Density Log

By: Engr. Saleem Qadir Tunio

Outcomes
Evaluating bulk density of the formation. Determining porosity with the help of bulk density, matrix density and fluid density values. Relationship of the bulk density value to the porosity and the value of total organic carbon (TOC). Identifying different formations/minerals.

Density Logs
measures bulk density by solid matrix + fluid in pores

E.g. sandstones with porosity = 2.65 g/cm3 = pure qtz. At 10% porosity = 2.49 g/cm3 = qtz grains + water

Principles/ mechanism
This log depends on detection of the response of formation to emitted gamma rays by sonde Bulk density of formation is measured by sending a beam or ray of gamma ray into formation At the distance from the source a detector measure the changes in the intensity of gamma ray

Porosity Logs
With more than one porosity log we can account for many anomalies e.g. Lithology Shale volume Gas zone Gas saturations Mineral ID and more

Gamma Ray Interaction With matter

Three ways in which gamma rays can interact with matter 1) Photoelectric absorption (gamma ray transfers its energy to an electron orbiting one of the formations atoms) 2) Pair production (this is where the gamma ray is converted to an electron-positron pair) Both ; gamma ray is absorbed by formation 3) Compton scattering gamma ray collides with an atom and dislodges an electron. DENSITY TOOL Gamma ray then travels at a lower energy level and can then be absorbed by Pe effect.

Tools
Standard density tools have a collimated gamma ray source which emits gamma rays at 662KeV 2 detectors; Near and Far To remove borehole influences.

Tools and Running procedure

The tool consists of: A radioactive source. This is usually caesium-137 or cobalt-60, and emits gamma rays of medium energy (in the range 0.2 2 MeV). For example, caesium-137 emits gamma rays with a energy of 0.662 MeV. A short spacing detector. This detector is very similar to the detectors used in the natural gamma ray tools, and is placed 7 inches from the source. A long spacing detector. This detector is identical to the short range detector, and is placed 16inches from the source.

Source + detectors are mounted on a plough-shaped pad which is pressed hard against the borehole wall.

Modern Density Tools

Correlation between Density tool radiation (cps) and Bulk Density