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Production Logging techniques and Interpretation of resulted figure: A case

study of a gas field Iran

Conference Paper · May 2015

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 The 4th conference of Petroleum Engineers and the upstream industry
1 May 28,2015, Tehran, Iran

Production Logging techniques and Interpretation of

resulted figure: A case study of a gas field Iran
Saead.shad1 ,Raouf.Jalilolghadr ardabili2 , Mahmood.Parhizgar3

Abstract:
Traditionally, logging tools have been used to characterize formation and wellbore prior to
the completion. However, studying and characterizing the reservoir during production can
play a vital role in improving reservoir performance and production optimization.
Production logging techniques are developed to assist with allocation of production to
different zones as well as and diagnosing the production problems such as leaks or cross
flow. This paper provides a review of such technology and tools used to conduct the
production logging aiming at providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of
production logging tools and sensors. In addition, in order to provide a better understanding
of interpretation techniques and applications analysis of different cases of production logs
is provided. Specifically, production log data from a gas field in Iran has been reviewed,
analyzed and interpreted. The result of the study shows the importance of proper analysis
and interpretation of such logs.
Key words: PLT, Spinner, GHOST, Flowview probes, Jetting effect, Cross flow

1- Ph.D., Petroleum Engineering, Assistant of Professor, Sharif University Technology

2- Student of MSc. Petroleum Drilling Engineering, Sharif University of Technology
3- Student of MSc. Petroleum Drilling Engineering, Sharif University of Technology
 2

Introduction:
Reservoir management and production optimization strongly relies on gathering
accurate reservoir and fluid data. Such characterization can be done by means of
different tools or techniques. An example of such methods is the production logging
technique. Production logs are simply a wide range of sensors, measurement tools
that in combination with proper methods of analyzing can be used reservoir
management team including drilling engineers, production engineers and reservoir
engineers. [5]
Production logs were first used in 1930's for measuring the temperature of wells but
over the decades other measurements such as pressure, fluid density and hold up
were developed.[5]
Production Log’s Application:
In general, production log’s application can be divided into the following two major
categories: [5]
a)Performance evaluation: Evaluation of the well performance according to the
dynamics of the reservoir.
b)Diagnostic applications: Analyzing the mechanical problems of the well such as
casing leak and etc.

 In addition, other more recent application of such logging tool consists of the
following: Evaluating the integrity of well completions
 Locating the the zones that produce water
 Calibration of the simulation models of reservoir
 Stating the Flow regime at the downhole

When do we run the Production Logging?

Making the decision about applying the production logging technique strongly
depends on the economic analysis of the reservoir. However, in general this
technique can be applied in the following scenarios. [7],[3]

1. Production logging may be used in new wells in order to evaluate the initia l
production and to survey the integrity of completion method applied to the well.
For instance it shows whether there is a flow behind a casing or not.
2. A well with sudden or drastic reduction of production or increase in GOR or water
cut is a good candidate for the production log.
3. PL should be run periodically to determine problems such as gas or water coning
or fingering before serious reduction in production occurs.
4. In injectors, knowledge and control of injected fluids entry points to the formatio n,
plays a critical role in whether the injection project will be successful or not. Such
information can be used in order to prevent flooding of undesired layers or locations
that may lead to serious problems such as casing annulus cross flow, creation of
 3

unswept and trapped hydro carbonites and water-wet damaged formatio ns.
Therefore, production logging technique can be applied to the injection wells in
order to achive a better understanding of the injection process and its potential
issues.

Production Logging Tools

This section provides readers with a brief review of most common measurement
tools in production logs:
1. Spinner velocity tools
Fluid velocity usually is measured with a spinner flow meter (a rotating blade that
turns when fluids past it). In Ideal conditions, rotational speed of the blade measured
in round per second (RPS) depends on fluid velocity and friction in spinner bearings
and effects of fluid viscosity results in nonlinear responses in velocity that needs
measurement calibration. This calibration is done by upward and downward passes
in varying logging speeds. Before calculating the absolute fluid velocity, spinner
velocity is corrected for relative tools speed.[1]
Because of friction near the pipe wall, absolute fluid velocity is not equal to average
speed of passing fluid in the pipe. After obtaining the correction factors, engineers
convert the spinner speed to average speed (using computer modeling) which
provides fluid velocity profile passing through pipe diameter. Fullbore Spinner,
Continuous spinner and flow scanner mini spinner are few models of spinners.
Fullbore Spinner (according to its name) doesn't cover the whole pipe cross section.

(Fig. 1) usually fullbore spinners don't sweep more than 40% of cross section of
casing and also don't have a progressive pitch. [1]

(Fig. 1) fullbore spinners

 4

Continuous spinner (tubing spinner) has a progressive pitch which is more

effective in extracting Energy from well fluids (therefore, Spinner Threshold, the
minimum speed required for spinner to begin spinning, is reduced.) (Fig. 2) . [1]

(Fig.2) Continuous spinner

Flow scanner mini spinner is used in Horizontal Wells. This spinner records the velocity
on vertical axis of pipe (Fig. 3).[1]

(Fig.3) Mini spinner

2. Gradiomanometer Measurement:
This tool determines the fluid density inside tubing and casing pipes which is
currently is used by Schlumberger Company based on Bellows Method that
measures the density of fluid in the pipe by upper bellows but with low
accuracy(Fig.4). [1]
 5

(Fig.4) Gradiomanometer Measurement

3. Probe hold up measurement:

Probe measurements were used for measuring velocity, temperature and hold up
under various conditions, but in downhole of oil and gas wells, only probe hold up
was registered. [5]
For two phase flows, fluid density can be used to measure the hold up. When
there is a multi-phase flow, probe is used to measure the hold up. (In two phase
flow, probes can be used too.) [1]
 Two common probes for measuring the Holdup are:
GHOST (Gas Hold-up Optical Sensor Tool): This tool senses the difference in
optical reflectance and with measuring the reflected light from fluid, Measures the
hold up. In fact, GHOST uses reflective index of gas, oil and water to distinguish
gas from liquids (Fig .5). [1]
In the absence of gas, this tool can be used to determine the water hold up.
The function of this tool is that the light created by LED passes through Y
Coupler and eventually reaches the optical probe made of synthetic sapphire
crystal (Fig .6). With total interior reflection, light beam is focused on the tip of
the probe. If the reflective index of well fluid is high enough, light escapes from
the probe. The light trapped is returned to photodiode by Y coupler and is
converted to Voltage. The relation between photodiode voltage and reflective
index can be seen in (figure.7). [1]
6

(Fig.5) GHOST probe response whit refractive index

(Fig-6) optical path of GHOST light beam

 7

(Fig-7) Photodiode voltage as a function of refractive index

 Water hold up probes: This tool uses electrical conductivity of water to

distinguish water and hydrocarbons. [1]
According to Figure (8, 9), in water continuous phase, current is sent from the tip
of the Probe and returns to the body of the tool. Now if an oil droplet sits on the tip
of the probe, circuit is broken and the probe distinguishes the Oil. In Oil Continuous
phase there is no current between tip of the probe and body of the tool. If a water
droplet sits on the tip of the probe, it can not create a circuit but if this droplet sits
between electrical probe and ground wire, there will be a current.
Floview probes (or hold-up measurements probes) are used in PFCSs, DEFTs
(Digital Entry and Fluid Imaging Tools) and Flow Scanner Production Logging
Tools. PFCS and DEFT each has four floview probes installed on arms of a four
blade centralizer. Position of Probes can be adjusted from the surface and therefore
be closer or farther to pipe wall. Figure (10) shows possible PFCS and DEFT Probe
positions of in 6-in. Pipe. Also figure (11) shows flow scanner probe position in 6-
in. pipe. [5],[4]
8

(Fig.8) operation of the flowview water holdup

probe (water-continuous phase)

(Fig.9) operation of the flowview water holdup

probe (oil-continuous phase)
9

(Fig.10) Possible PFCS and DEFT

probe positions in 6- in-ID pipe

(Fig.11) Flow scanner probe position

in 6-in-ID pipe
 10

4. Dielectric Hold-up:
This tool is used for determining the ratio of various fluids in cross section of tubing
and casing pipes. This tool has been in use by Schlumberger Company recently but
is known as a hold up meter. Figure .12 shows the pass in the system. More
advanced tools use single or multiple tools which have an oscillator that with
change in electrical Capacity, create frequency.(Fig.12). [6]

(Fig.12) Schematic of flow-through

dielectric hold up meter

5. Manometer for pressure

Down hole pressure data can be obtained by various techniques. In modern
production logging tool strings, we have three kind of pressure gauges [1]:
 Strain
 Sapphire Strain
 Quartz

Few of the wellbore pressure data applications are [5]:

 Determine well stability at time of logging
 Estimating reservoir pressure
 Calculating fluid density
 Obtaining key parameters of reservoir by running transient rate analyses
 Predicting downhole PVT characteristics
 11

6. Thermometer for temperature

Temperature is usually present in all production logs. Few of the applications of
temperature data are [1],[5]:
 Quality flow analysis
 Evaluation of integrity of completion wells
 Diagnosing casing leaks
 Identifying flow from behind the pipe channels.

Temperature Sensor or resistance temperature detector usually consists of a

platinum Wire. Change in temperature causes a change in resistance, which is
calibrated and is converted to temperature.

7. Differential Pressure Techniques:

This tool works on the difference of pressures in diaphragms of the tool that is
measured by a sensor. This sensor is connected to fluids in the well by two silicon
oil filled tubes. As you can see in the figure, first external pressure part, (ρa )is as
high as differential strain gauge, second external pressure part( ρ b) is higher than
differential strain gauge by h.(Fig.13). [1]

(Fig.13) Differential Pressure

gradiomanometer schematic
12

Water production problem: Production logging is usually run when water

production in oil and gas wells is high, because water production, decreases oil
production and the production is no longer Economical. PL diagnoses the areas
where water penetrated the perforation to the well or through the physical holes and
helps to reduce the water production by suggesting detouring or blocking the
perforation. [6]

Inordinate gas output: inordinate gas production delimitates oil flow movement
and therefore reduction in oil production which makes the whole process
uneconomical. So Production logging is run to determine the location in the well
where gas is leaked so the production engineer can determine a new location for
detouring the perforations or gas-free oil production. [6]

(Fig.14) water breakthrough (fingering) in high permeability layers

Example 1: water and oil production

High water production with oil reduces oil production so before oil companies have
a program for repair this problem they run PL to determine the water production
area and then decide whether the project is economical at all. For repair this problem
they either block the well or change the location of perforation. [6]

Figure (15) is a combination of spinner curves and other sensors. Information

obtained from spinner flowmeter includes:
 In-flow profile
 Density
 Fluid capacitance and
 Oil-water mixture in different depths.
13

These curves heavily show us that we expect a two phase oil-water current. Change
in scales of sensor curves of Density, Pressure, Temperature and Capacitance has
expanded and is shown diminished. Density scale is between 1-1.4 g/cc which is
not of a high quality and it's hard to determine the small changes. Temperature
sensor shows us the point of inflow and gamma ray curve sensor shows us the
location with high radio activity associated with water output. Spinner curve shows
the fluid velocity in well which can determine the layers with high permeability. In
this case in depth of 11860 feet that we have high permeability,there is jetting effect.
As you can see the location of jetting effect is shown on the spinner curve. [6]

Example 2: high water production with sand

Water output with sand reduces the oil production or even blocks it
completely because of the sand. For determining the location of this problem
we have to run the PL. As we can see in the 5050 feet depth we have blast
joint which has caused the blocking of perforation that reduced the spinner
speed to the point that the rate of water production is 85 percent of the whole
production (Fig.16). [6]

(Fig.15) composite PL log

14

(Fig.16) Hole in blast joint

Commentary:
Two figures below are for production logs of one of the well in gas field Iran, one in
Shut-in condition and the other in flowing condition. This well is perforated in 5
intervals; 2700-2709, 2720-2748, 2815-3004, 3035-3083 and 3101.5-3111 meters
which are visible in the chart. Also noted that positive flow rate is flow from reservoir
to the well and negative flow rate is flow from well to the reservoir.
Figure 17 is for Shut-in condition with and as for figure it’s understood that we have
significant cross flow happening in the two lower intervals and injected to the three
upper intervals. Most of flow is injected to interval of 2700-2709m.
Figure 18 is for flowing condition. As for the figure it's understood that most of the
gas output is from Interval of 3016-3083 meters. Water is observed in the system
in interval of 2905-2995m. (This case can be detected by increase in water hold up
and therefore increase in density). Also there is cross flow in flowing. condition but
its amount is insignificant compared to the output. (In intervals of 2720-2748 and
2815-3004 meters.)
15

(fig.17)-Shut-in flow profile.[2]

16

(fig.18)-flowing flow profile [2]

 17

Conclusion:

In this paper Some PL techniques, measurement tools and also interpretation of log
that had been run. Moreover, data of one of the gas well of gas field Iran have been
run and interpretated it.
Some of the results of different parts of paper have been discussed below:
 It is common that we run three passes in PL program with speeds of 30, 60 and
90ft/min. If the interval of well logging is so long, speeds(downwad and upward
speeds) will be increased. In addition, one of the passes can be negligible in order
to reduce logging costs.( two passes with speeds of 60 and 120 ft/min)
 Cause of running passes for several times in an upward and downward way is
spinner calibration. Only one downward passes adequate to calculate pressure,
temperature, density, probe holdup, GR and so forth.
 It is probable that one of the reason of logging in shut-in condition is cross flow
detection. We can conclude it by considering significant cross flow in comparing
of figures 17 and 18.
 According to figures 17 and 18, it is possible to conclude that none of interval
perforations don’t need to be closed. It is distinguished from no observation of
significant water cut.

References:
1. Colin WH(2013).Fundamentals of Production Logging,Schlumberger,Houston,Texas.
2. Production Logging Data(2008),Gas field of Iran.
3. Whittaker,A.C.,Lenn,C.P,and Hammond ,P.:”Improving M ultiphase Production Logging answers with the
M ass-Fraction Spinner Response M odel for gas-liquid flows,” petrophysics (Aprill 2006) 47 ,No.2,120-
128;originally presented at the SPWLA 46 th annual logging Symposium, New Orleans, Louisiana, USA (June
26-29,2005), paper NN.
4. Jackson,R.R,Ayan,C.,and Wakefield,J.;’Flow Diagnosis and Production Evaluation in High
Flowrate Oil-Watr Procedures Using optical –Fibre Holdup Sensors,” paper SPE 71727
presented at the SPE annual technical conference and exhibition , New Orleans , Louisiana, USA
(September 30 –October 3, 2001).
5. M akerji PA. (2013) . principles of production logging,Schlumberger.
6. Standard length and short compact production logging tool string user guide, Sondex (2006)
7. Bamforth ST, Besson CH, Stephenson, Whittaker Co., Brown GE. (1996), Revitalizing Production logging.
Cambridge, England

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