- Email: [email protected]
Theory, measurements, and interpretation of well logs
260
Book Review/Journal
of Pe~oleum
chapters on the application of reservoir simulation. These, after all, are current practice and the underlying principles deserve to be understood. J. ARCHER (London, UK)
Studies in Abnormal
Pressures by W.H. Fertl, R.E. Chapman and R.F. Hotz (Editors), 1994. Elsevier, Amsterdam, 472 pp. $ 185.75, ISBNO-444-89999-5 (hardcover)
This new book on abnormal formation pressures combines geologic and engineering approaches and embraces topics from global occurrences and origin of abnormal pressures to blowout control. The emphasis of the book is on the engineering aspects of the problem and differs from that of many other books on the subject. The book contains fourteen chapters in a logical sequence. Chapter 1 (E.L. Bigelow) describes concisely global occurrence of abnormal pressures: geography, major formations and pressure distribution with depth. Chapter 2 (R.E. Chapman) on the geology of abnormal pore pressures analyzes pressure-geology relations in several regions of different types. It is followed by Chapter 3 (R.E. Chapman) presenting some essential elements of the theories of hydrodynamic and mechanical underground phenomena and current ideas on the origin of pressure abnormality as well as faulting associated with abnormal pressures. Chapter 4 (W.J. Bernard) deals with the reservoir engineering concepts in abnormal formation environment from the viewpoint of reservoir performance determination and prediction. In Chapter 5 (G.V. Chilingarian, H.H. Rieke and A. Kazi), chemistry of pore water is analyzed from the viewpoint of relations between water diagenesis and clay compaction. It was demonstrated that the interstitial water in shales is much fresher than that in sandstones. Chapter 6 (T.K. Kan and C.J. Sicking) discusses seismic pre-drill geophysical methods for geopressure detection and evaluation. It is followed by Chapter 7 (E.L. Bigelow) on well logging methods (wireline, measuring while drilling, and measuring soon after drilling) to detect abnormal pressure. Chapter 8 (Bob A. Hardage) describes methods of seismic prediction
Science and Engineering
13 (I 995) 259-262
of overpressure conditions ahead of the bit in real drill time. Chapter 9 (R. Desbrandes and R. Clayton) completes the description of methods of previous chapters with the discussion of measurements while drilling. Chapter 10 (Adam T. Bourgoine, Jr.) presents shallow abnormal pressure hazards. Chapter 11 (R. Desbrandes) briefly discusses relief well engineering to control blowouts. Chapter 12 (C.W. Spencer) analyzes a special case of pressure abnormality: abnormal formation pressures caused by hydrocarbon generation using examples from the Rocky Mountains region. Chapter 13 (T.J. Woods) is devoted to improved recovery of gas and considers incremental gas potential in known fields in the macrogeologic perspective. Chapter 14 (W.G. Leach), the final one, describes the distribution of hydrocarbons in abnormally pressured formations in South Louisiana, U.S.A. The editors of the book gathered experts in nearly all aspects of abnormal pressures. This book covers basic geology of abnormal pressures and engineering aspects (except drilling) of the formation pressure abnormality: well logging, reservoir engineering, and blowout control. Geologic chapters present a concise analysis of abnormal pressure subsurface environment and current theories of pressure abnormality origin. Chapters on the engineering aspects logically follow those on the geologic aspects. They discuss in detail the methods of pressure abnormality detection and prediction and specific aspects of reservoir engineering associated with abnormally-pressured fields. Each subject, either geologic or engineering, is illustrated with empirical data for a particular case. Chapters 12 and 14 are devoted to two specific regions with pressure abnormality. This book provides the petroleum engineer with many pieces of information useful in everyday field practice as well as in an analysis of methods for pressure detection and in solving reservoir engineering problems. Undoubtedly, this book belongs on the bookshelf of every petroleum engineer and petroleum geologist. ALEXANDER GUREWICH (Los Angeles, Calif.)
Theory, Measurements, and Interpretation of Well Logs, by Zaki Bassiouni, 1994. Volume4 in the SPE
Book Review /Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering 13 (1995) 259-262
Textbook Series. Sot. Pet. Eng., Richardson, $ 165.00, ISBN l-55563-056-1 (hardcover).
Tex.,
This is an excellent textbook and reference book: it covers all types of well-logging methods and each method is explained using the basics of physical and physicochemical phenomena, followed by practical techniques of well-logging data interpretation. All material is presented comprehensively and in a lucid manner. This book is well-written, easy to understand and all procedures described can be easily followed by a student who has no prior knowledge of the subject. The book contains 16 logically sequenced chapters. Chapter 1 describes electrical resistivity of fluid-saturated rocks and its dependence on porosity. Chapter 2 deals with radioactive properties of rocks. Acoustic properties of rocks are presented in the third chapter. Then, preparing a basis for the description of log techniques, the measurement environment is explained in Chapter 4. Chapters 5 and 6 are devoted to electrical (resistivity and the spontaneous potential) logs. Radioactive logs (gamma ray, gamma ray absorption and neutron) are described in Chapters 7,8 and 9. Chapter 10 presents sonic porosity logging techniques. All chapters begin with concise but comprehensive explanation of the nature of relevant phenomena that form a basis for the described log methodology. Particularities of properties and logging specificities for different types of rocks and situations follow. All material is richly supplemented with example problems together with their solutions. Problems to be solved by students are given at the end of each chapter and are followed by a very good list of references. Chapters 1 l-16 are focused on the interpretation of well logging data from the viewpoint of hydrocarbonbearing formation detection and evaluation. Chapters the following 1l-1 3 describe, respectively, interpretation techniques: ( 1) conventional, (2) reconnaissance and (3) pattern-recognition (crossplotting). Chapters 14-16 display material on ( 1) interpretation in complex lithologies, (2) log interpretation of shaly formations, and (3) evaluation of gas-bearing formations. This part of the book covers the most common interpretation problems, which are presented in a very elegant fashion. Different interpretation approaches are shown along with their limitations. It is also shown that different log analysts can arrive at different conclusions and that, therefore, the final judgement on recoverable
261
hydrocarbons should be based on production tests. The description of log interpretation techniques emphasizes both “whats” and “whys” of the procedures, which is very important. Determination of abnormally high or low formation pressures from well log data, however, is not included in the text. Description of these methods and an analysis of this subject could have enriched this book, especially because this is a rather complex issue. Also, the relationship between the porosity and permeability is somewhat oversimplified. Correlation between porosity and permeability strongly depends on the pore space structure and degree of microfracturing in carbonates; therefore, to make such a correlation more general, one has to consider irreducible fluid saturation and the specific surface area as additional variables (Chilingarian et al., 1992: Interrelationships among surface area, permeability, porosity, pore size, and residual water saturation. In: G.V. Chilingarian, S.J. Mazzullo and H.H. Rieke (Editors), Carbonate Reservoir Characterization: A Geologic-Engineering Analysis, Part 1, Elsevier, Amsterdam, 639 + xviii pp.). The book is supplemented by three Appendices (SI metric conversion table, answers to selected problems and abbreviations) and good author and subject indices. It was a pleasure to read this book. The writers strongly recommend it not only to the students but also to the practicing petroleum engineers and geologists. Even experienced log interpreters can find the information presented in this book very useful. A.E. GUREVICH
and G.V. CHILIGARIAN (Los Angeles, Calif.)
Pattern Recognition
and Image Processing,
F. Aminzadeh, 1989, Geophysical Amsterdam, 568 pp., $ 92.00
edited by Press, London-
The main purpose of this book is to familiarize explorationists with diverse pattern recognition and image processing methods and their many applications in the oil industry. These methods, potentially, can provide a solution to practical problems in the search for, and exploration of, hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs. To achieve this goal, the latest developments in this area are assembled in one comprehensive volume. The pri-
Book Review/Journal
of Pe~oleum
chapters on the application of reservoir simulation. These, after all, are current practice and the underlying principles deserve to be understood. J. ARCHER (London, UK)
Studies in Abnormal
Pressures by W.H. Fertl, R.E. Chapman and R.F. Hotz (Editors), 1994. Elsevier, Amsterdam, 472 pp. $ 185.75, ISBNO-444-89999-5 (hardcover)
This new book on abnormal formation pressures combines geologic and engineering approaches and embraces topics from global occurrences and origin of abnormal pressures to blowout control. The emphasis of the book is on the engineering aspects of the problem and differs from that of many other books on the subject. The book contains fourteen chapters in a logical sequence. Chapter 1 (E.L. Bigelow) describes concisely global occurrence of abnormal pressures: geography, major formations and pressure distribution with depth. Chapter 2 (R.E. Chapman) on the geology of abnormal pore pressures analyzes pressure-geology relations in several regions of different types. It is followed by Chapter 3 (R.E. Chapman) presenting some essential elements of the theories of hydrodynamic and mechanical underground phenomena and current ideas on the origin of pressure abnormality as well as faulting associated with abnormal pressures. Chapter 4 (W.J. Bernard) deals with the reservoir engineering concepts in abnormal formation environment from the viewpoint of reservoir performance determination and prediction. In Chapter 5 (G.V. Chilingarian, H.H. Rieke and A. Kazi), chemistry of pore water is analyzed from the viewpoint of relations between water diagenesis and clay compaction. It was demonstrated that the interstitial water in shales is much fresher than that in sandstones. Chapter 6 (T.K. Kan and C.J. Sicking) discusses seismic pre-drill geophysical methods for geopressure detection and evaluation. It is followed by Chapter 7 (E.L. Bigelow) on well logging methods (wireline, measuring while drilling, and measuring soon after drilling) to detect abnormal pressure. Chapter 8 (Bob A. Hardage) describes methods of seismic prediction
Science and Engineering
13 (I 995) 259-262
of overpressure conditions ahead of the bit in real drill time. Chapter 9 (R. Desbrandes and R. Clayton) completes the description of methods of previous chapters with the discussion of measurements while drilling. Chapter 10 (Adam T. Bourgoine, Jr.) presents shallow abnormal pressure hazards. Chapter 11 (R. Desbrandes) briefly discusses relief well engineering to control blowouts. Chapter 12 (C.W. Spencer) analyzes a special case of pressure abnormality: abnormal formation pressures caused by hydrocarbon generation using examples from the Rocky Mountains region. Chapter 13 (T.J. Woods) is devoted to improved recovery of gas and considers incremental gas potential in known fields in the macrogeologic perspective. Chapter 14 (W.G. Leach), the final one, describes the distribution of hydrocarbons in abnormally pressured formations in South Louisiana, U.S.A. The editors of the book gathered experts in nearly all aspects of abnormal pressures. This book covers basic geology of abnormal pressures and engineering aspects (except drilling) of the formation pressure abnormality: well logging, reservoir engineering, and blowout control. Geologic chapters present a concise analysis of abnormal pressure subsurface environment and current theories of pressure abnormality origin. Chapters on the engineering aspects logically follow those on the geologic aspects. They discuss in detail the methods of pressure abnormality detection and prediction and specific aspects of reservoir engineering associated with abnormally-pressured fields. Each subject, either geologic or engineering, is illustrated with empirical data for a particular case. Chapters 12 and 14 are devoted to two specific regions with pressure abnormality. This book provides the petroleum engineer with many pieces of information useful in everyday field practice as well as in an analysis of methods for pressure detection and in solving reservoir engineering problems. Undoubtedly, this book belongs on the bookshelf of every petroleum engineer and petroleum geologist. ALEXANDER GUREWICH (Los Angeles, Calif.)
Theory, Measurements, and Interpretation of Well Logs, by Zaki Bassiouni, 1994. Volume4 in the SPE
Book Review /Journal of Petroleum Science and Engineering 13 (1995) 259-262
Textbook Series. Sot. Pet. Eng., Richardson, $ 165.00, ISBN l-55563-056-1 (hardcover).
Tex.,
This is an excellent textbook and reference book: it covers all types of well-logging methods and each method is explained using the basics of physical and physicochemical phenomena, followed by practical techniques of well-logging data interpretation. All material is presented comprehensively and in a lucid manner. This book is well-written, easy to understand and all procedures described can be easily followed by a student who has no prior knowledge of the subject. The book contains 16 logically sequenced chapters. Chapter 1 describes electrical resistivity of fluid-saturated rocks and its dependence on porosity. Chapter 2 deals with radioactive properties of rocks. Acoustic properties of rocks are presented in the third chapter. Then, preparing a basis for the description of log techniques, the measurement environment is explained in Chapter 4. Chapters 5 and 6 are devoted to electrical (resistivity and the spontaneous potential) logs. Radioactive logs (gamma ray, gamma ray absorption and neutron) are described in Chapters 7,8 and 9. Chapter 10 presents sonic porosity logging techniques. All chapters begin with concise but comprehensive explanation of the nature of relevant phenomena that form a basis for the described log methodology. Particularities of properties and logging specificities for different types of rocks and situations follow. All material is richly supplemented with example problems together with their solutions. Problems to be solved by students are given at the end of each chapter and are followed by a very good list of references. Chapters 1 l-16 are focused on the interpretation of well logging data from the viewpoint of hydrocarbonbearing formation detection and evaluation. Chapters the following 1l-1 3 describe, respectively, interpretation techniques: ( 1) conventional, (2) reconnaissance and (3) pattern-recognition (crossplotting). Chapters 14-16 display material on ( 1) interpretation in complex lithologies, (2) log interpretation of shaly formations, and (3) evaluation of gas-bearing formations. This part of the book covers the most common interpretation problems, which are presented in a very elegant fashion. Different interpretation approaches are shown along with their limitations. It is also shown that different log analysts can arrive at different conclusions and that, therefore, the final judgement on recoverable
261
hydrocarbons should be based on production tests. The description of log interpretation techniques emphasizes both “whats” and “whys” of the procedures, which is very important. Determination of abnormally high or low formation pressures from well log data, however, is not included in the text. Description of these methods and an analysis of this subject could have enriched this book, especially because this is a rather complex issue. Also, the relationship between the porosity and permeability is somewhat oversimplified. Correlation between porosity and permeability strongly depends on the pore space structure and degree of microfracturing in carbonates; therefore, to make such a correlation more general, one has to consider irreducible fluid saturation and the specific surface area as additional variables (Chilingarian et al., 1992: Interrelationships among surface area, permeability, porosity, pore size, and residual water saturation. In: G.V. Chilingarian, S.J. Mazzullo and H.H. Rieke (Editors), Carbonate Reservoir Characterization: A Geologic-Engineering Analysis, Part 1, Elsevier, Amsterdam, 639 + xviii pp.). The book is supplemented by three Appendices (SI metric conversion table, answers to selected problems and abbreviations) and good author and subject indices. It was a pleasure to read this book. The writers strongly recommend it not only to the students but also to the practicing petroleum engineers and geologists. Even experienced log interpreters can find the information presented in this book very useful. A.E. GUREVICH
and G.V. CHILIGARIAN (Los Angeles, Calif.)
Pattern Recognition
and Image Processing,
F. Aminzadeh, 1989, Geophysical Amsterdam, 568 pp., $ 92.00
edited by Press, London-
The main purpose of this book is to familiarize explorationists with diverse pattern recognition and image processing methods and their many applications in the oil industry. These methods, potentially, can provide a solution to practical problems in the search for, and exploration of, hydrocarbon-bearing reservoirs. To achieve this goal, the latest developments in this area are assembled in one comprehensive volume. The pri-