The Role of the Wellsite Geologist

Bill Rankin
Presenter
The Role of the Wellsite Geologist

• Introduction: Duties of the Wellsite Geologist

• The Wellsite Geologist as an Analyst

• The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

• The Wellsite Geologist as a Manager

The Role of the Wellsite Geologist

Duties of the Wellsite Geologist

 Duties of the Wellsite Geologist

To gather, supervise the acquisition of, and to interpret and evaluate geological information
at the wellsite

Manager of Wellsite Geological department

Geological programme for the well defines

responsibilities and authority
 Duties of the Wellsite Geologist

Geophysics
Geochemistry

Core Drilling
Laboratory

Biostratigraphy
Geophysics Geology

Petrophysics

Operations
Geologist

Wellsite Wellsite
Geologist Contractors

Wellsite
Drilling
 Duties of the Wellsite Geologist

Geophysics HSE
Geochemistry

Legal
Core Drilling
Laboratory

Accounts
Biostratigraphy
Geophysics Geology

Petrophysics Logistics

Operations
Geologist

Wellsite Wellsite
Geologist Contractors

Wellsite
Drilling
 Duties of the Wellsite Geologist

Geophysics HSE
Geochemistry

Legal
Core Drilling
Laboratory

Accounts
Biostratigraphy
Geophysics Geology

Petrophysics Logistics

Partners Operations Contractors Off-site

Geologist Management Contractors

Government Wellsite Wellsite

Geologist Contractors

Wellsite
Drilling
 Duties of the Wellsite Geologist

Work schedule
Mobilisation

First returns on exploration and appraisal wells

When running production casing above the reservoir in production wells

Two or more geologists at the wellsite

24 hour call

Post-well office work

 Duties of the Wellsite Geologist

Liaison with drilling personnel

Drilling Supervisor (DSV, “company man” or “company rep”)

Drilling Engineer

Geological advice to assist in decision making and problem solving

Rig Toolpusher and Drillers

HRH Geology Wellsite Geologist

with DSV (right), Ukraine
 Duties of the Wellsite Geologist

Working relationships with contractor personnel

Supervisor, advisor, and customer

Mud Logging (Surface Data Logging)

Wireline and Logging While Drilling (LWD)

Wellsite Biostratigraphy

Coring

Mud Engineer

Directional Driller

Casing and Cementing

 Duties of the Wellsite Geologist

Reporting

Daily Geological Report (DGR)

Morning call

Afternoon call

Ad hoc calls

End of well report

 Duties of the Wellsite Geologist

Data Dispatch
Logistics
 Duties of the Wellsite Geologist

Confidentiality

“Tight hole”

Operators typically try to prevent disclosure of results from exploration wells and will
hold any such information "tight".

A tight hole is a well whose status and data are not widely disseminated by the
Operator.
Schlumberger Oilfield Glossary

Minimise access to mud logging, LWD and wireline units

Clean desk policy in all work areas including Operator personnel offices
 Duties of the Wellsite Geologist

Health and safety

Wellsite Geologist safety responsibilities

Ugandan Health and Safety Regulation

Occupational Safety and Health Act, No. 9, 2006

https://www.ilo.org/dyn/natlex/docs/SERIAL/74417/76583/F905519210/UGA74417.pdf
 Duties of the Wellsite Geologist

Health and safety

Wellsite safety meetings

Pre-Job (“Toolbox”) meetings

Duties of the Wellsite Geologist

Any questions?
The Role of the Wellsite Geologist

The Wellsite Geologist as an Analyst

 The Wellsite Geologist as an Analyst

Basic drilling and geological data

Available from Mudlogging

Drill cuttings

Rate of Penetration (ROP) and torque

Formation gases released from drilling fluid at surface

Resistance to lifting the drill string (Overpull)

 The Wellsite Geologist as an Analyst

Wireline and Logging While Drilling (LWD)

Wireline logging

Offshore

Land

Drill Floor

Reservoir
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Analyst

Wireline and Logging While Drilling (LWD)

Wireline logging
Run with Array Induction Tool (AIT) Spectral Gamma Ray
to provide resistivity

Neutron Porosity

Integrated Porosity Lithology

Cartridge

Density

Schlumberger IPL tool string

 The Wellsite Geologist as an Analyst

Wireline and Logging While Drilling (LWD)

Logging While Drilling

MWD – Measurement While Drilling

Usually refers to directional surveying tools but will include gamma ray
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Analyst

Wireline and Logging While Drilling (LWD)

Logging While Drilling

MWD – Measurement While Drilling

FE-MWD – Formation Evaluation Measurement While Drilling

Tools to measure rock properties added to survey tools

Data can be transmitted in real time, but often slow so depth interval large
Data at 10-15 cm intervals can be recorded in tool memory and accessed when
tool returns to surface
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Analyst

Wireline and Logging While Drilling (LWD)

Logging While Drilling

MWD – Measurement While Drilling

FE-MWD – Formation Evaluation Measurement While Drilling

LWD – Logging While Drilling

Alternative term for FE-MWD above

 The Wellsite Geologist as an Analyst

Wireline and Logging While Drilling (LWD)

Azimuthal
measurement

Source

Baker Hughes crew preparing tool

Receivers

Resistivity Tool Density Tool

 The Wellsite Geologist as an Analyst

Wireline and Logging While Drilling (LWD)

Logging While Drilling

Mud pulse telemetry - Real time data

Raw SPP data

Processed binary data

Downhole memory data storage system to provide petrophysical quality data

 The Wellsite Geologist as an Analyst

Recognising Formation Change

Gamma Ray
Potassium (K40), Uranium, and Thorium

Lithology Composition API Gamma Ray

Limestone Carbonate 5 - 10

Reservoir Dolomite Carbonate 10 - 20

Sandstone Clastic 10 - 30
Kaolinite Clastic 80 - 130
Chlorite Clastic 180 - 250
Clay
Illite Clastic 250 - 300
Montmorillonite Clastic 150 - 200
Halite Evaporite 0 NaCl
Gypsum/Anhydrite Evaporite 0 CaSO4
Evaporite
Sylvite Evaporite 500 KCl
Polyhalite Evaporite 200 K2Ca2Mg(SO4)4·2H2O
Anthracite Coal 0
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Analyst

Recognising Formation Change

Gamma Ray
Potassium (K40), Uranium, and Thorium
0 150 140 Sonic 40

Gamma ray
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Analyst

Recognising Formation Change

Sonic (Acoustic)
Varies with porosity – range depends on mineralogy of matrix and fluid type

Lithology Porosity (%) Sonic Travel Time (μs/ft)

Sandstone (quartzitic) 0 - 15 55.6 - 75.6
Sandstone (cemented) 51.3 - 55.6
Claystone/Shale 60 - 170
Unconsolidated Clay >170
Limestone 0 - 15 43.5 - 69.15
Dolomite 0 - 15 38.5 - 65.75
Anhydrite 0 50.0
Halite 0 66.7
Bitumenous Coal 100 - 140
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Analyst

Recognising Formation Change

Density and neutron relationship

In water-bearing pure limestone the traces plot on top of each other as porosity varies

Separate when entering oil or gas – both reduce in value

Argillaceous response

Zero on the neutron scale

is set to coincide on the
log with 2.71 g/cc on the
density scale
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Analyst

Recognising Formation Change

Density and neutron relationship

Produce a useful indication when drilling interbedded clastic sequences - crossover
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Analyst

Recognising Formation Change

Cuttings and drilling parameters

Driller has no
Effect

Positive
Drill Break

Negative
Drill Break

Changes in Torque Character

 The Wellsite Geologist as an Analyst

Recognising Formation Change

Cuttings and drilling parameters

Cuttings percentage Driller has no

Effect

Positive
Drill Break

Negative
Drill Break

Changes in Torque Character

 The Wellsite Geologist as an Analyst

Recognising Formation Change

Cuttings and drilling parameters

Cuttings percentage Driller has no

Effect

Positive
Drill Break

Negative
Interpreted Lithology
Drill Break

Changes in Torque Character

Confirms Lag Time calculations are good, bit is good, borehole stable
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Analyst

Correlation with Seismic

Sonic tool

Density tool (ρ )

Vertical Seismic Profile (VSP)

Seismic depth
predictions

Note uncertainties
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Analyst

Correlation with Seismic

Vp = P-wave velocity (compression)

Significant seismic reflecting horizons Vs = S-wave velocity (shear)
μ = shear modulus
Sonic and density tools k = bulk modulus
ρ = bulk density

Green
Purple
Orange
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Analyst

Correlation with Seismic

Significant seismic reflecting horizons

Sonic and density

Cretaceous limestones and marls

Basal Cretaceous Unconformity (North Sea)

Organic-rich Jurassic claystones

 The Wellsite Geologist as an Analyst
Basal Cretaceous (X) Unconformity
Correlation with Seismic

Significant seismic reflecting horizons

Sonic and density

Cretaceous limestones and marls

Basal Cretaceous Unconformity (North Sea)

Organic-rich Jurassic claystones

 The Wellsite Geologist as an Analyst

Correlation with Seismic

Integrated Travel Time (TTI)

Slower

Depth associated with 1 ms of one-

Faster
way travel time
The Wellsite Geologist as an Analyst
The Wellsite Geologist as an Analyst

Correlation with Seismic

IHV 1.0 m3 IHV 1.0 m3
ITT

Caliper trace shows consistent diameter

Gamma trace shows variable lithology

 The Wellsite Geologist as an Analyst

Well Correlation

Basin analysis
Accurate TVD for each stratigraphic top is vital for accurate correlation of wells
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Analyst

“Quick Look” Petrophysics

Determine reservoir rock clay content Gamma from log

𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑢𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝛾 − 𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑛 𝑠𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝛾

𝑉 =
𝑝𝑢𝑟𝑒 𝑐𝑙𝑎𝑦 𝛾 − 𝑐𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑛 𝑠𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝛾

Find highest clay Find lowest sand

gamma on log gamma on log

Petrophysical Calculation of Sonic Porosity (∅ ) – example is Wyllie (1958)

Sonic from log

∆𝑡 − ∆𝑡
∅ =
∆𝑡 − ∆𝑡

Pore fluid sonic Matrix mineral sonic

 The Wellsite Geologist as an Analyst

“Quick Look” Petrophysics

Petrophysical Calculation of Density Porosity (∅ ) – example is Wyllie (1958)

Density from log

Quantifying hydrocarbon saturation (𝑆 )

Matrix mineral density Pore fluid density
Archie (1942) relationship

𝑅 = 𝑅 𝑆

𝑅 = true resistivity measured by deep reading resistivity tool

𝑅 = resistivity of reservoir before hydrocarbon migration
𝑆 = saturation of salt water in reservoir rock
𝑛 = saturation exponent (1.8 - 2.2), generally applied as 2

𝑅 = 𝑅 ∅ 𝑆 = 1.00 − 𝑆

𝑅 = resistivity of the pore water

∅ = porosity from logs
𝑚 = cementation factor (typically 1.8-2.2 in sandstones)
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Analyst

Pressure and Fluid Sampling

Wireline and LWD are both able to carry out pressure testing

Fluid sampling in LWD is not currently available from all LWD contractors

LWD Pressure Tool

Schlumberger MDT Tool
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Analyst

Pressure and Fluid Sampling

Compare drilling fluid pressures – should be less than 2 psi difference

Example results

Dry tests

Dry tests

Dry tests

Plot TVDSS Plot Quartz Gauge (CQG) Formation Pressures

The Wellsite Geologist as an Analyst

Pressure and Fluid Sampling

𝑃 − 𝑃
𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 =
𝐷 − 𝐷

4340 − 4333
𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 = = 0.109 𝑝𝑠𝑖/𝑓𝑡 = 0.025 𝑏𝑎𝑟𝑠/𝑚
10009.1 − 9945.1
Contact Gas
4348 − 4345.6
𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 = = 0.300𝑝𝑠𝑖/𝑓𝑡 = 0.068 𝑏𝑎𝑟𝑠/𝑚
10047.1 − 10039.1

Barrier? Oil

4202.3 − 4177.4
𝐺𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑒𝑛𝑡 = = 0.437𝑝𝑠𝑖/𝑓𝑡 = 0.099 𝑏𝑎𝑟𝑠/𝑚
10314 − 10257
Water
The Wellsite Geologist as an Analyst

Any questions?
The Role of the Wellsite Geologist

The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Bit Change

Broken teeth

ROP reduction ambiguous – failure or harder rock?

Worn teeth

Broken teeth
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Bit Change

Cuttings and drilling parameters

Cuttings percentage Driller has no

Effect

Positive
Drill Break

Negative
Interpreted Lithology
Drill Break

Changes in Torque Character

Confirms Lag Time calculations are good, bit is good, borehole stable
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Bit Change

Cuttings and drilling parameters

Cuttings percentage

Interpreted Lithology

Bit failure
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Casing Point Identification

Marker bed – Real time LWD, ROP & torque, and cuttings & gas

Kupferschiefer recognised from gamma ray

Evaporite

Clastic
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Borehole Stability

Unstable rock formations are likely to break down during drilling and may cause the drill string
to become stuck in the hole

The Wellsite Geologist must interpret several indicators to determine the cause of instability
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Borehole Stability

Overpull Mud Weight

Drilling Pore Pressure ECD
Connection 1 (Normal HL = SW)
Hook Load
String Weight
Connection 2 (Overpull (HL > SW)

Cavings start from here

Connection 3 (Overpull)
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Borehole Stability

Overpull
Trip Out

Overpull occurs when the force required to pull the drill string
upwards is greater than that required to lift the string weight
Relative positions of bit and stabilisers are known from the pipe tally

First appearance of overpull occurs as top stabiliser enters

reduced diameter - suggests base depth of unstable zone

Pull pipe Return to correct hook load (if seen) indicates bit leaving
the top of the unstable zone (or enters cased hole)
Hook Load

Actual drill string weight

Release slips

Time
HL > SW
Set slips
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Borehole Stability

Drilling underbalanced in argillaceous rocks

In tight argillaceous rock, shear stress acts concentrically with the wellbore

Cavings break away from the side of the borehole if the shear stress is sufficient
to induce shear failure
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Borehole Stability

Marine riser

Drilling underbalanced in argillaceous rocks BOP

Overbalanced

Drilling fluid pressure Casing

Pore pressure

Drilling overbalanced
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Borehole Stability

Marine riser

Drilling underbalanced in argillaceous rocks BOP

Underbalanced
Shear failure occurs concentric
with borehole if shear stress Casing
exceeds rock tensile strength

Pore pressure

Drilling overbalanced

Shear stress develops concentric

Drilling underbalanced
with borehole

Pressure differential constant

around borehole
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Borehole Stability

Marine riser

Drilling underbalanced in argillaceous rocks BOP

Underbalanced
Shear failure occurs concentric Rock sheath breaks away,
with borehole if shear stress Casing
borehole is enlarged
exceeds rock tensile strength

Pore pressure

Drilling overbalanced

Shear stress develops concentric

Drilling underbalanced
with borehole

Caving begins
Pressure differential constant
around borehole
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Borehole Stability

Marine riser

Drilling underbalanced in argillaceous rocks BOP

Underbalanced
Shear failure occurs concentric Shear stress re-forms
with borehole if shear stress Casing
exceeds rock tensile strength

Pore pressure

Drilling overbalanced

Shear stress develops concentric

Drilling underbalanced
with borehole

Caving begins
Pressure differential constant
around borehole
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Borehole Stability

Marine riser

Drilling underbalanced in argillaceous rocks BOP

Underbalanced
Shear failure again occurs Further enlargement occurs
concentric with borehole Casing

Pore pressure

Drilling overbalanced

Shear stress develops concentric

Drilling underbalanced
with borehole

Caving begins
Pressure differential constant
around borehole
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Borehole Stability

Marine riser

Drilling underbalanced in argillaceous rocks BOP

Underbalanced
Shear failure again occurs Shear stress re-forms
concentric with borehole Casing

Pore pressure

Drilling overbalanced

Shear stress develops concentric

Drilling underbalanced
with borehole

Caving begins
Pressure differential constant
around borehole
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Borehole Stability

Drilling underbalanced in argillaceous rocks

 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Borehole Stability

Stress surrounding the borehole alters with borehole direction

Sv

Borehole No Sv acting on borehole

SH and Sh increase at constant rate

Sv sinΘ acting on high side of borehole

Borehole inclination is increasing Θ
SH increase at constant rate
Borehole azimuth is A
Sh cosΘ acting on borehole

Sh
SH
Sv constant
ShsinA acting on borehole
Sv and Sh constant
SH cosA acting on borehole
No SH acting on borehole
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Borehole Stability

Sv 400 bars

Stress surrounding the borehole alters with borehole direction

Borehole stability depends on stress contrast around the

borehole circumference
Example based on Central North Sea (horizontal stresses close to isotropic)
Sh 352 bars

SH 358 bars

Sv > S H > S h
𝟑𝟓𝟖 – 𝟑𝟓𝟐 = 𝟔 𝒃𝒂𝒓𝒔

Sh

SH
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Borehole Stability

Sv 400 bars

Stress surrounding the borehole alters with borehole direction

Borehole stability depends on stress contrast around the

borehole circumference
Sv
Sh 352 bars

SH 358 bars

Sv > S H > S h
SH
𝟑𝟓𝟖 – 𝟑𝟓𝟐 = 𝟔 𝒃𝒂𝒓𝒔

𝟒𝟎𝟎 – 𝟑𝟓𝟖 = 𝟒𝟐 𝒃𝒂𝒓𝒔

 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Borehole Stability

Sv 400 bars

Stress surrounding the borehole alters with borehole direction

Borehole stability depends on stress contrast around the

borehole circumference
Sv
Sh 352 bars

SH 358 bars

Sh Sv > S H > S h
𝟑𝟓𝟖 – 𝟑𝟓𝟐 = 𝟔 𝒃𝒂𝒓𝒔

𝟒𝟎𝟎 – 𝟑𝟓𝟖 = 𝟒𝟐 𝒃𝒂𝒓𝒔

𝟒𝟎𝟎 – 𝟑𝟓𝟐 = 𝟒𝟖 𝒃𝒂𝒓𝒔

This borehole direction requires the maximum drilling fluid pressure to prevent collapse
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Borehole Stability

Borehole Collapse – “Breakout”

Minimum drilling fluid pressure required to support borehole wall after drilling

Problems of collapse are usually associated with higher angle boreholes

Maximum Stress

Minimum Stress

“Breakout” and breakout cavings

 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Borehole Stability

Compressional regime

Sv

Most stable
Sh
Least stable
SH

SH > Sh > Sv
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Borehole Stability

Transcurrent (strike slip) regime Sv

Least stable

Most stable Sh

SH

SH > Sv > Sh
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Borehole Stability

Shale Collapse

Shale fissility is plane of weakness

Borehole inclination relative to dip and strike of fissile planes critical

 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Borehole Stability

Cavings at
shale shaker

Marine riser

Borehole cleaning for all cavings types BOP

Packing off

Filling the BOP

Casing

Drilling overbalanced

Drilling underbalanced Caving begins

 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Borehole Stability

Marine riser

Borehole cleaning for all cavings types BOP

Hole fill after tripping

Casing

Drilling overbalanced

Drilling underbalanced
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Borehole Stability

Cavings at
shale shaker

Marine riser

Sandstone kicks BOP

Casing

Packing off

Drilling overbalanced

Drilling underbalanced

Drilling underbalanced
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Borehole Stability

Overbalance – pore fluid pressure less than drilling fluid pressure

Thickness of barite filter cake dependent on degree of overbalance

Typically 1-2 mm at 10 bars overbalance, can exceed 25 mm e.g. at 100 bars

Differentially stuck pipe

Filtrate

Borehole

Filter cake

Small
Large Overbalance
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Borehole Stability

Water swelling clays - Smectite

Good practice to perform regular wiper (or “check”) trips

Original reason for use of oil-based mud systems

Informally known as “gumbo” clays

In WBM treat the mud with shale inhibitors, e.g. KCl

 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

General Geological Information Provision

Drilling contractor toolpusher and driller

Service contractor personnel such as mud engineer, directional driller

 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Geosteering

Geometrical steering
Seismic uncertainty means that the
borehole may be landed above or
Vertical
below the target reservoir

This may cause significant loss of Kick-Off Point (KOP)

potentially productive measured
depth Build Section
Tangent Section
-20m

Prognosed Reservoir top

+20m
Actual Reservoir top
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Geosteering

Geological sampling while drilling

Micropaleontology & Palynology

Gas ratios

Drill Cuttings

LWD Real-Time data

 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Geosteering

Planned sidetrack
Pilot well logged to provide reservoir model to identify optimum well placement

Sidetrack steered using real time LWD to follow desired model

Works best with the formation evaluation tools as close to the bit as possible

Oil?
Clay seal?

Gas?

Water?

GWC
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Geosteering

Horizontal well exits

reservoir here

Top Reservoir
Planned wellpath
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Geosteering

Real time gamma ray

responses used to steer well

Too deep – steer up

Too shallow – steer down

Top Reservoir Actual well path

Planned wellpath Gamma ray
The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Geosteering
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Coring

When to core
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Coring

When to core
Marker beds and real time LWD

Kupferschiefer recognised from gamma ray

Evaporite

Clastic
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Coring

When to core
Marker beds and real time LWD

Bit to LWD tool offset may mean several metres of reservoir drilled before
real time data from rock associated with reservoir is available

Gamma/resistivity

8 ½” drill bit Baker Hughes Autotrak Rotary Steerable System (RSS)

 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Coring

When to core
Using ROP and torque – positive/negative drill breaks dependent on cap rock/reservoir drillability

Drilling to specified depth – previous experience where dip & strike are known

Example programme

Coring will start at 2063 m TVDSS (5 m above prognosed top Alpha reservoir) to
accommodate structural uncertainty on top reservoir and to include some of the shale
above the Alpha reservoir (for depositional environment determination)

Coring will stop after up to 5 m of shale has been cored below the base of the Bravo sand
or when the core barrel is full and the complete Bravo sand has been cored, whichever
occurs first

Coring is not dependent on presence of HC shows

Wellsite Geologists will review ROP data and cuttings to establish correlation with nearby
wells to optimise coring point
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Coring

Core at surface
Wellsite Geologist responsible for handling, measuring and packing of the core

Work with coring contractor representative (“core hand”) and mudloggers

Quick inspection by Wellsite Geologist of the base of the core for shows and lithology

Hot work permit may be required if a hand held UV fluoroscope or digital camera is required
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Coring

Corpro laydown cradle

Core at surface
Unloading the core

Core laydown cradles

Minimise core flexing while carried by the crane

Weatherford laydown cradle

 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Coring

Core at surface
Measuring, marking, and examining core

Measured depth and core recovery percentage

When looking upwards from base
Way up of core red line is on the right
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Coring

Core at surface
Core Gamma Ray Logging

Fibreglass core sleeve

 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Coring

Core at surface
Core Gamma Ray Logging

Core gamma ray log is plotted beside the Wireline and/or LWD gamma ray logs to
enable depth shifting

Wireline gamma ray

Core gamma ray

3400 m

3400 m
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Coring

Core at surface
Core Gamma Ray Logging

Core gamma ray log is plotted beside the wireline and/or LWD gamma ray logs to
enable depth shifting

Core gamma ray Wireline gamma ray

3400 m 3400 m
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Coring

Wireline gamma ray

Core at surface
Core gamma ray
Core Gamma Ray Logging

Core gamma ray log matches the

wireline/LWD log if core recovery is
good
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Coring

Wireline gamma ray

Core at surface
Core gamma ray
Core Gamma Ray Logging

Core gamma pattern no longer

matches the wireline/LWD pattern
after a lost core interval is passed

Gamma log moved downwards until

a match is recognised
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Coring

Wireline gamma ray

Core at surface
Core gamma ray
Core Gamma Ray Logging

Core gamma pattern no longer

matches the wireline/LWD pattern
after a lost core interval is passed

Gamma log moved downwards until

a match is recognised

Missing core
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Coring

Core at surface
Cutting the core

Slide core into saw box

Position core to enable cutting at marked depth points

Slide cut core section out of saw box

 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Coring

Core at surface
Core chips for wellsite analysis

Bottom of each cut section

Described under microscope and UV fluoroscope

 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Coring

Core at surface
Core preservation techniques, for example:

Unconsolidated core sections are frozen at the wellsite

Fragile rocks are stabilised by pumping resin or gypsum powder into space between inside
of the core sleeve and the rock

Anticipated pore fluid loss issues dealt with by using core sleeve lined with absorbent
sponge that collects seepage
 The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Coring

Core at surface
Sealing the cut core sections

Rubber end caps with hose clips

The Wellsite Geologist as an Advisor

Any questions?
The Role of the Wellsite Geologist

The Wellsite Geologist as a Manager

 The Wellsite Geologist as a Manager

Supervision

Motivation
The process of getting people to do willingly those things that need to be done.
 The Wellsite Geologist as a Manager

Supervision

Recognising signs of motivation

High performance and good results being consistently achieved

The energy, enthusiasm and determination to succeed being displayed by all workers

Unstinting cooperation in overcoming problems

The willingness of individuals to accept responsibility

The willingness to accommodate necessary change

 The Wellsite Geologist as a Manager

Supervision

Recognising signs of demotivation

Apathy and indifference to the job

Poor time keeping

Exaggeration of the effects and difficulties encountered in problems, disputes and grievances

Lack of cooperation in dealing with problems and difficulties

Unjustified resistance to change

 The Wellsite Geologist as a Manager

Reporting and Logs

Daily Geological Report (DGR)

Ensure that all depths agree with daily drilling

report (DDR)

Summary of previous 24 hours activity from a

geological perspective

Forecast of activities for next 24 hour period

For each geological interval:

Lithology description

ROP summary

Gas summary
 The Wellsite Geologist as a Manager

Reporting and Logs

Daily Geological Report (DGR)

Formation top summary

AHBDF = Along Hole Below Drill Floor = MDBDF = MDBRT

 The Wellsite Geologist as a Manager

Reporting and Logs

Daily Geological Report (DGR)

Directional surveys

General information not already covered

LWD tool offsets

 The Wellsite Geologist as a Manager

Reporting and Logs

Morning Call
Conference call involving all departments associated with the well

Typically at 07:00 prior to commencement of business in the Operator’s offices

DGR forms the basis of the geological materials to be discussed

Time zone
 The Wellsite Geologist as a Manager

Reporting and Logs

Afternoon follow up call

Individual discussion between the Operations Geologist and Wellsite Geologist

Typically at 15:00

Contact details for out-of-hours Operations Geologist can be confirmed at this time

The Wellsite Geologist must ensure that they are available at the agreed time

If this becomes impossible the Operations Geologist must be made aware as soon as possible
 The Wellsite Geologist as a Manager

Reporting and Logs

Final Well Report (FWR)

Responsibility of the Operations Geologist

Documents finalised interpretation of all geological data acquired during drilling

Many Operations Geologists delegate FWR to Wellsite Geologist while drilling

DGR contents form the basis for the FWR

Wellsite Geologist delivers report to Operations Geologist as complete as possible

 The Wellsite Geologist as a Manager

Reporting and Logs

Wellsite Geologist Log (WSG Litholog)

Geological data and interpretations as the well proceeds

Previous 24 hours progress used as part of the DGR

Separate Wellsite Geologist’s litholog

No requirement for the

Wellsite Geologist’s litholog to
be submitted to the licencing
authority
 The Wellsite Geologist as a Manager

Reporting and Logs

Composite (Completion) Log

Responsibility of the Operations Geologist

Often delegated to the Wellsite Geologist during drilling

More comprehensive than the minimum requirement for a wellsite log

Composite log submitted to licencing authority

In UK, finalised composite log must be delivered to OGA within six months of TD – check locally

UK data required by OGA described in Petroleum Operations Notice (PON) 9 – check locally
 The Wellsite Geologist as a Manager

Reporting and Logs

Well data and location

Well path diagrams

Borehole, casing and logging summary tables

Legend

Data tracks

Summary of analyses
 The Wellsite Geologist as a Manager

Coring

Reporting
Recovery

How much reservoir rock

Hydrocarbons

Written report dividing the core into

main lithological sections

Core log at 1:50 or 1:20 scale

 The Wellsite Geologist as a Manager

Quality Control

The Logging Witness

The logging witness is an Operator representative tasked with observing the performance
of all data acquisition contractors and providing written reports on performance quality

Borehole environment can have a great impact on the value of data

Without QC the post-well analyst cannot distinguish between good and bad data

Contractor performance is also an issue for the Operator

Logging witness is responsible for first filtering of bad data

 The Wellsite Geologist as a Manager

Quality Control

Quality Control Reports

The Wellsite Geologist may be required to complete QC reports on all services

Reports must be honest and constructive to assist implementation of improvements

Failings must be discussed with the contractor crew

 The Wellsite Geologist as a Manager

Quality Control

Wireline Logging
Tool failures

Lost time is that taken to round trip the tools including time spent at surface

Discuss amount of time with wireline engineer and Drilling Supervisor

If necessary "agree to disagree" and note on wireline reports

The Role of the Wellsite Geologist

Any final questions?

Thank you for attending this short presentation

www.hrhgeology.com

www.gng-skills.com
 The Wellsite Geologist as a Manager

Quality Control

Example of Quality Control Guidelines

The following procedure regulates world-wide geological well data acquisition operations and ensures
that these activities are conducted in accordance with local acts, regulations and agreements, and with
Operator requirements.

The procedures are intended to ensure:

that Operator standards and quality procedures are followed in the work processes

the use of qualified and trained personnel

that the work is properly documented and filed for later retrieval

that Operator personnel with relevant data acquisition experience shall monitor and perform
quality control of the data acquisition process.
 The Wellsite Geologist as a Manager

Quality Control

Example of Quality Control Guidelines

This includes:

logging witnessing (wireline & LWD)

pore pressure/hole stability evaluation

coring

vertical seismic profiling

shallow gas evaluation

mudlogging, geosteering etc.

 The Wellsite Geologist as a Manager

Quality Control

Wireline Logging
Physical presence

Permanent presence in the logging unit is not required

Be in the unit when logging open hole, taking sidewall cores, and pressure tests

Close supervision is required when recovering sidewall core and fluid samples
 The Wellsite Geologist as a Manager

Quality Control

Wireline Logging
Report forms

Maintain time log of logging operations noting all tool/hole/log problems

Compare with wireline engineer's times and reconcile differences

 The Wellsite Geologist as a Manager

Quality Control

Wireline Logging
Depth control procedures to be followed during the first log run are as follows

Tool depth is zeroed when the centre of the tool combination is level with the drill floor

Run into the hole to casing shoe and note depth

Discrepancies greater than 1.5 m per 3000 m should be investigated

If problem not resolved then log the hole and re-check zero depth when tool at surface

First wireline log run to bottom defines depth - all subsequent logs correlated with this

Great care must be taken to tie-in logs

Depth discrepancies may be due to cable stretch, deviated wells, hole fill, etc.
 The Wellsite Geologist as a Manager

Quality Control

Wireline Logging
Logging speed

Consistent logging speed is required

Tool requiring slowest logging speed determines logging speed of combination

 The Wellsite Geologist as a Manager

Quality Control

Wireline Logging
Cable tension

Persistent tool sticking affects the logs

Drilling Supervisor should be informed of any hole problems encountered

 The Wellsite Geologist as a Manager

Quality Control

Wireline Logging
Sidewall core and pressure test depths

Normally selected by Petrophysicist or Operations Geologist after “quick look” interpretation

of logs

Wellsite Geologist must ensure all parties are using same reference log for depth correlation

Re-confirm duration of pressure test and fluid sampling

 The Wellsite Geologist as a Manager

Quality Control

Wireline Logging
End of run

Comments on borehole conditions, tool problems or anomalous responses

Check log headers and scales, comments, repeat sections, depth discrepancies, and results of
before and after tool calibrations

Log images, prints and reports must be despatched as soon as possible after completion

Occasionally requested that log data are rushed through even though not on depth

Must be clearly indicated on the data set

Ideally off-depth logs are not sent to the Operator

 The Wellsite Geologist as a Manager

Quality Control

Wireline Logging
End of run

Comments on borehole conditions, tool problems or anomalous responses

Check log headers and scales, comments, repeat sections, depth discrepancies, and results of
before and after tool calibrations

Log images, prints and reports must be despatched as soon as possible after completion

Occasionally requested that log data are rushed through even though not on depth

Ensure time is allowed for data processing and problem resolution