Information-gathering During Well Construction

ML ML
Surface MWD Sub-Surface

OH
LWD Logging
Completion
Depth

Cased Hole
Testing Logging

Seconds Minutes / Hours Days / Weeks Months

Time
Formation Evaluation
Geological Data

Lithological Examination

 Unwashed -- under UV light for hydrocarbon fluorescence

 Washed – Under UV light & solvent test
 Washed – Under microscope, geologic description
 Geochemical -- unwashed and sealed in tins
 Calcimetry
 Shale Density
 Thin Section (optional)
 Core chip examination (optional)
Sampling

Sampling Intervals
The geologic prognosis for the well normally lists sampling and log
requirements for the Client, partners and other interested parties. Note that
many geologic prognoses list more than one sampling interval, depending
on depth:
* Ten meters (thirty feet) for shallow formations
* Three meters (ten feet) for deeper formations
* One meter (three or five feet) for reservoir zones.
In addition to the interval samples, ‘spot’ samples may be requested at any
time by drilling and/or geological personnel.
If sampling requirements from more than one source result in a conflict,
the Client (through the project Geologist) has priority.
Sampling

Sample Collection
Sample Catching Arrangement
Mud Box
(possum
belly)
Flow Control
Gates

Coarse
Solids
Fine Screen
Solids
Discharge Mud and fine
solids
Coarse Board or Plate
Solids (emergency use)
Discharge

5 gallon Pail
(best results)
Sampling

Rules for Good Sampling

• Bottomhole cuttings are only 3mm or less in diameter. In nearly all
cases, larger fragments are cavings.
• Samples must be correctly lagged. It usually does not make much
difference if a sample is caught a minute or two early or late, but being
off by 10 minutes or more will make the sample information worthless.
• Samples must represent the entire interval being drilled (except for spot
samples, by definition). If the sample is collected directly from the
shaker screens, it will only represent a small fraction of the drilled
interval.
• Always report samples honestly. If a sample was missed, report it as
such and do not ‘make up’ samples to cover up a missed interval.
Sampling

Sample Collection
As the table below shows, the size of a sample is very small in relation to
the amount of cuttings produced. This is why it is important that the
sample be representative of the entire interval.
Volume of Cuttings Produced for Each 3m of Hole
Hole Size (in.) M3 Litres Gallons
6 0.0548 54.8 12.05
7 0.0746 74.6 16.4
8-1/2 0.1133 113.3 24.92
3m 12-1/4 0.2331 233.1 51.27

Sample Size % of total volume

Hole Size sample represents
355 ml
6 0.64%
7 0.48%
8-1/2 0.31%
12-1/4 0.15%

After Engen, CWLS Insite, June 2004

Sampling

Sample Collection
The best way to ensure that a representative interval is collected is to place
a bucket at the end of the shakers and allow a trickle of cuttings to flow
into it. If the bucket is correctly positioned, it should be nearly full at the
time of sample collection; if not, reposition it until you obtain the desired
results.
When collecting the resulting samples, make sure to get materials from all
layers in the bucket, not just the top or bottom.
Always completely empty the bucket before positioning it for the next
sample.
Geological Data

Washing, Grading, Sieve 2 (or 5) mm

Cavings?
Analysis Raw Sample
Sieve 0.25 mm

Washing
Sieve 0.063 mm

Drying
Washing

 Sample Grading and splitting

Geologic description Fluoroscope Reference

Sample Set
Microscope
Direct/‘cut’ fluorescence
Calcimetry
Shale Density Calcimetry
Shale Density
Thin Section (optional) Shale Factor

 Core chip examination (optional) Geochemical Washed

and Dried
Unwashed wet
Sampling

Analytical Solutions
Item Purpose
Acid, hydrochloric (HCl), 10% and 50% carbonate, anhydrite detection in samples
solution in water
Acid, nitric (HNO 3) Lignite/coal testing
Alizarin Red S dye (solution of Alizarin carbonate detection by staining
Red with HCl and potassium
ferricyanide K3Fe(CN)6, in water)
Barium Chloride (BaCl2), solution in test for presence of sulfates
distilled water
Calcium carbonate (CaCO3), 100%, reference for manocalcimeter calibration
powdered
Chlorothene (1,1,1 trichloroethane) solvent for detection of hydrocarbon fluorescence
Isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol wetting agent
(CH3CHOHCH3)
Phenolphthalein cement identification in samples
Potassium chromate (K2CrO4), solution titration of salts
in distilled water
Silver nitrate (AgNO3), solution in qualitative testing for chlorides
distilled water
Sampling

Sample Washing

If water-based mud is in use, the usual practice is to wash the

samples at the mud logging cabin sink. A gentle stream of
water should be used to clean the sample to limit the washing
away of unconsolidated materials.
When oil-based mud is in use, the cuttings should be washed
in a well-ventilated area outside the cabin. At least two baths
containing base fluid should be prepared: one as an initial
wash, the second as a final wash. An additional rinse with a
detergent solution may be required.

Photo: G. G. Haines
Sampling

Measuring Clay Washouts

Place 50 cc of unwashed sample in a graduated cylinder. Empty the

contents of the cylinder into the top (5 mm) sieve, and wash until all
drilling mud residue is gone.
After washing, return the remaining contents of the 2 mm, 0.25 mm
and 0.063 mm sieves to the graduated cylinder; throw away the
contents of the 5 mm seive.
Obtain the difference between the original and the resulting volume,
then convert to a percentage; this is the percentage of clays
‘washouts’.
Sampling

Cuttings Size/Shape
Appearance of shale cavings resulting from Underbalance
or Undercompaction

Concave cross-section , elongated, flaky

Appearance of shale cavings resulting from Stress Effects

Blocky with micro fissures

Cuttings shape is not a definite indication of abnormal pressure.

Sampling

Coring
For Geoservices, general core processing duties include:
1. Assist in recovery of core from core barrel
2. Transport sections of core to processing area
3. Examine, fit and mark core pieces
4. Analyse and log lithology
5. Seal core pieces and package them for transport
The Geological Well Plan normally specifies coring requirements.
Conventional coring, due to the expense, is a contingency operation for
most wells. As a general rule, the decision to core is the responsibility of
the Well Site Geologist.
Sampling

Coring

During coring, the Mud Loggers:

* Collect circulated (spot) samples for geologic control
* Monitor drilling parameters for signs of problems down hole.
While coring, the mud flow is reduced from normal drilling levels, so the lag time
must be adjusted to allow for the increased bottom's up time. The core bit cuts
reduced cross section of formation, so the amount of sample recovered per unit of
depth is much smaller than for conventional drilling.
Sampling

Coring
Minimum equipment required for processing conventional unsleeved cores:
1. Core boxes 1 meter (or 3 feet) in length, wooden (preferred) or cardboard
2. Boxes or trays for transport of core segments from drill floor to processing area
3. UV light box with detachable light assembly
4. Rags to wipe excess mud off core
5. Geologist's hammer
6. Aluminium foil to wrap core sections
7. Paraffin wax or low-melting-point plastic for sealing of foil-wrapped core sections
8. Wax bath or other heating system to melt the sealing material
9. Plastic bags and closures for rubble, and for sample chips taken by the Well Site Geologist
10. Permanent marking pens, red and black
11. Padding to protect the core sections while in transit.
Sampling

Retrieving Sleeved Cores

In this case, a core specialist will be on duty to supervise the retrieval operation. The
core is laid down in one piece, on the pipe rack. The drilling crew will rig up a
system to pump the sleeved core out of the barrel. The core specialist will cut off
segments as they are pumped out of the barrel; the retrieval crew will recover the
sections and lay them out in boxes or trays as described previously.
Sampling

Measuring and Marking Core

1. Before marking, wipe down the core with rags to remove residual mud from the surface.
2. Fit the core segments together; estimate space occupied by rubble between corresponding
ends of segments; note nature of fit:
-- Good fit - no marking necessary
-- Poor fit - one chevron pointing toward top of core on either side of break
-- No fit - two chevrons pointing toward top of core on either side of break
3. When core has been assembled, strap core with measuring tape; the unrecovered interval is
assumed to be at the bottom unless known otherwise
4. Inscribe core with depths (every 0.5 meter or 1 foot) and orientation lines, using permanent
marking pens; orientation is indicated by parallel lines, red to left and black to right, scribed
from top to bottom
5. Mark top of core with 'T' and bottom with 'B'
6. Calculate recovered interval:

Length of recovered segments

% Recovery = x 100
Cored interval length
Sampling
Recovery Transport Examination, Boxing for
Coring from
Core Barrel
to Mud
Logging Unit
Fitting,
Marking
Transport
(after waxing
or sealing)
Top
The minimum core analysis
performed at the well site
includes physical examination
of the core surface, taking of
chips for lithological
description, and testing for
presence of hydrocarbons
(under normal and UV light).
If the core is sleeved, samples
can only be taken from the end
of each cut section. The Well
Site Geologist and Mud
Loggers will compile a core
description log based on the
examination.
(+Core Log)
Bottom