Multimineral optimization processing method based on elemental capture spectroscopy logging

Abstract

Calculating the mineral composition is a critical task in log interpretation. Elemental capture spectroscopy (ECS) log provides the weight percentages of twelve common elements, which lays the foundation for the accurate calculation of mineral compositions. Previous processing methods calculated the formation composition via the conversion relation between the formation chemistry and minerals. Thus, their applicability is limited and the method precision is relatively low. In this study, we present a multimineral optimization processing method based on the ECS log. We derived the ECS response equations for calculating the formation composition, then, determined the logging response values for the elements of common minerals using core data and theoretical calculations. Finally, a software module was developed. The results of the new method are consistent with core data and the mean absolute error is less than 10%.