Production Logging

roduction Logging evolved within the oil industry as it became necessary for the well operator to obtain detailed knowledge of the nature and behavior of fluids during production cycles. Gradually, many of these tools, techniques and purposes of Production Logging have been adapted to the water industry. Some potential benefits are:

Chapter 9

P
n n

n Early Evaluation of Completion Efficiency, n Early Detection of disturbances which are

not clearly revealed by measurements at the surface, Detailed information on zones of production, Detailed information on the extent of contamination within the aquifer(s).

Types of Logs Available

Although Production Logs are often spoken of as a group apart, this functional identification is not complete nor is it absolute. Any log that yields useful information in cased holes can be classified as a Production Log. Although the accuracy of Production Logging measurements is good, it should be understood that the quantitative accuracy of the interpretations is limited. There are variables which cannot be measured and simplifying assumptions should be made in some areas. For example, it would be unrealistic to expect an analysis to yield a clear differentiation between 600 and 610 GPM. Nevertheless, the relative results are excellent. Usually surface measured flow rates are available with which to correlate and refine the PL results. In any event, it is ordinarily the downhole flow pattern that is of primary interest, rather than distinct, absolute flowrates. However, in favorable conditions, the PL interpretation can yield flowrate values of good quantitative accuracy. This accuracy depends largely on the downhole flow regime. To understand the complexity of PL interpretation some discussion is needed of the physical states that exist when water flows through vertical pipes.

upward inside the pipe. However, there are documented cases where the flow upward will not only be within the pipe but also outside in the gravel pack. This phenomenon will greatly affect the velocity logs. An additional anomaly which will give the velocity logs an unusual characteristic is the assumption that the inside diameter of the borehole does not change. Not only will different internal diameters occur; but, also, a screened interval may have a different internal diameter than the main casing string. Although small diameter pipe changes in large casing will not affect the velocity logs drastically, the effect will still be seen and can lead to erroneous interpretation. Additionally, depending on the pumping rate and casing size, the water movement may vary from moderately surging to strong upward flow. As a result, the velocity data may be very erratic or stable. Single phase flow is divided into three broad classes: Laminar, Turbulent, and Transitional Flows.

Laminar Flow
The term laminar is applied to a streamline flow pattern in which fluid may be thought to be divided into infinitesimally thin concentric layers, each layer having a uniform velocity parallel to the hole axis. Adjacent layers flow past each other with slightly different velocities. In laminar flow, the fluid next to the surfaces of the pipe is stationary (assuming the fluid wets the surface) and the maximum velocity is at or near the center of the pipe. The profile of velocity across the pipe section is parabolic as shown on in Figure 9 - 1-A.

Turbulent Flow
The term turbulent is applied to a flow which is characterized by random, irregular, locally circular currents throughout the fluid column. In turbulent flow,as shown in Figure 9 - 1-B, the fluid next to the surface is again stationary, and a thin layer in laminar flow exits close to the pipe assuming the pipe wall is smooth. However, the velocity profile has a flat flow front as compared to the laminar parabolic flow. As the casing wall changes because of buildup and/or irregular pipe sizes, the turbulent flow pattern may vary widely from moderately to highly turbulent.

Flow in Vertical Pipes

Unlike the oil industry which usually must deal with multiphase flow, we are concerned with only single phase flow, water, and a flow of a single viscosity. This is a distinct advantage, but at the same time we must contend with excessively large diameter pipes that can be highly corroded and/or irregular. Although the downhole flow regime in a producing well will usually be straight forward, you should be aware of potential anomalies which may inhibit the natural flow. It is sometimes incorrect to assume that the flow will be 59

Transitional Flow
It is to be expected that both flow patterns, laminar and turbulent, may exist within a well and, consequently, a transition zone must exist where the flow pattern is changing from that of laminar flow into turbulent flow as the fluid moves up the hole and the velocity increases

Chapter 9
Figure 9 - 1, A, B can be calculated by Formula A in Figure 9 - 2. Because we are only concerned with single phase flow, water, the density of the fluid will always be one gm/cc and the viscosity of the fluid will always be one centipoise. Therefore, the equation can be simplified to Formula B in Figure 9 - 2. There is a definite lower limit to the value of N below which turbulence will not occur, that value is about 2000. Whether turbulence appears for a value above 2000 depends upon the degree to which fluid is free of disturbances. Usually the flow is fully turbulent for a value to 4000.

Non Pumping Measurements

Contrary to popular belief, valuable data can be obtained from non pumping testing as well as from the pumping tests. Not only that, but it is both easier and more economical to obtain data from non pumping tests. In non pumping logging the pump has been removed from the well, and the PL tools are inserted directly into the well bore. Data such as interzonal communication and rates can be detected along with the zones that may be contaminated. Often the well is not static as presumed, and consequently, it is possible to formulate certain conclusions as shown in Table 9 - 1.

Laminar and Turbulent Flow Patterns

because additional water is entering the flowstream. This transitional zone may cause erratic velocity measurements and as a result it is important that the Reynolds Number be calculated to learn the exact extent of that area, if it does exist. The flow pattern will be somewhere Reynolds Number Formula Figure 9 - 2 between the patterns shown in Figure 9 - 1-A,B. It is possible you will experience data which decreases then increases then decreases again as the tool moves pvd N Re = through the area of m transitional flow. Also, if turbulent flow occurs, then where, p is the density of the fluid laminar flow will be toward m is the viscosity the bottom of the hole and, of course, the turbulent flow will d is the diameter of the pipe occur up the hole in the v is the average velocity of the fluid from: highest fluid velocity.

A:

Reynolds Number
Experience has shown there is a distinct relationship between the density of the fluid, viscosity of the fluid, diameter of the pipe, and the average velocity of the fluid. Experiments show this relationship can be expressed as a Reynolds Number and

4q q 2 = pd A where, q is volumetric flowrate A is the internal cross - section of the pipe v=

B:
N Re = vd
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Chapter 9
the logging cable. There have been cases where the annulus size has been so small that the logging tool does not have enough clearance for access to the bottom. In these cases, the entire pump string has been removed, and the tool inserted into the well below the bowl settings. The pump is then reassembled in the hole. After the survey, the pump assembly is removed and the logging tool is retrieved from the well bore. This method will require that the logging tool and truck be on site for as long as three days. The biggest drawback from this method is that the time to make multiple logging tool runs will be excessive and another alternative is usually sought.

Table 9 - 1

1 . Ve r o s s f l o w betw een pr oducing rt ro fl ow between producing t i c a l c r aquifers can be determined. 2 . C r o s s f l o wf r om contamina ted aquif e r s ro fl ow rom contaminated aquife rs behind blank casing can be detected. r eas with 3 . I ft h ew ell is contamina t e d ,a reas well contaminat d, h TDS v alues ma yb ed i s c o ve r e d . values may ov re d. h i g 4. Horizontal movement in an aquifer may b ed e t e r m i n e d . 5 . Amounts of cr o s s f l o w ma y be calcula t e d . cro fl ow may calculat d. Several different mechanical arrangements are used for logging with a pump and pump string in the hole. The most preferable method while pumping occurs when an access pipe is placed in the borehole along with the submersible pumpstring and extends just below the intake. This design will allow for the free access of multiple PL tools and for the unrestricted logging below the pump string while the pump is in operation.

Preferred Turbine Pump Method

Although this method is in its infancy, more geotechnical companies have realized the potential benefits from a relatively new method of placing well casings. When the well is first completed, an external access pipe varying in diameter from 4 to 10 inches, is put into place simultaneously with the casing. The access pipe is tied into the casing string with a Y assembly. This is no more than a long slot (preferably over 5') onto which the access pipe is welded. This entry is below the bowls of the pump string. The advantage to this method is obvious. It is possible any time to insert any type of device into the well under pumping conditions without ever shutting down and pulling the pump. Although the initial cost will probably be quite high, over the long term, considerable time and money will be saved. The turbine pump methods should be discussed throughly with the pump or drilling company to establish the most economical method of surveying the well when using a turbine pump.

Turbine Pump
This method of entry into a well under pumping conditions is probably the least desirable of all methods. Sometimes this is the only course open to the well owner. Uusually the turbine pump must be lifted to allow access of each individual logging tool. The pump base must be blocked up in some manner to allow free movement of

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