Heading (logging)

Heading (Logging): A Window into Well Information

In the oil and gas industry, logging is a crucial process that gathers detailed information about a well. This data is essential for making informed decisions about exploration, production, and well management. One key aspect of logging is the Heading, a section at the top of the log that provides a concise summary of essential well information.

What Does the Heading Include?

The Heading typically includes the following information:

Well Name & Number: This unique identifier allows for easy identification and tracking of the well.
Location: The geographic coordinates (latitude and longitude) and the specific location within a field or lease are provided.
Operator: The company responsible for drilling and operating the well is clearly stated.
Date Drilled: The date when the well was drilled provides a reference point for understanding the well's history.
Well Depth: The total depth of the well is specified, indicating the extent of the hole drilled.
Target Formation: The geological formation targeted for hydrocarbon production is outlined, providing information about the potential reservoir.
Wellbore Type: The type of wellbore (e.g., vertical, horizontal, deviated) is mentioned, which influences drilling techniques and production strategies.
Logging Date: The date when the logging was conducted provides context for interpreting the collected data.

Why Is the Heading Important?

The Heading serves as a crucial point of reference for:

Identifying the well: The unique combination of well name, number, and location ensures accurate identification.
Understanding the well's context: The operator, drilling date, and target formation provide essential background information.
Evaluating the well's characteristics: The well depth and wellbore type highlight the well's geometry and potential.
Assessing the data quality: The logging date helps in understanding the age of the data and its relevance to current conditions.

Beyond the Basics:

While the basic information is standard, the Heading might also include additional details depending on the logging program. These can include:

Drilling parameters: Information about drilling mud, bit size, and other parameters used during drilling.
Completion details: Information about the casing, tubing, and other equipment used to complete the well.
Production history: Summary of past production rates and fluid properties.
Specific logging tools: The names and types of logging tools used for data acquisition.

In Conclusion:

The Heading on a logging report acts as a vital introduction to the well's characteristics and data. It provides a clear understanding of the well's identity, context, and history, allowing professionals to interpret the data effectively and make informed decisions regarding well management and production optimization.

Test Your Knowledge

Quiz: Heading (Logging)

Instructions: Choose the best answer for each question.

1. What is the primary purpose of the Heading section in a logging report?

a) To describe the details of the logging tools used. b) To provide a concise summary of essential well information. c) To analyze the collected well data and draw conclusions. d) To present detailed geological interpretations of the well.

Answer

b) To provide a concise summary of essential well information.

2. Which of the following is NOT typically included in a logging report Heading?

a) Well Name & Number b) Operator c) Target Formation d) Detailed analysis of the well's productivity.

Answer

d) Detailed analysis of the well's productivity.

3. What information does the "Date Drilled" provide in the Heading?

a) The date the well was completed. b) The date the well was logged. c) The date the well was first put into production. d) The date the well was drilled.

Answer

d) The date the well was drilled.

4. Why is the "Wellbore Type" mentioned in the Heading?

a) To understand the well's geometry and potential. b) To determine the age of the collected data. c) To identify the specific logging tools used. d) To analyze the production history of the well.

Answer

a) To understand the well's geometry and potential.

5. Which of the following is an example of information that MIGHT be included in the Heading, beyond the standard details?

a) The names of the geologists involved in the project. b) The weather conditions during drilling. c) Drilling parameters like mud type and bit size. d) A detailed description of the logging equipment.

Answer

c) Drilling parameters like mud type and bit size.

Exercise: Heading Analysis

Instructions:

Imagine you are working as a wellsite engineer and you are presented with the following information:

Well Name & Number: ABC-123
Location: 40.1234° N, 75.5678° W
Operator: PetroCorp
Date Drilled: June 15, 2023
Well Depth: 10,000 ft
Target Formation: Eagle Ford Shale
Wellbore Type: Horizontal

Task:

Create a Heading for a logging report based on the information provided.
Explain the significance of each piece of information in the Heading.

Exercise Correction

**Heading:**

Well Name & Number: ABC-123 Location: 40.1234° N, 75.5678° W Operator: PetroCorp Date Drilled: June 15, 2023 Well Depth: 10,000 ft Target Formation: Eagle Ford Shale Wellbore Type: Horizontal Logging Date: (Insert the date the logging was conducted)

Significance:

Well Name & Number: Unique identifier for the well.
Location: Geographic coordinates for precise location.
Operator: Company responsible for drilling and operations.
Date Drilled: Reference point for well's history and drilling conditions.
Well Depth: Total depth of the well, indicating extent of drilling.
Target Formation: Geological formation targeted for production.
Wellbore Type: Indicates well's geometry and drilling techniques.
Logging Date: Provides context for the age and relevance of the data.

Books

"Well Logging and Formation Evaluation" by Schlumberger: This comprehensive book covers various aspects of well logging, including the importance of the heading and its components.
"Petroleum Engineering: Drilling and Well Completion" by William C. Lyons: This textbook provides a thorough explanation of well drilling and completion processes, including logging and the information contained in the heading.
"Log Interpretation Charts" by Maurice H. Roberts: This book offers detailed explanations of various logging tools and their applications, including the information presented in the heading.

Articles

"Well Logging: A Powerful Tool for Reservoir Characterization" by Society of Petroleum Engineers: This article discusses the role of well logging in understanding reservoir properties, mentioning the significance of the heading for data interpretation.
"The Importance of Well Logs in Oil and Gas Exploration and Production" by Oil & Gas Journal: This article highlights the essential role of well logs in the oil and gas industry and emphasizes the value of the information presented in the heading.

Online Resources

Schlumberger's Well Logging Website: Schlumberger provides a wealth of information on well logging, including detailed explanations of different logging tools and techniques.
Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) website: SPE offers various articles, publications, and resources related to well logging and formation evaluation.
Oil & Gas Journal website: This journal publishes articles and news related to the oil and gas industry, including topics related to well logging and data analysis.

Search Tips

Use specific keywords: Search for "well logging heading," "well log header," or "logging report heading" for more specific results.
Include relevant terms: Add terms like "well name," "location," "operator," "date drilled," or "target formation" to your search query.
Use quotation marks: Enclose specific phrases in quotation marks to find exact matches, e.g., "well logging heading example."
Utilize advanced operators: Use "+" to include specific words in the results, "-" to exclude words, and "site:schlumberger.com" to limit the search to a particular website.