MUD LOGGING AN OVERVIEW

The Mud logging Unit

The mud logging unit is a containerised
laboratory with two main functions.
The first is to collect geological data.
The second is to collect drilling data.
These will be combined to make the mud log.
Mud logging crew
The mud logging company will provide crew to set up
and run the mud logging unit.

These are usually geologists with an O & G

background, who may not log hydrothermally altered
volcanic rocks very well.

Company will thus provide the geologists to do the

geological descriptions.

Sample catchers will also be employed. They collect

and prepare samples from the shakers. They also box
the samples and make cutting boards.
Mudlogging Unit Features
Rugged skid-mounted construction
UPS backup
Pressurized and explosion proof
Escape Hatch
Dual air conditioning system
Spacious interior with ample storage space
Dual gas and depth system
 Basic Mud Logging

Basic mud logging involves:

Lag time determination
Depth and ROP determination
Cuttings sampling and lithological description
Gas sampling analysis
Lag Time Determination
What is Lag Time
What are the factors affecting Lag Time
How is Lag Time measured
How is Lag Time checked
 Lag Time: Definition
Lag time is the definite time interval required
for pumping drilled cuttings from a particular
depth to the surface where they can be
collected
 Lag Time
Always exists
Changes continuously as the hole deepens
Must be frequently checked and corrected
 Factors Affecting Lag Time
Volume of the mud in the annulus
Mud flow rate
 Annulus: Definition
It is the space around a pipe in the wellbore, the outer
wall being the wall of either the hole or casing
Sometimes called annular space
 Volume of Mud in the Hole
As hole gets deeper, mud volume increases, therefore,
lag time increases
As the annular diameter gets larger due to hole
washouts the mud volume increases, the lag time
increases
 Mud Flow Rate
The faster the mud is pumped the quicker it returns to
the surface and hence the lag time is reduced
 How Is Lag Time Measured?
Velocity method: uses annular velocities
Volume method: uses annular volumes
In minutes
In strokes
Well Profile
Depth: 7750 ft
Hole size: 8.5
Pump Output: 425 gpm at 100
spm
Casing:
shoe at 6000 ft
9 5/8 OD; 9 ID
DP:
6350 ft.
5 OD; 4.276 ID
DC:
1400 ft.
7 OD; 3.5 ID
Lag Time Measured Using Velocity Method

Annular velocity ann. sec (ft/min) = 24.51 x Q / (D2 d2)

Where,
Q = flow rate (gpm), D = hole or casing ID (ins.), d = DP/DC OD (ins.)

Lag time ann. sec (mins) = Length of annular section /

Annular velocity of annular section
Lag time (mins) = Lag time ann. sec
Lag time (strokes) = Lag time (mins) x spm
Lag Time measured using Volume method: in minutes

Annular volume = (D2 d2) x 0.000971 x Length

of annular section
or
Annular volume = ((D2 d2) / 1029.4) x Length
of annular section
Lag time ann. sec (mins) = Annular volume (bbls) /
flow rate (bbls/min)
Lag time (mins) = Lag time ann. sec
Disadvantage: affected by flow rate changes
Lag Time Measured Using Volume Method: Measured in Strokes

Annular volume = (D2 d2) x 0.000971 x Length

of annular section or
Annular volume = ((D2 d2) / 1029.4) x Length
of annular section
Pump Output (bbls/stroke) = Pump output
(gpm) / (spm x 42)
Lag time ann. sec (strokes) = Annular volume
(bbls) / Pump Output (bbls/stroke)
Advantage: not affected by changes in flow
rate
 Pump Output Calculations
Duplex pump
Output (gals/stroke) = (0.0515 x Stroke Length x
((LinerOD)2 (RodOD)2/2))) x 0.2642 x Efficiency
Triplex pump
Output (gals/stroke) = (0.0386 x Stroke Length x
(LinerOD)2) x 0.2642 x Efficiency
Output in bbls/stroke = gals/stroke/42
Actual Lag Determination
A tracer is used to obtain an accurate measurement
of lag time
Common tracers used are:
Calcium carbide (most common)
Rice, wheat, cellophane
Propane
Carbide + water -> acetylene
 Downtime

Downtime or surface-to-bit lag is time it takes

(measured in minutes or strokes) for a mud packet to
travel from the surface to the bit.
Presentation of Carbide Results on the Mudlog

Carbide results are placed in the remarks column of

the mudlog
Example:
Carbide = 0.5% at Vis 45
Lag Time at 7750 ft = 4956 strokes
Sample preparation
The cuttings are collected (about a kg) from the
shakers at 3 m intervals and washed to remove the
alkaline drilling fluid.
They are then dried and most of the sample placed
into labelled cloth bags that are then packed into
cardboard boxes to go to the core shed.
A small part of the sample is placed into a sample
holder along with sample identification labels.
If required some of the sample is analysed by MeB.
Sample examination
The sample holder is a compartmentalised tray into which the cuttings
and an identification label are placed in order of depth. Ice cube trays
are often used.
This allows easy comparison between samples under the binocular
microscope to facilitate establishing the location of contacts between
units.
The cuttings are best first examined dry as lithological textures are
clearest in dry cuttings.
Dilute HCl can then be added to the cuttings to identify calcite and
wet them, which can make mineralogical identification easier.
If cement is to be tested for, this should be done before HCl is
applied.
Cement can be tested for by applying phenolphthalein, which turns
the cement pink. As this reaction occurs when the pH is high, this test
should only be done on clean dry cuttings.
Steel from tubular wear can be found in the cuttings. These can be
tested for by using a magnet and as much of the steel should be
removed from the cutting sample with the magnet as possible, before
HCl is added to it to avoid discolouring the rest of the cuttings with
iron oxide.
600 m MD 603 m MD 606 m MD 609 m MD

621 m MD 618 m MD 615 m MD 612 m MD

Sample holder tray with identification labels.

Rock Classification
A logging classification scheme that is consistent with past
logging and can be consistently applied by different
geologists is to be used. The following is a consistent
classification scheme, which follows international standard
nomenclature as far as the nature of the samples allows.
 Depth and ROP
One of the most important parameters to be monitored
ROP is possibly a first indication of hole problems and
show intervals
Depth is measured in feet or meters
ROP is measured in ft/hr, m/hr, mins/ft or mins/m
Measured Depth

All depths are measured at the kelly down position

The depth is the sum of the BHA, drillstring and the
kelly below the kelly bushing or the BHA, drillstring
and the TDS below the rotary table
Get kelly down positions from the pipe tally book
 Depth Sensors

Crown block proximity sensors

Drawworks proximity sensors
Geolograph optical encoder
 Depth Corrections: Precautions

Check the drillers addition

Immediately verify with the driller if the bit is on bottom
after a trip, long periods of reaming, drilling out
cement/float collar and shoe.
Check the BHA before RIH
 Factors Affecting ROP
Mechanical Factors
WOB, RPM, Bit type, Bit wear
Mud related
Mud weight, Solids content, Fluid loss
Formation characteristics
Compressive strength, Hardness and
abrasion, Porosity and permeability, Pore
pressure
Hydraulic Factors
Jet Impact Force, Hydraulic Horsepower
Correlation of ROP With Other Logs

ROP plot if plotted with values increasing from right

should match up with an GR log
Can be used with other logs to determine formation
tops
Lithology interpretation
The Rig
Drilling and the Oil or Geothermal Company

Oil / Geothermal company hires a drilling contractor

Oil / Geothermal company hires oil services
companies
Mud logging
Mud engineering
Cementing
Wireline
MWD
Testing
Oil / Geothermal company oversees the proper
execution of the work
Drilling supervisor or companyman
Wellsite geologist
 Drilling Crew
Rig superintendent (Day toolpusher)
Night toolpusher
Drillers
Assistant drillers
Derrickman
Roughnecks
Roustabouts / load handling crew
Mechanics and Electricians
Catering / living quarters crew
 Types of Rigs
Onshore or land rigs
Offshore rigs
Barges
Drilling Tenders
Platforms
Jack-ups
Semisubmersibles
Drillships
Land Rigs

Cantilever mast most common

arrangement
Drilling Barges
Mobile, flat bottomed shallow
draft vessels
Used for drilling in swampy or
shallow coastal waters (8-20 ft)
West African river deltas, US
Gulf Coast, Maracaibo,
Kalimantan
Limited stability and can be used
in very calm waters
Need utility barges because of
limited storage space
Drilling Tenders
Non-self-propelled
barges or
semisubmersibles
Moored alongside a
platform
Derrick equipment on
platform
Allows less costly
platforms to be used for
development
Jack-ups
Mobile self-elevating
rigs equipped with
legs
Designed to drill in
<350 ft of water
Very stable
Semisubmersibles
Have a water ballasting
system that can partially
submerge its vertical
stabilizing columns
Anchor-moored or
dynamically positioned
Can operate in water
depths of up to 2000 ft.
Operational depth limited
by mooring equipment and
riser handling capacity
Can work in harsh
environments
Drillships
Capable of drilling in
very deep water (>6000
ft)
Offer greater mobility
than a semi or jack-up
Greater storage
facilities
Anchor-moored or
dynamically positioned
Rig Components:
The Mast
The Mast
Support the rig floor
and the weight of
the drillstring
Provide space and
support for the
equipment and for
people to work
Provide space for
the BOPs
4 Basic Functions of the Rig
Hoisting
Rotating
Circulating
Well Control
4 Basic Functions of the Rig
Hoisting
Rotating
Circulating
Well Control
The Hoisting System
Drawworks
Drilling Line
Crown block, Travelling block and Hook
The Drawworks
Lift the pipe
Lower the pipe back
in the hole
Travelling and Crown Blocks and Drilling Line
Crown block
Support the load of
the drillstring in the
mast as it is being
moved in or out of
the hole
Deadline and Deadline Anchor
The deadline anchor
clamps the deadline
which runs from it to
the crown block.
 Rig Components:
The Rotating System
 Rotating Components
Swivel
Kelly or Top Drive System
Drillstring
Bit
Swivel
It supports the weight of
the drill stem
It allows the drill stem to
rotate
It provides a pressure-
tight passageway for the
mud to be pumped down
inside the drill stem

Swivel
Kelly
Appx. 40 ft to 45 ft long
Square or hexagonal
It serves as a
passageway for the
drilling fluid on its way to
the hole
It transmits the rotary
movement to the drillpipe
and bit
Kelly
Kelly and Master Bushings
Kelly or drive bushing
fits into the master
bushing or rotary bushing
Master bushing is part of
the rotary table
Kelly Saver Sub
Also called the saver
sub or kelly sub
It is where the drillpipe
screws in
Saves wear on the
threads of the kelly
Drive and Rotary Bushing
The kelly or drive
bushing is through which
the kelly passes
Kelly bushing
Rotary or master bushing
in the rotary table mates
with the kelly bushing
Master bushing transmits
the torque of rotary table
to the kelly bushing that
rotates the kelly and drill
Rotary Table string
Top Drive System
Saves time on connections
and trips
Ability to rotate while
tripping in or out of the hole
thereby reducing chance of
stuck pipe
Provides the rotating power
of a conventional rotary
table drive while eliminating
the need to pick up the
cumbersome swivel/kelly
combination
Miscellaneous Rig Floor Equipment
Slips
Tongs
Spinning Wrench
Power Tongs
Kelly Spinner
Power slips
Air Hoist
Lifting Subs
Pipe Washer
Mud Box
Protectors
 Slips

Used to support the drillstring or casing string and

hold it suspended in the borehole
3 types of slips: one used for handling drill pipe
(left), one used for handling a drill collar (middle)
and one for casing (right)
Tongs
Used for tightening
and loosening drill
pipe and drill collars
2 sets:
Make-up tongs:
located on drillers
side
Breakout tongs:
opposite driller
Spinning Wrench
Used for rapidly
spinning out or
spinning in the drill
pipe or drill collar
when breaking out or
making up the pipe
The final torque,
however, is applied
using the normal
tongs
 Power Tongs
In breaking a connection power tongs are
used to loosen the pin from the box before the
spinning wrench is used.
In making up a connection, the spinning
wrench is first used to initially tighten the
connection. The power tongs are then used to
torque up the joint or stand.
 Kelly Spinner
Attaches to the lower part of the swivel
Helpful in making connections; eliminates the
need for a spinning chain
It improves both the speed and the safety of
making and breaking connections
 Power Slips
Either controlled by driller or set by the
downward force applied by the roughnecks
and released by a foot pedal
Advantages are:
Reduces crew fatigue
Increases safety for personnel
Provides protection against damage to the drill pipe
because they are more accurate than manual slips
Air Hoist
Used to load and
unload pipe, tubing
and equipment
May lift objects from
1000 to 10000
pounds
Also called
automatic winch
 Pipe Washer
A rubber ring that fits around the pipe and cleans mud
off as the pipe comes out of the hole
Also keeps junk from falling into the hole while tripping
in
 Mud Box
A mud box is a case that closes around a stand of wet
pipe coming out of the hole
Helps keep the mud from spewing all over the crew
and the rig floor by directing the mud back into the
mud pits
 Lifting Subs
Short pieces of pipe with a pronounced upset,
or shoulder, on the upper end
Screwed into drill pipe, drill collars and casing
to provide a positive grip for the elevators
Also called as lifting nipples or hoisting
subs
 The Drillstring
It is a series of metal parts threaded end-to-end
with the bit at the end
The drillstring is composed of:
Drill pipe, drill collars, stabilizers, subs and jars
Bottom Hole Assembly (BHA)
The drill string less the drill pipe
 Drill Pipe
Appx 30 31 long
ODs from 2 3/8 to 6 5/8 in (6 to 17 mm) in
diameter
A single drill pipe is called a joint or joint of
pipe.
Tool joints (box and pin) are separate parts
that are welded onto the outside of the pipe
Should be thoroughly cleaned and lubricated
with pipe dope before making up each joint
 Drill Collar
Heavy, thick-walled and have boxes and pins
cut into them
Appx 30 long
ODs from 31/8 to 11 inches
Most are round and some are spiralled or
squared
Spiralled drill collars are used chiefly in
smaller-diameter holes and in directional
drilling. They provide a passage for mud to exit
and thereby relieve the pressure differential
and prevent differential sticking.
 Crossover Sub

Used to link different sizes and types of pipe

 Shock Sub
Its main function is to absorb the impact of the bit
bouncing on hard formations
Run behind the bit
 Stabilizer
A sub with blades
2 functions:
To keep the drill collars centered in the hole
Maintain a full gauge hole
For best results, stabilizers should be between 3 mm
and 6 mm (1/8" and ") less in diameter than the drill
bit
Stabilizers
Bit Sub
A short sub with a box on both ends
Allows the bit to be joined to the drillstring
 The Bit
Most important tool for drilling a well
Vary in design and purpose
2 types:
Roller cone bits (Milled-tooth and Insert bits)
Fixed Cutters (Drag bits, Diamond bits, PDC,
Stratapax, TSP bits)
Drag Bits
Earliest drill bit design (along
with fishtail bit)
Shear and scrape soft
formation
Could not be used to drill
harder formations
The bit body has a central hole
Blades are wing-shaped with
thinner cutting edges either 3-
way or 4-way design
Milled-Tooth Bit
Have steel teeth that
have been milled on
the cones
Teeth may be long,
slender and widely
spaced for drilling
soft formations or
short and broad for
drilling hard formations
Insert or Tungsten Carbide Insert (TCI) Bits
Tungsten carbide inserts
(teeth) are pressed into the
cones
Specially designed for use in
hard abrasive formations
Last longer when drilling hard
formations
Long chisel shapes for firm
formations to short round
buttons for hard, brittle
formations
Diamond gage chisel insert is
the latest development
Diamond Bit Parts
Diamonds:
Boart-grade held in place by the
matrix
Embedded into the bottom and
sides of the bit
Matrix:
Solid powdered tungsten carbide
composite matrix body that is
bonded to the shank and holds
the diamonds
Shank
Made of steel
Diamond Bit: Advantages

Long drilling life

Able to drill any formation
Diamond Bit: Disadvantages

High cost
Slow ROP
Unresponsive to changes in lithology
Poor quality of drill cuttings
Rig Floor