick peaks on porosity logs. If there are
high porosity streaks, treat them as
individual layers. Average values will
severely underestimate permeability and
productivity. 90% of the production in
this zone comes from layer B.

Unless absolutely necessary, values

should not be selected on slopes.
Slopes indicate transition from one
condition, such as porosity or
hydrocarbon content, to another.
Average values, halfway along the slope
may be meaningful, but can also be
misleading. Do not select values in thin beds unless you are also prepared to make bed
thickness corrections.

PICKING FLUID, MATRIX, and SHALE PARAMETERS

The methods for selecting petrophysical parameters depends on whether knowledge of fluid,
matrix, or shale values is needed.

Fluid values for various analysis methods are generally obtained in a laboratory environment
and adjusted for temperature, pressure, and salinity as required. They cannot generally be
picked directly from logs.

Matrix rock values are normally available from handbooks or data tables. The numbers usually
represent log readings for pure minerals, which rarely exist in real situations. The values may
also be found by inspecting logs if relatively pure, zero porosity zones are present. Some
crossplots may assist in finding matrix parameters.

Due to varying shale compositions, shale values are not as well known or as constant as for
other rock minerals. They are often found by inspecting logs in a shale bed near the zone being
interpreted. Some crossplots may assist in finding matrix parameters.
In order to pick a parameter, the expected values must be known approximately. Only then is it
possible to determine if the value seen on the log or the crossplot is reasonable and
representative of the parameter required. This may involve evaluating several wells to gain
confidence in making assumptions.

Suggested methods for selecting parameters through log inspection are illustrated below and
in the following discussion.

1. Shale resistivity is the average value of the deepest resistivity curve reading in shale, 20 feet
or more thick, below the zone in question. If the well does not penetrate a shale below the zone
of interest, or if a major geological boundary is crossed, use the shale immediately above the
zone.

2. Resistivity in a water zone is the lowest value of the deepest resistivity curve reading in a
water zone, 20 feet or more thick, below the zone to be interpreted. The value may be slightly to
2 or 3 times too high. It is used to determine water resistivity for water saturation calculations.

3. It is usually impossible to obtain matrix values from observation of log data alone. Matrix
values for the sonic, density, and neutron logs are used to correct for the effects of the varying
lithology. Find the lowest consistent value of sonic travel time, lowest density, porosity, (or
highest density), and lowest neutron porosity in the zone to be interpreted. If these values are
close to the expected matrix value for the known lithology, they may be used with caution. If
lithology is unknown, start with pure mineral values from tables.

4. Shale values for sonic, density, and neutron are determined from the average value of logs
in shales, 20 or more feet thick, below the zone to be interpreted. This applies to clean logs
without skips, spikes, and rough or large boreholes. Caution should be used since shale
properties can vary widely within a short interval. Data is used for shale corrections to porosity
calculations. Therefore, corrections may be inaccurate if shale properties vary or are poorly
chosen.

5.Gamma ray readings in shale are usually reasonably high (100 - 200 API units and lower in
sandstones and carbonates (10 - 50 API units). SP scales vary widely, but deflections to the left
usually represent sandstones and deflections to the right mean shale, except in shallow fresh
water sands. The SP is usually featureless in carbonates.

6. The gamma ray and SP clean sand and shale lines are required to allow us to find the shale
volume for use in shale corrections to porosity calculations. To determine the clean line value,
find the cleanest or least shaly zone in the entire well. Lower this value to suit the known shale
content in other zones. Caution - never push the clean line into more than 5% of the data
points. To find the shale line, draw a line through the average data value in thick shale zones.
Do not include very radioactive zones which are generally caused by uranium, and not shale
minerals. Up to 10% of the data points may be above the shale line.

EXAMPLES OF READING LOGS

Gamma ray and SP clean lines (GR0 and SP0) and shale lines (GR100 and SP100) picked for
several zones. Resistivity of shale (RSH) and resistivity of water zones (R0) are also shown.
Note variations with depth due to changing geological situations.
Sonic travel time in shale (DELTSH) also varies with depth.
 Density, neutron, and gamma ray shale properties vary with depth
As do the neutron porosity of shale (PHINSH) and density porosity of shale (PHIDSH).

If base line methods are difficult, certain crossplots may be helpful. Some analysts prefer the
crossplot method although it requires an extra computer step and is not appropriate for visual
or quick look interpretation. Crossplots also mask variations related to depth, so appropriate
zoning is required.