Gamma Ray Logging

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GAMMA RAY LOGGING

Gamma ray logging

is a method of meas

occurring gamma radiation to characterize the rock o

borehole. It is sometimes used in mineral exploration

drilling, but most commonly for formation evaluation in

drilling. Different types of rock emit different amoun

spectra of natural gamma radiation. In particular, sha

more gamma rays than other sedimentary rocks, suc

gypsum, salt, coal, dolomite, or limestone because radio

is a common component in their clay content, and bec

exchange capacity of clay causes them to adsorb uranium and thorium. This difference

between shales and sandstones/carbonate rocks allows the gamma tool to distinguish betw
non-shales.

The gamma ray log, like other types of well logging, is done simply by lowering an instrumen

and recording gamma radiation variation with depth. In the United States, the device most co

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Gamma Ray Logging

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http://petroleum-engineering.yolasite.com/gamma-ray-logging.php

measurements at 1/2-foot intervals. Gamma radiation is usually recorded in API units,

originated by the petroleum industry. Gamma logs are affected by the diameter of the b

properties of the fluid filling the borehole, but because gamma logs are most often used in a
corrections are usually not necessary.

Three elements and their decay chains are responsible for the radiation emitted by rock: pot

and uranium. Shales often contain potassium as part of their clay content, and tend to abso

thorium as well. A common gamma-ray log records the total radiation, and cannot distingu
radioactive elements, while a spectral gamma ray log (see below) can.

For standard GR logs the value measured is calculated from thorium in ppm, Uranium in ppm

in percent. GR API = 8 Uranium concentration in ppm + 4 thorium concentration in p

concentration in percent. Due to the weight of uranium concentration in the calcula

concentrations of uranium can cause clean sand reservoirs to appear shaley. Spectral Gamm

provide an individual reading for each element so anomalies in concentration can be found an
An advantage of the gamma log over some other types of well logs is that it works throu

cement walls of cased boreholes. Although concrete and steel absorb some of the gamma ra
travels through the steel and cement to allow qualitative determinations.

Sometimes non-shales also have elevated levels of gamma radiation. Sandstone can c

mineralization, potassium feldspar, clay filling, or rock fragments that cause it to have hi

gamma readings. Coal and dolomite may contain absorbed uranium. Evaporite deposi

potassium minerals such as carnallite. When this is the case, spectral gamma ray logging
identify these anomalies.

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