PETROPHYSICS LAB-5

Prof. Sayantan Ghosh

Prof. Neetish Kumar Maurya

IIT(ISM) Dhanbad (Monsoon, 2024)

Objective:

Creation of a Pickett plot by recognition of pattern on a log -log scale observable on a set of
porosities, true resistivity and water saturation values taken from well logs.

Theory:

Pickett Plot

The Pickett plot is a graphical method developed by G.R. Pickett in 1966 to interpret well log
data, primarily to estimate porosity, water saturation, and hydrocarbon presence in reservoir
rocks. The fundamental theory behind the Pickett plot is based on Archie's equations, which
relate the electrical properties of a rock to its porosity and fluid saturation

The Pickett plot is designed to:

 Provide a visual representation of the relationship between resistivity and porosity.

 Aid in identifying hydrocarbon-bearing zones.

 Estimate water saturation and other reservoir properties.

Interpretation of the Pickett Plot

 Water-Bearing Zones: Data points that lie close to or below the 100% water saturation
line typically indicate water-bearing zones. This suggests that the resistivity is relatively
low for the given porosity.
 Hydrocarbon-Bearing Zones: Points that lie above the 100% water saturation line
suggest the presence of hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons have higher resistivity compared
to water because they are non-conductive, resulting in higher Rt values.
  Porosity and Lithology Trends: A consistent linear trend on a Pickett plot usually
indicates a uniform lithology and pore structure. Deviations from this trend can indicate
changes in lithology (e.g., presence of shale or clay) or variations in pore geometry.

Hingle Plot
The Hingle plot, like the Pickett plot, is a graphical method used in petrophysics for evaluating
reservoir properties from well log data. It specifically focuses on estimating water saturation
(Sw) and formation resistivity, particularly in formations where the assumptions of Archie's
equations are valid. The Hingle plot is less commonly used than the Pickett plot but provides
valuable insights, especially when certain log-derived parameters are more readily available or
more reliable.

The Hingle plot is designed to:

 Visually estimate water saturation (Sw) using well log data.

 Relate the resistivity of the formation to porosity and formation water resistivity.

 Provide an alternative to the Pickett plot, particularly in formations where the Pickett
plot might not be as effective due to lithological or fluid complexity.

Interpretation of the Hingle Plot

 Water-Bearing Zones: Points that align with the lower water saturation lines likely
represent water-bearing zones.
 Hydrocarbon-Bearing Zones: Points that lie above the lower water saturation lines
suggest hydrocarbon-bearing zones, as hydrocarbons typically increase resistivity.
 Porosity and Lithology Trends: Linear trends in the data can indicate consistent
lithology, while deviations suggest changes in the rock properties or fluid types.
Procedure: PICKETT PLOT

 Open IP and load the previously saved well.

 Click on ‘View’ on the left-hand side. Select ‘Crossplot’ from the drop-down menu.

 Pickett plot uses logarithmic scales. Mark the ‘Standalone Pickett Crossplot’ tick on
the newly appeared window.

 Under the curve name column assign RT (Resistivity) as the X - axis, and also mark
the log tick aside it. Also assign Calculated: Phi_Eff (Effective Porosity) as the Y –
axis and mark the log tick to enable logarithmic data values on graph. Also, under this
assign GR (Gamma Ray) as the Z1 – axis without any logarithmic interpretation.
 Now click on ‘Create Logplot’ icon on the menu bar at the top.

 After this type in interval depths as following: 3245(TOP) & 3450(BOTTOM).

 Click On Apply.

 Add 10% and 5% saturation line in the small “Sw Pickett plot Lines” window. Put 0.1
and 0.05 for the line values.

 To get the 100% water saturation trend, we have to keep adjusting the trend line on
the graph according to our plotted values and set the trend to the most suitable position
that matches most of the points.

DRAG TO ADJUST
Click For Highlighting

ADJUSTED TREND LINE

 To highlight the points with Relatively Clean Sand with Water Saturation we have
to click on the small red hued circular icon as shown below. Mark the checkbox marked
‘Highlight Point’.

 For Gas Zones we choose a different color for highlighting from the same drop-down
menu.
 Fig.: Different Plots Showing Different Zones and Formations.

 We see that if we move the trend line of 100% water saturation up or down, the Rw
values also change simultaneously in the smaller window of Sw Pickett plot Lines.
 We also notice that when we change the slope of the trend line, both the Rw and m
(Cementation Exponent) values also changes. We also see 2 more values i.e., n
(Saturation Exponent – determines the separation between the water saturation trend
lines) & a (Tortuosity Factor – all water saturation lines come down as we decrease it).
 Now we can adjust any preferable values we need to achieve our final objective. For
example, Rw = 0.02, m = 1.7, n = 2.2, and a = 0.8.

 Now to save, go the File on the Trend Line window, and then go to Save Format. Assign
a desired file name and click on Save.

 Go to the previously saved folder from here, in which we saved the file to use it again.
Procedure: HINGLE PLOT

 Open IP and load the previously saved well.

 Click on ‘Interp’ on the left-hand side. Select ‘Porosity and Water Saturation’ from
the drop-down menu.

 In the new window that appears, under the ‘PEF’ column select ‘PEF_corrected’ from
the drop-down menu.
 Under the ‘Shale Volume’ section, choose ‘Calculated: VSHmix’.

 In the right-hand part of the window, under ‘Temperature Units’ choose the
‘Centrigrade’ option. For error messages, click on OK.
 Now go to the ‘Output Curves’ tab on the same window. Then go the ‘Output Set’
option at the top marked in blue color, and click on ‘Create New Set’.

 In the newly opened window, insert a new row for porosity at water saturation as
Por_WatSat. Then click on Close.
 We can also customize the plot options as necessary after this. Then we go to the ‘Input
Curves’ again and click on OK. Click on Yes on the next window.

 In the appeared graph, go to the desired section and zoom in. Right – click on the
Resistivity (RT) section, and choose the Effective Porosity Hingle Plot method as
shown below.
 After a new plot appears, adjust it in the blank space on the screen. Now go to File on
the previous graph menu, and click on Load Plot Format.

 Now choose the desired file and click on Open.

 Now scroll to the desired position by using the click cursor provided on the right –
hand side of the appeared graph.

 On the new appeared smaller plot, click on ‘All Zones’ mark to activate it. Then click
on ‘Edit Format’ tab at the top.
 On the new window, set GR (Gamma Ray) as the Z1 axis. Then click on OK.
 The plot will be coloured accordingly using GR (Gamma Ray).

Fig.: Coloured Plot Using Gamma Ray

 Now click on the button to highlight the sands in red.

 Highlight the points we want to observe by clicking on them.

 To adjust the water saturation lines, go to ‘Function’ at the top. Select ‘Sw Lines for
Hingle Plot’ from the drop-down menu.
 Put the values of 0.1 and 0.05 in the blank spaces in the new window, then click on
Apply.

 To highlight the plot on the left-hand side, just right-click on the plot, and go to the
‘Highlight Xplot’ option.
 We can see only the points in the highlighted zone with this method.

 To erase highlights, just right-click on the plot again and click ‘Clear Xplot
Highlights’.
 Click and stretch the water saturation line accordingly, to fit the already plotted
points.

 Water Saturation Lines at default values: Rw = 0.0101, m = 2.1, n = 2.2, a = 0.8

Points with 7 – 10 % Saturation.

 Water Saturation Lines at Rw = 1; Sw lines moved left relative to the plotted
points.

 Water Saturation Lines at m = 3; Sw lines moved right relative to the plotted

points.
 Water Saturation Lines at n = 4; Distance between the 100% Saturation Line and
the 50% Saturation Line increased. Similarly, there were some adjustments in the
distances between the following lines.

 Water Saturation Lines at a = 1; Sw lines shifted relatively towards the right of the
plotted points.
 One more thing we can do with this cross plot is make User Lines. Go to ‘Function’
at the top, and click on ‘Create User Lines’.

 Click on this dialogue box as shown below, and sketch a desired line. The formula
of the line will be shown alongside.
 So, we can create multiple User Lines accordingly to see our trends, as shown
below.

 We can even delete the User Lines, by simply selecting the line and clicking the
Cross sign at the top.
 We can also plot the Total Porosity, instead of the Effective Porosity. We can do it
simply by right-clicking on the plot and choosing the option shown below.
 Fig.: Highlighted Zone representing Total Porosity.

 Follow the same steps as the ‘Pickett Plot’, to save your file in the desired location.

Submission:
1. State the objectives of this lab.
2. State the theory associated with this lab.
3. Present a log snippet for a Pickett plot and a Hingle plot.
4. Mention the steps you took on the software to get to the log snippet
5. What is the primary purpose of a Pickett plot in petrophysical analysis?
6. What are the limitations of using a Pickett plot for formation evaluation?
7. What are the limitations of using a Hingle plot for formation evaluation?