Corrections for downhole NMR logging

Abstract

Nuclear magnetic resonance logging (NMR) is an open well logging method. Drilling mud resistivity, formation resistivity and sodium ions influence its radio frequency (RF) field strength and NMR logging signals. Research on these effects can provide an important basis for NMR logging data acquisition and interpretation. Three models, water-based drilling mud—water bearing formation, water-based drilling mud—oil bearing formation, oil-based drilling mud—water bearing formation, were studied by finite element method numerical simulation. The influences of drilling mud resistivity and formation resistivity on the NMR logging tool RF field and the influences of sodium ions on the NMR logging signals were simulated numerically. On the basis of analysis, RF field correction and sodium ion correction formulae were proposed and their application range was also discussed. The results indicate that when drilling mud resistivity and formation resistivity are 0.02 Ω·m and 0.2 Ω·m respectively, the attenuation index of centric NMR logging tool is 8.9% and 9.47% respectively. The RF field of an eccentric NMR logging tool is affected mainly by formation resistivity. When formation resistivity is 0.1 Ω·m, the attenuation index is 17.5%. For centric NMR logging tools, the signals coming from sodium ions can be up to 31.8% of total signal. Suggestions are proposed for further research into NMR logging tool correction method and response characteristics.