SPWLA TWENTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL LOGGING SYMPOSIUM, JUNE 9-13, 1986

ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS
ON DEEP ELECTROMAGNETIC LOGGING TOOLS

by C. Besson, M. Blenkinsop, J.C. Trouiller

(Etudes et Productions Schlumberger) AA

The DPT* is a deep reading dielectric logging tool operating at 25 Mhz and
consisting of one transmitting and four receiving loop antennas.
As any other well logging tool, it is affected by the environment: borehole,
invasion, bed thickness ... This paper will discuss environmental effects for deep,
megahertz range, dielectric logging tools. Specifically, detailed results will be pre-
sented for response to invasion, bed boundaries (shoulder, thin beds) effects, centered
borehole effect, tool eccentricity and dipping beds.
For most of these, modeling methods are well known, and the paper will con-
centrate on presenting numerical results and comparing with actual log data.
For invasion, the emphasis will be on the sometimes counterintuitive responses
linked to electromagnetic resonance physics. A discussion of correction charts and
possible correction schemes will emphasize the importance of multireceivers arrays
in disentangling these complex phenomena and providing fundamental log quality
control.
The bed boundaries response is characterized by reflexions of the electromag-
netic waves by the interfaces, leading to characteristic ‘horn” and “standing waven
patterns. Algorithms to improve the log response will be presented.
Centered borehole effect will be shown to be small and easily corrected for.
The eccentricity results show that it is best not to run these types of tools eccen-
tered with standoffs, but that they tolerate small fluctuations around the centered
positions.
Dipping interfaces will be shown to enhance the bed boundaries “horn” effects.

-.
* DPT Mark of Schlumberger

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SPWLA TWENTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL LOGGING SYMPOSIUM, JUNE 9-13, 1986

TABLE OF CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION

I) INVASION

II) BED BOUNDARIES

1) Bed boundaries/horns

2) Caves

3) Dipping beds

III) BOREHOLE EFFECTS

1) Centered

2) Eccentered

CONCLUSION

.-,,

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 SPWLA TWENTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL LOGGING SYMPOSIUM, JUNE 9-13, 1986

#-- Introduction
The DPT (see ref. 1) is a deep reading dielectric logging tool operating at 25
Mhz. It is a mandrel tool made up (fig. 1) of a transmitter emitting an electromag-
netic wave and a set of 4 receivers recording its propagation through the formation.
The receivers are grouped in two pairs (the far pair and the near pair), and attenu-
ation and phase shifts between the 2 receivers are recorded for each. These attenu-
ations and phase shifts are then used to compute the apparent formation dielectric
constant and apparent formation resistivity at the operating frequency*. Following
a time honored tradition, these apparent readings are defined such that they would
give exact values if the tool was buried in an homogeneous medium, but they can
depart from formation values due to the presence of the borehole, of invasion or of
nearby bed boundaries: the purpose of this paper is to describe these environmental
effects.
The responses to invasion and to bed boundaries will occupy the bulk of the M
paper as they are the most frequently encountered and can sometimes be very detri-
mental to quantitative dielectric log interpretation. Less important, such as borehole,
or more exotic effects, such as eccentricity and dipping beds, will be only briefly men-
tioned.
The results to be presented are heavily based on computer modeling, but we will
focus on results rather than computing techniques as these are relatively standard
(see for example ref. (2)). The only point to be mentioned is the description used
,-. for the antennas, for although the main features of DPT response can be understood
with a simple model like a finite size uniform current loop or even a vertical magnetic
dipole, for accurate correction schemes, a detailed description of the sonde design is
necessary.
Although numerical examples will mostly be geared to the Schlumberger device,
all qualitative aspects will apply as well to the response of other dielectric tools with
operating frequencies in the 20 to 50 Mhz range.

I) INVASION:
The choice of receivers spacings and operating frequency for the DPT has been
optimized to be ss sensitive as possible to the virgin formation parameters, dielectric
constant and resistivity, over the largest possible range of mud and formation resis-
tivities. One of the most important featurea of such a tool that attempts to return
virgin formation values is its depth of investigation.
Unfortunately, one cannot characterize it in a simple fashion: it depends on the
characteristics of both the virgin and the invaded zone (this is somewhat akin to
induction tools at low resistivities when skin depth effects are important). To get a
complete view of the response of DPT to invasion, we have simulated some 100000
caaes with various values of formation and invaded zone parameters: it is of course

,’--
* Both dielectric constant and resistivity are frequency dependent; all values
appearing in this paper refer to formation properties at 25 Mhz.

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SPWLA TWENTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL LOGGING SYMPOSIUM, JUNE 9-13, 1986

out of the question to reproduce such a large body of data here, so only the main .,---
features will be illustrated with some “typical” examples.
Fig. 2 is a plot of apparent dielectric constant versus diameter of invasion for
a true formation of q = 10 and Rt25 = 100 and an invaded zone with ~zO= 20 and
R::= 20 with a steplike invasion profile (other profiles give qualitatively the same
results); these values are typical of a movable hydrocarbon bearing sand. The various
curves are for:
● The DPT “near” measurement (which uses only the near pair attenuation and

phase shift)
● The DPT Yarn measurement (which uses far pair attenuation and phase shifts)

. The DPT “deep” measurement (a combination of attenuations and phase shifts

from both pair simultaneously that is available at Schlumberger’s Field comput-
ing centers; this is the deepest reading combination)
. The DPT cross measurement (made out of the near attenuation and the far
phase shift; this is presently the best on line, well-site, approximation to the
“deep” dielectric constant measurement
. Several other combinations of frequency and spacings mentioned in the literat-
ure (ref. 3); these are all fairly similar to the “near” response.
The crucial features of fig. 2 are:
1. Near type devices read correctly for Dz s 25in.
2. Far type measurements (cross, far and deep) are correct for D1 s 45in; this
value is typical for & ~ R=O.
3. Cross, far and deep are generally rather similar; their accuracy starts to
degrade when they separate; this provides a built-in quality control.
4. With the rule of thumb that near is the shallowest measurement, followed
by the far, then the cross (or the deep), these curves correctly indicate the
invasion profile.
5. When invasion is too large to have reliable values, one can get anomalous
results: the response to invasion of Mhz dielectric tools is not intuitive at
all; e.g., for invasions larger than 30 to 40in, the apparent near value is not
intermediate between the invaded and virgin zone values. This phenomena
is linked to the basic physics of reflection of electromagnetic waves on the
contrast between invaded and virgin formation leading to resonances effects.
As a consequence, a near only type device is very difficult to interpret ss
soon as invasion is significant.
Fig. 3 gives another example that illustrates the behaviour of the DPT resis-
tivity. This high resistivity case was chosen to show possible instabilities on the
far measurement (normally the deepest reading produced at the well-site) and the
improvement brought by the “deep” combination. Field examples (Fig. 4) show
that the “deep” DPT resistivity generally tracks the character of deep Induction or
Laterolog.
The final illustration (fig. 5) is for Rt< Rzo; the depth of investigation of deep
dielectric devices is greatly reduced in this situation due to trapping of the waves ---.””,

in the less conductive invaded region. The anomalous values at large Dz can even

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 SPWLA TWENTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL LOGGING SYMPOSIUM, JUNE 9-13,1986

lead to negative q a strikingly unphysical apparent response ! Fig. 6 is a field

example. “Deep” fares a little better, but it remains that measurements cease to
be reliable for 1)1 >25 to 30in (far type devices) and DI >15 to 20in(near type)
when llt < R=o.Again, having 3 different curves is very useful as a diagnostic of this
situation: dielectric gives an “unusual” profile (i.e., the curves are not in the order
near, far, cross) and resistivity clarifies the picture with far < cross < near, as it
should; note that even small R=o-12tcontrast can perturb the accuracy on dielectric,
so that conventional resistivity tools are often insufficient to diagnose this kind of
profile. Work is ongoing to derive a correction scheme for these situations, possibly
using inputs of DI or Rzofrom other wireline measurements.
To conclude this chapter on invasion effects, let us summarize the most important
features:
. Typical depth of investigations (diameters) are:
AA
1 Rt~ Rzo Rt< R=o
near 25” 20”
far 45” 30”

(but remember it depends somewhat of c.0, Et, R.o,R,.)

. Use of multireceivers arrays allow: more stable response (deep); qualitative pro-
,,,-., file deilnition (for moved hydrocarbon detection); and gives a built-in quality
control when invasion gets too large for the tool.

II) BED BOUNDARIES/HORNS EFFECTS:

I) Bed boundaries
We have seen above that contrasts in the radial profile can lead to reflections
of the waves and anomalous responses. Very similar reflection physics govern the
bed boundary effects: when the tool approaches a bed boundary, the wave reflected
from the interface interferes with that coming directly from the transmitter (fig. 7),
creating a standing wave pattern over distances comparable to the skin depth. In
conductive media, they lead to characteristic horns near interfaces; in highly resistive
situations to oscillations over large distances. The first example of this is in a tight
anhydrite bed, fig. 8a: the tool apparent reading is close to the book value of 6.5
for anhydrite but oscillates around it; modeling of this situation gives spectacular
agreement with the observed data (fig. 8b).
Fig. 9a and 10a are synthetic logs for a thick bed and a sequence of alter-
nating sand and shale beds respectively. They illustrate features often seen on log
data: horns near bed boundaries, oscillations in resistive beds, characteristic asy-
metric response on resistivit y with different character for the near and far spacings.
Corresponding log examples are shown in fig. lla and 12a.
These effects are of course very detrimental to level by level quantitative interpre-
tation: horns are often reflected in large swings on water saturation curves computed

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SPWLA TWENTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL LOGGING SYMPOSIUM, JUNE 9-13, 1986

--,
from DPT (ref. 4). Once the physics of the phenomena is well established, one can
devise a processing scheme to correct for it: Schlumberger has recently commercial-
ized such a program. Fig. 8C shows the log of fig. 8a after correction. Similarly
9b and 10b are synthetic examples of application of the program. Fig. llb and 12b
shows the improvements obtained on some real data they are particularly striking
for the 2 tight limestone streaks indicated by the arrows in fig. 11.
It should be noted that the processing program presently used entails some loss
of vertical resolution: it guarantees good center bed values only for bed thicknesses
in excess of 8 feet. For quantitative analysis, the ultimate vertical resolution of the
tool (due to its length and spacing) is thought to be around 4 feet; refinements of
the processing are ongoing to fully achieve this potential.
2) Caves
In the next section,it will be argued that borehole effect is generally very small
for these mandrel Mhz range dielectric tools; this applies to smooth boreholes only:
when there is a change in the borehole size, i.e. a cave, the waves will also get
reflected against these sharp contrasts, giving a strong anomalous response.
As the physics is the same, the same processing scheme used for bed boundaries
also handles these cave effects. Fig. 13 is a synthetic example of cave effect and
correction, while fig. 14 is a field example: note the spectacular improvement of
character of the DPT resistivity compared to Laterolog obtained with the processing.
3) Dipping beds ..
Having stressed the importance of bed boundary effects on this type of tool, it
becomes relevant to examine if they are affected by dipping interfaces. This problem
has been examined so far only at the qualitative level using the very simplified model
of a vertical magnetic dipole.
Fig. 15a shows the increase of “horn” effect due to an increase in dip angle
predicted by the model; fig 15b gives the corresponding effects after bed boundary
processing. At the moment, we do not have any field example in high dips to validate
these results ( in one field, two wells, one on the top and the other on the flank of a
structure, do give logs of different character, but textural changes/ anisotropy effects
have not been disentangled from genuine dipping bed effects).

III) BOREHOLE EFFECTS:

l) Centered tool
As already discussed in ref. 1, the use of attenuations and phase shifts rather
than the individual receivers amplitudes and phases makes the measurement fairly
insensitive to the presence of the borehole.
Its effect has been computed in a wide range of borehole sizes (DH from 6 to
16 inches) and mud resistivities (l?~ from .1 to 5fl-m, as well as non-conductive oil-
based muds). It never exceeds 10% for the far measurement over its whole operating
range (i.e., Rt25 >
_ 10fl-m; Rm ~ .2 f’l-m for DH = 8{i; Rm ~ .4fl-m for DH = 12tt; ..-,.

Rm ~ .6fl-m for DH = 14”;) and reaches 20% for the near measurement in 16”

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 SPWLA TWENTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL LOGGING SYMPOSIUM, JUNE 9-13, 1986

boreholes.
The charts obtained from these computations have been encapsulated in a cor-
rection program run at Schlumberger’s Field computing centers. An example of
application appears on fig. 16. After correction, any residual effect of the borehole
is within the accuracy specifications of the tool (1 unit on q 2 millimhos on 2S Mhz
conductivity for R~PT > 10fLm; 2 units on c for RDPT < 10fbn).
2) Eccentered tool
The DPT tool is normally run centered in the borehole with the help of spring
type centralizers placed on the electronic cartridges above and below the tool. Two
issues need to be investigated:
1. Will small fluctuations around this centered position affect the tool accu-
racy?
2. Can the tool be run eccentered as is traditionally done for induction tools. AA
This last question is in particular relevant to the choice of rig time saving com-
binations, as, from the hardware standpoint, DPT is combinable with most other
Schlumberger tools.
These questions have been systematically analysed with computer modeling.
The conclusions illustrated below are based on a study of more than 3000 different
combinations of eccentricityy, and formation and borehole characterist its.
The only effect of tool eccentering is a degradation of borehole effects; response
,- to invasion and vertical resolution are virtually unaffected. Fig. 17 gives the evolution
of borehole effect sa a function of eccentricity for a typical case. It clearly establishes
that small eccentricities have little effect on tool accuracy, but large ones rapidly
deteriorates the quality of the measurement, particularly for the near mesureament.
This large borehole effect for significant eccentricities is also very sensitive to the
input variables (eccentricity, Rm/RT ...): this would probably preclude any good
borehole correction scheme.
One can conclude that tool accuracy will be degraded for eccentricities in excess
of 2in. Centralizers appropriate to borehole size or deviation should be used. This
does not preclude combinations with eccentered tools such as the EPT, with proper
use of flexjoints.

Conclusion
Many environmental effects for Megahertz dielectric logging tools have been
examined with computer simulations and analysis of log data. The most relevant
to quantitative interpretation of logs are the response to invasion and the horn type
effects at bed boundaries. These are linked to the physics of these propagation tools:
reflection phenomena and standing waves or resonance effects, the wavelength being
of the same order of magnitude as the size of the structures (beds, invasion) being
sensed.
Bed boundaries effects can be fairly well corrected by appropriate algorithms.
The use of multireceivers arrays is crucial to ensure sufficient depth of investi-
gation and built in quality control when invasion is significant.

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SPWLA TWENTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL LOGGING SYMPOSIUM, JUNE 9-13, 1986

Acknowledgments: The authors would like to thank the Schlumberger organi-

zation that made this work possible; we cannot cite here the many individuals from
Research, Engineering, Manufacturing and Operations who contributed greatly to
this project and to our understanding of dielectric constant logging. We are also very
indebted to numerous oil companies for permission to publish the field log examples.

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 SPWLA TWENTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL LOGGING SYMPOSIUM, JUNE 9-13, 1986

#--

REFERENCES

(1) The Deep Propagation Tool (A New Electromagnetic Logging Tool); G.S. Hu-
chital et al; SPE paper 10988 (1981).

(2) Response of a current loop antenna in an invaded borehole; W.C. Chew; Geo-
physics 49,81 (1984)
Diffraction of axisymmetric waves in a borehole by boundary discontinuities;
AA
W.C. Chew; Geophysics 10, 1586 (1984)
The effect of standoff on the response of induction logging tools; S. Gianzero
and Y. Lin; SPWLA 36th Annual Symposium (1985)

(3) Problems in Dielectric Constant Logging and Possible Routes to Their Solution;
L.C. Shen; The Log Analyst Dec. 1985, 14.

,,,.. (4) Deep Electromagnetic Propagation Tool Interpretation; M. Blenkinsop et al;

This Symposium.

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SPWLA TWENTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL LOGGING SYMPOSIUM, JUNE g-13.1986

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Christian is a from University of Grenoble. a “These

3 ieme in High Physics at in Geneva, a Ph-D Theoretical
Particle Physics Princeton University, joined Schlumberger in 1982 work
on modeling of electromagnetic tools. Since he is
Leader for Resistivity/Electromagnetics the Schlumberger EPS
near Paris.

Michael Blenkinsop from University

and Technology (UMIST), in 1976. Joining
the North Sea and West Africa, in positions
log analyst, and the beginning
the group of Tool Evaluation and for Etudes Pro-
ductions Schlumberger, at Clamart, France, the Field
Testing the Deep Electromagnetic Propagation Tool.
and SPE.

Jean-Claude Trouiller
1958 he joined the Navy where he developed new Sonar systerns.
He joined Schlumberger in 1962. In 1966 was made responsible for sonic tool
developments EPS. Since 1973 he works in Electrical Engineering
new microresistivity devices and for tools.
now interested the response and developement

CHRISTIAN BESSON MICHAEL BLENKINSOP JEAN-CLAUDE TROUILLER

- 10 -
 SPWLA TWENTY-SEVENTH ANNUAL LOGGING SYMPOSIUM, JUNE 9-13, 1986
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