Quantitative Mud Analysis for Hydrocarbons: ABSTRACT

Abstract

Prior to recent developments, results obtained by mud-analysis logging have been qualitative not quantitative. The magnitude of gas shows obtained was not necessarily an accurate reflection of the concentration of gas entrained in the drilling mud. Nor could one safely assume that similar concentrations of gas in different mud samples would yield readings of similar magnitude. The analytical method employed in determining the type and concentration of hydrocarbon gases in the drilling mud was the weak point in early mud logging. The gas chromatograph, incorporated in present equipment, has overcome the analytical problem. The remaining obstacle to precise mud analysis has been that of extracting all the hydrocarbon gases from the drilling mud for analysis. With the development of equipment End_Page 131------------------------------ capable of extracting substantially all of the gases from a mud sample, regardless of the drilling mud properties, it is now possible to obtain reproducible, quantitative mud analyses. Such analyses are essential if the full value of mud logging is to be realized. End_of_Article - Last_Page 132------------