Well Logging
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
The course unit aims at giving the students the basic knowledge on integrated methods of acquisition and interpretation of well logging, to investigate the physico-chemical properties of rocks.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and comprehension capacity. The student will know the basic of design, execution and interpretation of well logs.
Capacity of applying knowledge and comprehension. The student will be able to establish acquisition methods and the equipment necessary for the interpretation of well logs in different geological contexts and to provide a basic interpretation of the acquired data.
Autonomy of judgment. The student will be able to autonomously establish the optimal choices for achieving the objectives of the petrophysical survey during the acquisition and processing of well data;
Communication skills. The student will be able to describe the fundamental principles of the methods and the work done with appropriate technical language.
The student will acquire skills that will enable him to autonomously improve his scientific and professional preparation in order to maintain an adequate level of skills with continuing education methods in a disciplinary field in rapid technological evolution.
Capacity of applying knowledge and comprehension. The student will be able to establish acquisition methods and the equipment necessary for the interpretation of well logs in different geological contexts and to provide a basic interpretation of the acquired data.
Autonomy of judgment. The student will be able to autonomously establish the optimal choices for achieving the objectives of the petrophysical survey during the acquisition and processing of well data;
Communication skills. The student will be able to describe the fundamental principles of the methods and the work done with appropriate technical language.
The student will acquire skills that will enable him to autonomously improve his scientific and professional preparation in order to maintain an adequate level of skills with continuing education methods in a disciplinary field in rapid technological evolution.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
1. Introduction to well logging and objectives of well acquisitions
o The physico-chemical properties of the rocks to be measured through the use of well logs
2. Surface Logging:
o General: service objectives, structure, parameters acquired and processed data
o Data acquisition system
o Equipment for the control of drilling and safety parameters
o Methodologies and equipment for the collection of geological data: cuttings analysis, formation fluids...
o Detection of gaseous manifestations: type of events, instruments used on site (gas trap, gas line, analyzers)
o Analysis of non-hydrocarbon gases (CO2 - H2S)
o Surface logging data processing, analysis and interpretation for formation evaluation purposes
3. Core Logging:
o General: objectives of the coring service (coring)
o Different types of coring: conventional core drilling vs sidewall coring
o Equipment used in core drilling operations
o Methods of preservation and stabilization of surface cores
o Types of analysis carried out on core samples: geological and laboratory analysis
o Benefits of proper activity planning: from coring protocol to laboratory feedback
o Core drilling strategies in different geological environments
4. Geophysical Logging
o Geophysical logs objectives and different acquisition modes (wireline/while drilling)
o Lithological logs (Spontaneous Potential, Gamma Ray, Spectral Gamma Ray, Elemental Spectroscopy)
o Resistivity logs (Laterolog & Spherically Phocused Log, Induction...)
o Porosity logs (Neutron, Density, Sonic and NMR)
o Image logs and direct pressure measurements
o Calculation methods of the main reservoir parameters (mineralogy, porosity and saturation in fluids in various lithological contexts)
5. Integration of log data and Artificial Intelligence to support the interpretation of well data
o Lithology and type of fluid
o Virtual Logs
o Automated correlations between wells
o The physico-chemical properties of the rocks to be measured through the use of well logs
2. Surface Logging:
o General: service objectives, structure, parameters acquired and processed data
o Data acquisition system
o Equipment for the control of drilling and safety parameters
o Methodologies and equipment for the collection of geological data: cuttings analysis, formation fluids...
o Detection of gaseous manifestations: type of events, instruments used on site (gas trap, gas line, analyzers)
o Analysis of non-hydrocarbon gases (CO2 - H2S)
o Surface logging data processing, analysis and interpretation for formation evaluation purposes
3. Core Logging:
o General: objectives of the coring service (coring)
o Different types of coring: conventional core drilling vs sidewall coring
o Equipment used in core drilling operations
o Methods of preservation and stabilization of surface cores
o Types of analysis carried out on core samples: geological and laboratory analysis
o Benefits of proper activity planning: from coring protocol to laboratory feedback
o Core drilling strategies in different geological environments
4. Geophysical Logging
o Geophysical logs objectives and different acquisition modes (wireline/while drilling)
o Lithological logs (Spontaneous Potential, Gamma Ray, Spectral Gamma Ray, Elemental Spectroscopy)
o Resistivity logs (Laterolog & Spherically Phocused Log, Induction...)
o Porosity logs (Neutron, Density, Sonic and NMR)
o Image logs and direct pressure measurements
o Calculation methods of the main reservoir parameters (mineralogy, porosity and saturation in fluids in various lithological contexts)
5. Integration of log data and Artificial Intelligence to support the interpretation of well data
o Lithology and type of fluid
o Virtual Logs
o Automated correlations between wells
Prerequisites for admission
Basic knowledge of geology and physics.
Teaching methods
Frontal lectures in classroom, with discussion on field data.
Teaching Resources
The On-line Mud Logging Handbook (Alun Whittaker)
Well Logging and Formation Evaluation (Toby Darling)
Fundamentals of Well-Log Interpretation (O. Serra)
Well Logging and Formation Evaluation (Toby Darling)
Fundamentals of Well-Log Interpretation (O. Serra)
Assessment methods and Criteria
Oral exam, during which the student must demonstrate his/her knowledge on the topics of the course unit and the ability to discuss and solve problems being presented. The final score will be expressed in thirtieth.
Professor(s)