Factors Influencing Electrical Resistivity of Drilling Fluids

By JOHN E. SHERBORNE* AND WILLIAM M. NEWTON,t JUNIOR MEMBERS A.I.M.E.

(Los Angeles Meeting, October 1941)

THE relation between the properties of generally possible, by means of electric

electric logs and the fluid used in drilling a well logs, to distinguish readily the differences
is briefly discussed in this paper, and the fact between shales, sandstones, cherts, lime-
that the resistivity of the drilling mud and its
stones, and other rock forms. The dis-
filtrate can appreciably affect such logs is
tinguishing characteristics recorded in this
shown.
Apparatus was designed and a procedure manner have made possible long-range and
established to determine the effect of various closely detailed mapping and visualization
factors on the resistivity of drilling mud. Five of deeply buried structures l - 5 to a degree
muds commonly employed in California were not to be obtained with a reasonable
tested and the following observations were expenditure of money by any other means
made: at present in use.
1. The effect of raising the temperature Besides being of value in correlation
from 80°F. to 180°F. is to decrease the resis- work, electric logs have been found, in

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tivity of the mud or filtrate approximately
some instances, to be useful in estimating
SO per cent.
the nature of fluid contained within the
2. The resistivity of the mud in most cases
closely approximates that of its filtrate. pores of a rock. In special cases, even the
3. The change in the resistivities of muds relative permeabilities at different horizons
caused byithe:addition of chemical is not the have been determined. 6 That electric logs
same function of the amount of chemical should reflect in some measure such
added for each mud. physical properties of rocks as porosity
4. The effect produced by increased sodium and permeability and, in addition, give rise
chloride content is to reduce markedly the to data pertaining to the fluid content of
resistivity of the mud and its filtrate. rock interstices, becomes evident when the
5. Weighting materials, such as Baroid and
conditions giving rise to the electrical
limestone, tend to increase the resistivity of
phenomena measured are known. How-
drilling mud.
6. Cement and counteracting reagents re- ever, it is not the purpose of this paper to
duce mud resistivity. review the present status of electric
logging; rather, the reader is referred to the
INTRODUCTION papers cited on page 220 for the principles
During recent years, the practice of and practice involved.
"electrically logging" a geologic formation
IMPORTANCE OF DRILLING FLUID
by means of a system of electrodes lowered
IN ELECTRIC LOGGING
in a well bore has provided data of in-
estimable value concerning the nature of Because the drilling fluid must be the
the sediments penetrated. Thus, it is medium through which the electric logging
device is made to traverse the formations
Manuscript received at the office of the Institute
Sept. 12, 194I. Issued as T.P. 1466 in PETROLEUM penetrated by a borehole, and since, in gen-
TECHNOLOGY, March 1942.
* Petroleum Engineer, Union Oil Company of eral, the drilling mud completely surrounds
California, Los Angeles, California.
t Research Engineer, Union Oil Company of
California, Wilmington, California. 1 References are at the end of the paper.

204
 JOHN E. SHERBORNE AND WILLIAM M. NEWTON 20 5

the electrodes, a knowledge of the electrical characteristics of drilling fluids have been
properties of this fluid is essential to the considerably investigated. ll- 12 However,
thorough analysis of electric logs. There as far as the writer knows, very few data
have long been considerable field data to have been accumulated regarding the
indicate the great influence of the nature resistivity of the drilling fluid and its
of the drilling fluid upon electric logs, but, filtrate or the factors that influence it,
to the knowledge of the writers, no quanti-
SCOPE OF INVESTIGATION
tative information has been published.
As has been indicated above, the resistivity The purpose of this paper is, first, to
of a drilling mud, the resistivity of its present a report of the apparatus used and
filtrate, and the wall-building characteris- results obtained in a brief investigation
tics of the mud are three of its more into the effect that various factors may
important qualities, as far as electric have upon the electrical resistance of
logging is concerned. The latter quality, drilling muds and their filtrates, and,
the wall-building character, is important second, to show the effect of the electrical
in that it controls, to some extent, the resistance of the drilling fluid upon electric

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amount of fluid infiltration into the forma- logs in some specific cases.
tion. As has been shown by Torrey,6 the Measurements were made over a range
self-potential curve can yield valuable of conditions usually encountered in
information regarding the permeability ordinary field operations. The tests were
of the formations encountered when the made at temperatures from 80°F. to r80°F.
fluid entering the formation is allowed to The conditions were maintained to within
pass directly from the well bore into the ±o.SoF. at the lower temperature and
formation without encountering resistance. within ± 2,o°F. at the higher temperatures,
When mud is used, however, that is not by means of a water bath.
generally true. Drilling mud is so composed
MATERIALS USED
and maintained that very quickly it builds
a relatively impervious cake upon the Five muds were chosen for this study,
walls of the borehole. A mud similar to the closely representing the various types used
muds of good quality used .in practice, in oil-well completions in California.
when circulated against formations widely These muds are designated as McKittrick,
different in their properties, will produce Aquagel, Oxo, Wilmington Slough, and
a cake that has a very low permeability Mojave P-34. Their properties are given in
in comparison with that of the formation. Table r.
H. T. Byckl l studied a number of muds TABLE I.-Properties of the Five Muds
and found that the permeabilities of their Tested
cakes were of the order of 10-6 darcys,
",hereas those of sands encountered in Filter
Salin- Rate,
oil-bearing formations range from as Weight, ity, 5- 1 5
pH Min.
~~: ~~~
Mud Grains
low as 10- 3 to as high as 25 darcys. * It is Differ-
apparent that the mud cake, in most
&:1. ence,
C.C.
instances, must, to a large extent, control - - - - - ---
the rate of flow of fluid from the well bore Aquagel. .......... 64·9 7 9. 2 4·5
McKittrick ........ 80 "4·4 9·0
into the formation. The wall-building Oxo .............. 75·7 15·4 8.7 5·3
Mojave P-34 ...... 85 92
Wilmington Slough. 69.6 292
'" The unit of permeability, the darcy, is the value
obtained when a homogeneous fluid flows at a rate of
one milliliter per second, through one square centi-
meter of.a porous medium, under a pressure ~adient The relation between temperature and
of~ one atmosphere per centimeter, for condItions of
viscous flow. resistivity for the five muds and their
206 FACTORS INFLUENCING RESISTIVITY OF DRILLING FLUIDS

filtmtes, both native a.n(i treate(l with siz.; (\elcrmination wa.s ohtained for each
~odium pyrophm'phal.c, qllcbmcho (com- (Tahle 2).
mercial tannic acid), sodium chloride,
ApPARATUS
llaroid, limestone, cement, and sodium
bicarbonate, has been determined. Each The Meter.-Since the instrument used
of these materials was of the grade that in making these determinations was de-

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Cell

110
VOLT
-----
Selector
Swi~

o
®

A. Switch to open resistance which proteds meter

B. Switch to chanqe sensitivity of apparatus
FIG. I.-SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM OF METER CIRCUIT EMPLOYED IN RESISTIVITY MEASUREMENTS.

would be used to treat the mud in the field. signed for use in the field by men with
The amounts used were so chosen as to little technical training, consideration was
cover the range of the ordinary practical given to making the device both strong and
application, although, in some of the tests, simple to operate, therefore certain refine-
particularly chemically treated samples, ments usually found on laboratory appara-
large excesses were added to demonstrate tus were omitted. However, the results
more clearly the effect produced. obtained are felt to be well within the
Both Baroid (essentially barium sul- limits required by field conditions. The
phate) and limestone are used in a very circuit is very simple and consists of a
finely divided state as weighting material multi tapped transformer fed by a source
in drilling muds. Since the state of aggrega- of electricity, the potential of which is
tion of these solids determines to some given by an a.c. voltmeter across the
extent the properties of the mud, a particle- primary. Current is withdrawn from a
 JOHN E. SHERBORNE AND WILLIAM M. NEWTON 20 7

selected portion of the secondary and flows relation to the other. During the experi-
through a cell containing the material to be ments, the laboratory cells were maintained
tested. An a.c. milliammeter in series at constant temperature by immersion in a
with the cell is used to determine the water bath.
resistivity. Various resistances are used to
change the range of the meter and to
protect it. A schematic diagram of the
circuit is shown in Fig. I.
The Cell.-It is impracticable in the field
to measure the resistivity of a mud at a
predetermined temperature but for labora-
BRASS
TABLE 2.-Particle-size Distribution GUIDE

Ba- Lime-
roid,a stonc,
Mesh or Particle Size Per Per
Cent Cent
byWt. byWt.

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Pass 100 mesh ... ............ . 100 100
STAINLESS
Pass ISO mesh .... ................ . 100 99
Pass 200 mesh, smaller than 74 microns 100 95.5 STEEl PLATES
Pass325 mesh, smaller than 44 microns 98 86. a BRASS ANNULUS
Smaller than 40 microns . ........ . 84. I
CEMENTED TO
Smaller than 30 microns . ........ . 72.1 BAKELITE
Smaller than 20 microns . ........ . 53. I
Smaller than IS microns . ........ . 4 2 .6
Smaller than 10 microns .. ....... . 31.6 BRASS
Smaller than 8 microns . ........ . 28.1 FIBER
Smaller than 5 microns . ........ . 17·5
CAP WASHER
Smaller than 4 microns . ........ . '4. 0
Smaller than 2 microns . ........ . 6.9
Smaller than I micron .... ...... . 3.2
Smaller than 0.5 micron . ........ . . 0.8
Specific gravity ................... . 4·5

"Material and data obtained from Baroid Sales FIG. 2.-CELL USED FOR FIELD MEASUREMENTS.
Corporation, Los Angeles.

tory measurements the making of tests at The Filter Press.-The apparatus used to
constant temperature is highly desirable. obtain the filtrate is that developed by
Therefore, it was necessary to develop P. H. Jones,13 which has been widely
cells for both the field and the laboratory. accepted throughout the petroleum indus-
As with the meter, effort was made to try for determining the filter performance
make the cell for field use as strong as of drilling fluids.
possible; the body and cap are made of
CALffiRATION OF ApPARATUS
Bakelite and the plates of stainless steel.
A sketch of this cell is shown in Fig. 2. The apparatus was calibrated by tests
. Two cells were used for the laboratory made with chemically pure potassium
determinations, one for the mud, the chloride solutions of known concentration.
other for the smaller amount of filtrate The relation between the normality of
obtained from the mud. Both of these cells these solutions and resistance was deter-
were made of Pyrex and employed stain- mined by data obtained from the Interna-
less-steel plates as electrodes. The labora- tional Critical Tables. During these and
tory cells were very similar in construction all subsequent tests, corrections were made
except for size. When once a cell hau been for differences in line voltage observed
calibrated, great care was taken to keep on the voltmeter across the input of the
each of the plates properly oriented in transformer.
208 FACTORS INFLUENCING RESISTIVITY OF DRILLING FLUIDS

TABLE 3.-Eifect of Chemical Treatment on TABLE 3.-(Continued)

Resistivity
Mud Filtrate
AQUAGEL, MOJAVE P-34, WILMINGTON
SLOUGH MUDS AND FILTRATES" Sam-
Tem- Resis- Tem- Resis-
Filtrate ~le Treatment
pera- tivity, pera- tivity,
Mud o.
ture, Meter- ture, Meter-
Sam- Tem- Tem- Resis- Deg. ohms Deg. ohms
pie Treatment pera- Resis- pera- tivity, F. F.
No. ture, tivity, ture. Meter-
Deg. Meter- Deg. ohms WILMINGTON SLOUGH MUD AND FILTRATES~
F. ohms F.
AQUAGEL MUD AND FILTRATES· I None 80 0.95 80 0.88
100 0.76 101 0.70
140 0·57 120 0·57
I None 80 7.8 83 10.2
178 0.46 178 0.40
101 6·4 98 8.2 2 2 lb. per bbl. 82 0.75 81 0.66
121 5. 1 138 6.1 sodium pyro- 98 0.65 101 0·52
140 4·5 178 4·2 phosphate 136 0.48 120 0·44
157 3·9 178 0.36 178 0·33
177 3·4 3 2 lb. per bbl. 80 0.96 81 0.86
lAb None 177 3·4 quebracho 101 100 0.70
2 2 lb. per bbl. so- 80 1.8 82 0·77
1.9 139 0.57 II9 0.58
dium pyrophos- 100 1.4 100 1.5 182 180 0.39
phate 138 1.0 146 1.05 0·47
2 lb. per bbl. 80 80 0.70

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4 0.79
180 0.76 179 0.85 each sodium 103 0.64 100 0.57
3 2 lb. per bbl. 80 5·7 84 5·0 pyrophosphate 140 0·47 120 0.48
quebracho 100 4·4 102 4·3 and quebracho 178 0·37 180 0·33
140 3.1 '42 3·0 Same as NO.4 81' 0.64d
180 2·5 178 2·3 4A
100" 0.54 d
4 2 lb. per bbl. 81 1.6 82 2.1 II 9' 0.45'
each sodium 104 1.3 101 1.6 I80 d 0.3 2d
pyrophosphate 139 0·95 137 1.2 0.66 81 0.56
and quebracho 180 0.74 180 0.85 5 5 lb. per bbl. 81
each sodium 100 0·55 101 0·45
4Ab Same as NO.4 84 1.6 pyrophosphate 140 0·37 120 0·40
120 1.1 and quebracho 178 0·31 180 0.29
136 0.93
175 0.72
5 5 lb. per bbl. 82 1.1 80 1.3 a Mud density. 64.9 lb. per cu. ft. Filtrates ob-
each sodium 10 4 0.82 98 1.1 tained at 80°F. and 100 lb. per sq. in. Chlorides in
pyrophosphate 139 0.63 144 0·75 filtrates. 7 grains per gallon (expressed as sodium
and quebracho 180 0·53 180 0·55 chloride).
'Sample held 12 hr. at 180°F. before tests were
made.
MOJAVE P-34 MUD AND FILTRATES' , Mud density. 85 lb. per cu. ft. Filtrates obtained
at 80°F. and 100 lb. per sq. in. pressure. Chlorides in
I None 80 2.0 82 1.7 filtrate, 92 grains per gallon.
101 1.6 101 1.4 d Filtrate obtained at I80'F. and IOOO lb. per sq.
140 1.2 140 0·95 in. pressure.
180 0.87 179 0·75 • Mud density, 69.6 lb. per cu. ft. Filtrates obtained
lAb None 179 0.87 at 80°F. and 100 lb. per sq. in. Chlorides in filtrate,
2 2 lb. per bbl. 84 1.3 80 1.0 290 grains per gallon.
sodium pyro- 100 1.0 101 0.82
phosphate 140 0·72 140 0.62 ANALYTICAL PROCEDURE
181 0.61 181 0·43
.3 2 lb. per bbl. 81 2.0 80 1.7 The muds were handled in the laboratory
quebracho 102 1.5 100 1.4
139 1.2 146 0·92 in the generally accepted manner.13 The
180 0.86 181 0.71
4 2 lb. per bbl. 80 1.3 80 1.3 samples were strongly agitated by means
each sodium 100 1.0 101 0.99
pyrophosphate II9 0.84 139 0.71 of a Mixmaster type of stirrer just prior
and quebracho 178 0.62 177 0·58
4A' Same as NO.4 82 1.3 to the making of measurements. To
100 1.0
140 0.7 ' expedite the tests, the samples were heated
180 0·59 before agitation to the approximate tem-
5 5 lb. per bbl. 82 0.87
sodium pyro- 98 0·74 perature desired. In general, a mud was
phosphate 140 0·53
178 0.46 treated to the desired condition and was
SA' Same as NO.5 81 0.56
106 0.63 then tested at a series of temperatures.
142 0·52
182 0.38 After agitation, the mud was placed in the
6 5 lb. per bbl. 82 1.0 85 0.78
cell and the upper electrode was inserted.
each sodium 102 0.83 103 0.64
pyrophosphate 142 0·59 138 0·48
and que bracho 180 0·49 178 0·37
At this point, great care was taken to see
6A Same as No.6 86 d 0.65 d that all air was excluded from the cell.
lor ll 0.57 d
I39 d 0.42' The cell was then brought to temperature
I76 d 0.35'
equilibrium and a reading was obtained.
 JOHN E. SHERBORNE AND WILLIAM M. NEWTON 20 9

The process was repeated for other graphically in Fig. 3. All five muds behaved
temperatures. in very much the same way and a change
The filtrates were obtained from the in temperature from 80°F. to 180°F.
filter press mentioned, and by proper con- caused a decrease in resistivity to some-

~
~,
~~
~

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~
i:::
~
~ zo
q;

/1I'/L/If. SLOUGH

/00 120 140 160 180

TEMPERA TlIRE of.
FIG. 3.-EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE UPON RESISTIVITY OF UNTREATED MUDS.

trol were collected at any temperature what less than one half of the value at 80°F.
desired. The liquid thus accumulated was This is better illustrated in Fig. 4, which
placed in the small cell, brought to tem- shows the percentage reduction in the
perature in the bath, and tested. resistivity of the mud at 80°F. as a function
of temperature. The percentage reduction
EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS
in the resistivity with temperature is
The experiments may be arranged in remarkably constant for the five muds.
groups as tests to determine the effect It was found that the filtrates behave in a
upon the resistivity of the mud and filtrate manner very similar to that of the muds.
by: (x) change of temperature, (2) chemical In fact, with the exception of Aquagel
treatment, (3) increase in sodium chloride and its filtrate, the figures for any par-
content, (4) addition of weighting material, ticular mud and filtrate are almost identi-
and (5) contamination by cement and cal. This is significant because it indicates
addition of counteracting reagents. that it can be assumed that if the properties
Effect of Temperature Change.-The of a given mud are known the properties
experimental data showing the relation of the filtrate penetrating the formation
between resistivity and temperature change can be evaluated. In Fig. 5, the resistivity-
are presented in Tables 3, 4 and 5, together temperature relations for a typical mud
with the data on chemical treatment. and for Aquagel are shown. The large
The effect of temperature on the resis- deviation between the resistivities of
tivities of the various muds is given Aquagel mud and filtrate are of interest.
210 FACTORS INFLUENCING RESISTIVITY O1t DRILLING :FLUIDS

TABLE 4.-Effect of Chemical Treatment on Resistivity

McKITTRICK MUD AND Fn.TRATESa

Mud Filtrate

Sam-
pIe Treatment Resis- Resis-
No. Tem- Tem- tivity,
pH perature, tivity, pH perature, Meter-
Deg. F. Meter-
ohms Deg. F. ohms
---- - - - - -- - - - - ----
r None 9·0 82 3· r 8·5 80 3·0
99 2·5 98 2·5
r38 r.8 136 1.8
177 1.4 175 1.3
2 2 lb. per bbl. sodium pyrophosphate 9.8 83 I.6 9·4 86 1.3
99 I.3 102 I.I
136 0.94 142 0.79
177 0·74 174 0.64
3 2 lb. per bbl. quebracho 8.4 83 2·7 82 2·5
98 2.2 106 2.0
138 1.6 134 I.5
176 1.2 173 1.1
4 2 lb. per bbl. each sodium pyrophospilate B.B B2 1.6 B.3 B6 1.4
100 I.2

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I.3 104
139 0·92 140 0.B3
176 0·73 166 0.67
4 Ab Same as NO.4 B3 I.6 B4 1.4
100 1.3 9B 1.2
5 5 lb. per bbl. each sodium pyrophosphate and 9.0 83 0·94 B·5 B3 0.72
quebracho 9B 0·79 106 0·55
I3B 0·5B 133 0·43
171 0·34

• Mud density, Bo lb. per cu. ft. Filtrates obtained at Bo°F. and 100 lb. per sq. in. pressure. Chlorides in
filtrate, 14.4 grains per gal. (expressed as sodium chloride).
b Sample held 12 hr. at IBo°F. before tests were made.

TABLE 5.-Effect of Chemical Treatment on Resistivity

Oxo MUD AND FILTRATEs a
Mud Filtrate

Sample Treatment
No. Filter Resis- Resis-
Tem-
Rate Dil!. perature, tivity, Tem- tivity,
perature,
5- 18
Min., .C. Deg. F.
Meter-
ohms Deg. F. Meter-
ohms
--- ----
I None 5. 2 Bo 6. I BI 5· B
100 4·5 100 4. 6
140 3·4 140 3. 2
IBo 2.7 IBo 2·4
rA" None 177 2.7
2 2 lb. per bbl. sodium pyrophosphate 4·0 Bo 4·3 80 5·3
100 3·2 99 4. 2
140 2·4 140 2.9
IBo 1.9 IBo 2.r
3 2 lb. per bbl. quebracho 3·3 80 5·4 Bo 5· B
100 4. 2 101 4·5
140 3.0 141 3·2
180 2·3 IBo 2·4
4 2 lb. per bbl. each sodium pyrophosphate and 3.0 Bo 3·8 80 4. 6
quebracho 100 2.9 100 3·7
140 2. I 140 2.6
180 1.7 179 2.2
4A Same as NO.4 Bo 4·7'
101 3·7'
139 2.6 c
IBo I.9c
5 5 lb. per bbl. each sodium pyrophosphate and 80 I.B 80 2·5
quehracho 100 I.3 100 2.1
14' 0·93 T40 I.4
180 0.74 I~O I.4

• Mud density, 75.7 lh. per cu. ft. Filtrates obtained at 80°1>. and 100 lb. per sq. in. Chlorides in filtrate,
15.4. grains per gallon.
~ Sample held at IBo°F. 12 hr. before tests were made.
• Filtrates obtained at 1Bo°F. and rooo lb. per sq. inch.
 JOHN E. SHERBORNE AND WILLIAM M. NEWTON 211

~I~
~
SO:
i:::
80
1\ "l
•
LEGEND

AQIIAGEL
o OXO
X Me KITTRICK

~
!Q 6 MOHAVE P-34
~
q;
0 WILMIN6TON SLOll6H
60
~ ~
~
I:) ~
i:::
~ 40
~~
~
q;
~
"""-i r----
~ 20

~~

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~~
100 120 14-0 160 180 POO

TEMPERA'Tl/RE -r:
FIG. 4.-PERCENTAGE REDUCTION IN RESISTIVITY WITH TEMPERATURE.

/00 120 /40 /60 180

TEMPERA Tl/IlE 0 F.
FIG. S.-COMPARISON OF TEMPERATURE-RESISTIVITY RELATION FOR UNTREATED MUDS.
212 FACTORS INFLUENCING RESISTIVITY OF DRILLING FLUIDS

Aquagel is a product that is essentially of the colloidal particles themselves-

composed of the one material, bentonite. cataphoresis. Thus, a high colloid content
When bentonite is dispersed in water, a would tend to reduce the resistivity of a
very fine colloidal suspension is formed. suspension with respect to its filtrate.
8.0

7.0

6.0
.\
5.0
"-
~
4.0 \~
~
I
3.0
\ ~
~~
();
~
~
~ ~

----

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2.0

~
~
~ ~~ '"~ ~
I----

--
~

--
~ P-~4"
~ 1.0
'<: 0 . .9 ~
.......
0.8 I----
w/~_
--........
.s~O"GN
0.7

0.6

O.S
2 4 s
AMO(/NT OF CHEMICAL ADDEO
/.8S. EACH OF SOD/(l1'/ PYROPHOSPHA7E.ANb qV£8IlACHO
PER BAIlREl OF MVO
FIG. 6.-EFFECT OF CHEMICAL TREATMENT UPON MUD RESISTIVITY AT 80°F.
With a mud of this nature, the high Changes in Resistivity Resulting from
resistivity of the filtrate in relation to Chemical Treatment.-The results obtained
that of the mud may result from the from the chemical treatment of the muds
combination of several factors: (I) the are given in Tables 3 to 5. The change
concentration of salts in the filtrate is in mud resistivity with addition of chem-
very low and with the relatively large ical at 80°F. is shown in Fig. 6. The
amount of colloidal material in the mud, data represent changes resulting from the
considerable absorption of inorganic ions addition of equal amounts of each of
must take place; which would tend to sodium pyrophosphate and quebracho.
raise the resistivity of the filtrate relative Since the effect of the quebracho on the
to that of the mud; (2) the fact has been resistivity is virtually negligible, the data
demonstrated that there exists an appre- shown represent the effect of the sodium
ciable surface conductivity on solid par- pyrophosphate. All of the muds show a
ticles in aqueous suspension, which becomes decrease in resistivity with an increase in
pronounced as the particle size is reduced; amount of chemical used. This is to be
(3) there may also be an actual migration expected with such a strong electrolyte
 JOHN E. SHERBORNE AND WILLIAM M. NEWTON 21 3

TABLE 6.-Effect of Sodium Chloride on Resistivity

I I
Mud Filtrates'
Sam·
pie
No.
Treatment
pH I I I I
Wt.,
Lb. ~er
Cu. t.
Rate
Filter
S~I5
Min.,
,C.C.
Temper·
ature,
Deg. F.
Resis·
tivity,
Meter·
ohms
pH
T emper· tivity,
ature,
Deg.F.
Resis·
Meter.
ohms

AQUAGEL MUD AND FILTRATES

I None 9.2 4·5 80 7.6 9·0 83 10.2

100 6.5 98 8.2
140 4.6 138 6. I
180 3·5 178 4. 2
2 0.I5Ib. per bbl. NaCI (25.6 grains 8.9 4. 6 80 4·9 8.7 82 6.0
per gal. water in mud) 100 4. 0 ID3 4·9
140 2·9 140 3·4
180 2.2 180 2·7
3 0.30 lb. perbbl. NaCI (51.2grains 8.7 5·0 80 3·3 8.5 82 3·9
per gal. water in mud) 104 2.6 100 3. 2
140 2. I 138 2·4
180 1.6 176 1.8
4 0.58 lb. per bbl. N aCI (99 grains 8.5 5. 2 81 2·4 8·3 83 2·4
per gal. water in mud) 102 1.9 102 2.0
140 1.5 138 1.4
180 1.1 174 1.1
5 I.I7Ib. per bbl. NaCI (200 grains 8.4 6.0 80 1.4 8.0 84 1.3
per gal. water in mud) 100 1.2 99 1.2

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140 0.87 140 0.77
180 0.68
6 3.0 lb. per bbl. NaCI (512 grains 8.4 6.8 81 0.71 7·8 83 0.56
per gal. water in mud) 100 0.60 102 0.48
140 0.48 140 0.35
McKITTRICK MUD AND FILTRATES
I None 9·0 80 3. I 8·5 85 2.8
99 2·5 104 2.3
2 0.15 lb. per bbl. NaCI (30 grains 9.8 80 2·5 9.6 82 2. I
per gal. water in mud) 105 2.0 102 1.7
138 1.5 139 1.2
179 1.1 178 0.88
3 0.3 lb. per bbl. NaCI (60 grains 9.4 81 2.2 9.0 84 1.8
per gal. water in mud) 99 1.8 103 1.4
138 1.3 135 0.98
178 0.96 176 0.78
3Ab Same as NO.3 84 2. I 86 1.7
101 1.7 100 1.5
4 0.58 lb. per bbl. NaCI (II6 grains 8.7 82 1.6 8.2 84 1.3
per gal. water in mud) 100 1.3 104 1.1
138 0.95 140 0.77
176 0.75 178 0·57
5 LI7Ib. per bbl. NaCI (234 grains 9.0 83 1.1 8·4 86 0.83
per gal. water in mud) 100 0.94 103 0·71
138 0.70 140 0·51
180 0·57
Oxo MUD AND FILTRATES
I None 8.7 75·7 5·3 82 6.0 8.4 82 5·7
101 4·7 105 4·4
140 3·4 140 3.2
180 2.6 180 2·4
2 o.Islb. per bbl. NaCI (28.6 grains 8.7 87.3 6.0 83 3·8 8.6 80 3·4
per gal. water in mud) IDa 3·2 100 3·0
143 2·4 138 2. I
181 1.9 180 1.6
3 0.30 lb. per bbl. NaCI (57.3 grains 8.7 86.5 7.2 83 3·0 7·5 84 2.8
per gal. water in mud) 98 2·7 102 2.2
136 1.9 143 1.3
180 1.5 176 I.'
4 0.58Ib. per bbl. NaCI (III grains 8.5 84·8 7.8 83 2.2 8.5 84 1.9
per gal. water in mud) 101 1.9 104 1.6
136 1.4 140 1.2
180 1.1 179 0.86
5 I.I7Ib. per bbl. NaCI (224 grains 8.3 83.2 8.0 81 1.4 8.6 84 I.'
per gal. water in mud) 98 1.2 100 0.96
137 0.85 139 0·70
180 0.65 179 0.53
6 3.01 lb. per bbl. NaCI (575 grains 8. I 81.1 80 0·70 8.1 84 0·55
per gal. water in mud)
"'SI 99
138
179
0·59
0·45
0.35
98
14'
178
0·47
0·35
0.30
• Filtrates obtained at 80°F. and 100 lb. per sq. in. pressure.
b Sample held 12 hr. at 180°F. before tests were made.
214 FACTORS INFLUENCING RESISTIVITY OF DRILLING FLUIDS

as sodium pyrophosphate. While all of the Effect of Sodium Chloride.-In the

muds tested show this inverse relation drilling of a well to a deep producing
between resistivity and chemical treat- interval, numerous zones bearing waters
ment, there is no uniformity of manner in high in salt concentration are frequently
8.0
7.0 -- - 1----------
£>. ~ A'lVAGEL
G.O

~.
C
5.0

4.0
'" "' t'--..
~
(t ~ "----=:
~
.... 3.0 ~
~ , ~i'-
r--- ----., I'-. ......
~j

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~.
1.0
I'-. , -- t- - - -- .- - - .

~ ~~~~
\.
I-..
~
..,.....~ I
~ /,0
""'-- f"-...
"'" '"
(t
0.'
0-..
0.8
0.7
i .........
:::--..
0.6

30 40 50 60 8() 100 ;00 300

'" :"':
400
~
SOD
sOO/V!'f CHLORIOE CONCENTRA nON GR/GAL.
FIG. 7.-EFFECT OF SODIUM CHLORIDE UPON MUD RESISTIVITY AT 80°F.

which they respond. Thus, it would not be encountered before the desired oil zone is
possible to infer reliably the response of reached. Thus, in the drilling of these
another mud from the reaction of the intervals, the mud sometimes undergoes
muds tested, as might be done with the a. change in salt concentration. Almost
resistivity-temperature relation. universally, the sodium chloride of these
As indicated by the data, the behavior waters far exceeds in quantity the other
of the filtrate is even more nonuniform salts present. Because of this great pre-
than that of the corresponding muds. ponderance of sodium chloride, and because
Although there is a general decrease in native muds differ so markedly in their
resistivity with increase in amount of sodium chloride contents, a series of
chemical used, the rate of change of this tests was made to establish the effect
function varies exceedingly for the different of this salt upon the resistivities of Aquagel,
filtrates. Just how this variation is related McKittrick and Oxo muds and their
to what must be an extremely complex filtrates. The experimental results are given
conditio.n, the state of the colloidal system in Table 6. The change in resistivity with
at the time the filtrate was extracted, has change in sodium chloride concentration
not been determined. ;l.t a temperature of 80°F. is shown in Fig. 7.
 JOHN E. SHERBORNE AND WILLIAM M. NEWTON 21 5

A marked decrease in resistivity with changes in the performance characteristics

increase in sodium chloride occurs. All of muds. Therefore, it is common practice
three of the muds thus tested were luw to treat cement-contaminated mud with
originally in sodium chloride content, as sodium bicarbonate to restore it, as nearly
was noted in Table I. The fact is of con- as possible, to its original condition. The
siderable significance that, when enough effect of both cement and sodium bicar-
salt is added to any of these muds to cause bonate upon the resistivity of McKittrick
its sodium chloride content to approach mud was studied. The results of the
that of either of the other two more highly investigation are presented in Table 8.
saline muds, the resistivity approaches Both Portland cement and sodium bicar-
closely the resistivity of the more saline bonate produce a decrease in mud resis-
muds. Thus, it becomes apparent, at least tivity. The proportions of c~ment and
for the cases studied, that the resistivity reagent used for the treatment of the mud
of an untreated native mud is largely a during these experiments are approxi-
function of its salinity. mately those encountered in ordinary fielc.
The change in filtrate resistivity with operations.

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salinity is very similar to that of the
TABLE 7.-Effect of Baroid and Limestone
corresponding muds but it must be noted
on Resistivity of M cKittrick Mud
that, at the salinities higher than 100 grains
per gallon, the filtrate resistivi ties decrease Weight. Tem- Re~is­
at a slightly greater rate with increased Treatment Lb. per perature. tlvlty.
Cu. Ft. Deg. F. ~~~~-
sodium chloride concentration than do
--------1------ ---
those of the muds themselves.
None ................. 80 84 3. I
Changes in Mud Resistivity Resulting 100 2.6
138 1.9
from Addition of Weight Material.-The I72 1.5
occurrence of quantities of gas or excessive 56.2 lb. per bbl. CaCO •. 85 83 3·3
100 2.8
pressure is encountered frequently during 138 2. I
177 1.6
the drilling of a well. Under these circum- 197 lb. per bbl. CaCO •. 95 81 4. 2
100 3·5
stances, the addition of some heavy inert 136 2·5
175 2.0
material to the mud to increase its density 40.2 lb. per bbl. BaSO •. 85 82 3·3
100 2·7
is common. The materials used most fre- 140 2.0
quently at present in California are Baroid 176 1.6
127 lb. per bbl. BaSO •.. 95 85 3·7
(essentially barium sulphate) and lime- 100 3. 2
130 2·5
stone. The addition of either one of these 162 2.0
to the mud tested resulted in a slight but
steady increase in resistivity. The data Effect of Mud Resistivity on Electric
indicate that the change in resistivity with Logs.-In an effort to establish the fact
increase in amount of heavy material is that the logs are influenced appreciably
almost linear. The complete data pertaining by the mud resistivity, a study was made
to the addition of weighting material are of a number of logs taken in each of two
given in Table 7. fields where conditions were rather well
Effect of Cement and Sodium Bicarbonate known. In each case, a rather thick body
upon Resistivity.-The circumstances of (about IS ft.) of sand that could be readily
present-day well-completion practice often traced from log to log throughout the field
result in the contamination of drilling mud was measured. The amplitude of the curve
by cement shortly before an electric log is from the average shale line at the portion
made of the interval to be produced. of the log studied was determined for
Cement generally makes very important both the normal resistivity (shallow pene-
216 FACTORS INFLUENCING RESISTIVITY OF DRILLING FLUIDS

TABLE 8.-Effect of Portland Cement 01~ logs had been run for conditions of different
Resistivity of M cKittrick Mud and Filtrates mud resistivities. These showed rather
markedly that the log is to an appreciable
Mud Filtrate"
measure a function of the mud resistivity.
These data are represented by the curves
Treatment Tem- Resis- Tem- Resis-
pera- tivity, pera- tivity, for well A and well B on Fig. 8. Data of a
pH ture, Meter- ture, Meter-
Deg.
ohms
Deg. ohms similar nature have been presented by
F. F.
M. C. Bowsky,14 showing that for a well in
- - -- -- -- - Louisiana in which five logs were made over
None ...•....... 9.0 81 3·2 85 3. I
135 2.0 151 1.8 a two-weeks period the mud resistivity
72 lb. per bbl.
cement ........ 10. I 82 3. 0 86 3. 2 was successively 3.15, 2.44, 1.79, 0.90,
139 1.9 135 2.1
3 lb. per bbl. ce- 0.34 meter-ohms at 106°F. Bowsky found
ment .......... II. 0 84 2.2 88 2.0 that when the same section was compared
135 1.3 136 1.3
72 lb. per bbl. 9·5 80 2.7 81 2·9 on each log, the relative intensities of the
each cement 141 1.6 138 1.6
and NaHCO. normal curve were 8.0, 4.0, 2.45, 1.4 and
3 lb. per bbl. each 10.5 82 1.3 82 0.98
cement and 141 138 1.0. This represents an eightfold change

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0·77 0·57
NaHCO •.
in the amplitude of the normal curve for
" Filtrates obtained at 80°F. and 100 lb. per sq. in. the range in mud resistivity encountered.
In like manner, Bowsky found that the
tration) curve and the natural potential natural or self-potential curve was three
curve. These values were plotted against times as sensitive in the mud having the
the resistivity of the mud present in the highest resistivity as it was for the mud
well bore at the time of logging. The with lower resistivity.
resistivities were reduced to a common In keeping with the findings of Mr.
temperature of 80°F. by means of the Bowsky, an analysis of the same section
data reported above. A relationship that of 25 logs taken in the same field showed
established the trend of the change in an average variation in the amplitude
amplitude' with mud resistivity was ob- of the self-potential curve from 10 to 35
tained by the method of least squares. millivolts for a sixteen-fold change in
The graph resulting from the plotting of mud resistivity, with as high as a two and
the deflection of the normal curve as a four-tenths fold change per meter-ohm in
function of mud resistivity for the same amplitude for the change in mud resistivity
section of the logs of 25 wells in a given encountered in an individual well with
field is shown in Fig. 8. Similar data for duplicate logs. These data are presented in
wells in another field are presented in Fig. Fig. 10. The average curve was obtained
9. The deflection was measured by ascer- by the method of least squares.
taining the average position of the curve As a striking example of the magnitude
opposite the sand interval relative to a of the effect that mud resistivity can
line drawn through the average shale produce upon a log, there is shown in Fig.
position. It is evident from the spread I I a portion of a curve from a well logged
of the data that many factors other than under widely differing mud conditions.
mud resistivity, which could not readily In the case illustrated, the well was drilled
be evaluated, affect the amplitude of the with a mud for which the make-up water
logs. However, that there is a definite was taken from the producing formation
relation between mud resistivity and the of an adjacent well. When the log was run
amplitude is evidenced by the trend. in this highly saline mud, the resistivity of
It was possible, during the study, to which was 0.8 meter-ohm at surface
obtain data on two wells in which duplicate temperature, no deflection of the self-
 JOHN E. SHERBORNE AND WILLIAM M. NEWTON 2I7

potential curve was obtained. The follow- characteristics that influence electric logs.
ing day the mud was replaced by mud Given sufficient information about each
having a resistivity of 2.0 meter-ohms and factor, it should be possible to interpret
a second log was run. As can be seen in the properly the electrical record, not only in

,Cf WELL A
/
I '0. WELL 8
/
/ 0
"
;::/ l.y -'
,...-/
~ 0 ~l.,

~,-,

'" ~ -e--- ~
0
I 'e:. 0

~- f..-.e--
/
r,,/
<:)

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0
~ 0 0
0
0
<:) 0

/
I

• 6 8 m 12
Mi/D RESISTIVITY (me fer Ohms)
FIG. 8.-EFFECT OF MUD RESISTIVITY ON AMPLITUDE OF NORMAL CURVE ABOVE SHALE LINE.

right-hand portion of the illustration, a terms of rock type but also in terms of the
very much improved log was obtained. content of its interstices. It is believed,
therefore, that the proper interpretation
ApPLICATION OF RESULTS OF THIS
of electric logs will be enhanced by a
INVESTIGATION TO FIELD PRACTICE
knowledge of such data as have been ob-
That the resistivity of drillling muds, tained in this investigation.
and hence the effect produced by the mud At present no provision is made in the
upon electric logs, are profoundly altered routine field testing of drilling fluid to
by various treatments given to drilling determine the resistivities of the mud used.
fluids under conditions existing in modern Furthermore, the results of the tests listed
field practice, has been amply demon- above indicate fairly conclusively that
strated in the foregoing pages. The fact the only reliable method for predicting and
is emphasized that the data presented interpreting the effect of drilling muds
herein do not by any means provide all and their filtrates on electric logs is to
of the information necessary for the com- make, among other things, resistivity
plete interpretation of electric logs. Rather, measurements on muds actually used in
they represent the material necessary to drilling wells and apply temperature cor-
partly evaluate only one of the many rections from data such as those reported
factors that influence the logs. Petroleum in this investigation.
technologists for some time have been The apparatus used for these determina-
gathering material relative to many of tions, as stated earlier, is strong, inexpen-
the other factors such as porosity, permea- sive, and simple to operate. Furthermore,
bility, fluid content, and other formation the time necessary for making a test is
218 FACTORS INFLUENCING RESISTIVITY OF DRILLING FLUIDS

only three or four minutes. It is believed, more than a year, in the routine analysis of
therefore, that the results to be obtained drilling muds.
from the routine use of such apparatus will The studies made upon the logs indicate

(;) (;)
'"

J:l- ~
~(;)
. (;) 0
~
t'I

~
----e --
--rf) r- (;)
(;) C;

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(;)
- 0

z 4 6 8 ro
MUD RESISTIVITY (meier Ohms)'
FIG. g.-EFFECT OF MUD RESISTIVITY ON AMPLITUDE OF NORMAL CURVE ABOVE SHALE LINE.

/ .1 ;:f WELL A

't/ Jf. 'Q WELL B

~~ II
~~
/1
(l
(;)

9;4~"" L----
I--"" ---
1/
/ I
0
~
~

---- V- ---- -IJf

o (;)
0
0
00
0
0
0
0

I 4 (;
MflD RESISTIVITY (M~fer Ohms)
8 10 IZ

FIG. IO.-EFFECT OF MUD RESISTIVITY ON AMPLITUDE OF SELF-POTENTIAL CURVE ABOVE SHALE LINE.

fully justify the necessary cost in increased definitely that all the readily available
value obtained from electric logs. Such a information that might have a bearing
device has been used successfully by the upon the interpretation of logs should be
Union Oil Company of California for obtained with the log at the time of its
 JOlIN E. SHERBORNE AND WILLIAM M. NEWTON 2I9

taking. For example, many of the logs a well has been hrielly discussed. The fact
available for t he studies ment inned herein that I he resist ivit y of the drilli\1~ 111\\(1 and
could not be used because no temperature its .filtrate can appreciably alfee! such
value was given for the mud-resistivity logs has been shown.

SELF POTENTIAL SELF POTENTIAl.

RFLA-
MUD RESISTIVITY' 0.11.n m TlYE MUD RrsISTlvITV. 2.0.nm
D£P
50 milliyolf.. - - - - o . j F~,"I---- 50 millivolt-oS
~-------------T----~

~ _______ ~ ___ ~ 50 ~ _______ ~ _____ ~

~ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _l -_ _ _ ~/OO~ ______ -=~2- ___ ~

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~ _ _ _ _ _ _ _~L-_ _ _~/50~ _ _ _ _ _ _~~~ _ _ _~

~ _ _ _ _ _ _ _~~ _ _ _~200~ _ _ _ _ _-,~ _ _ _ _ _~

~ _______ ~~ ___ ~250~ ________ ~~ __ ~

FIG. IIo-EFFECT OF MUD UPON THE SELF-POTENTIAL CURVE.

measurement. Even today, many logs Apparatus was designed and a procedure
lack this essential piece of information. established to determine the effect of
If the logs are not to be used just as a various factors on the resistivity of drilling
means of attacking today's problems, but mud. Five muds commonly employed in
as a foundation for greater utilization of California were tested and the following
tomorrow's logs, a concerted effort should observations were made:
be made throughout the industry to I. The effect of raising the temperature
associate with the logs being made today from 80°F. to I80°F. is to decrease the
the information that may later prove to be resistivity of the mud or filtrate approxi-
the key to the solution of the problem, even mately 50 per cent. This appears to be
though such information may have little roughly true for chemically treated muds
present-day application. as well as native muds.
2. The resistivity of the mud in most
SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
cases closely approximates that of its
The relation between the properties of filtrate; therefore, the determination of the
electric logs and the fluid used in drilling resistivity of a mud used in a well usually
220 FACTORS INFLUENCING RESISTIVITY OF DRILLING FLUIDS

will provide a reliable picture of the profitably be made. It is hoped, therefore,

resistivity of the filtrate that will be forced that this brief study will stimulate further
into the formation from the mud. investigation.
3. The change in the resistivities of
muds caused by the addition of chemical ACKNOWLEDGMENT
is not the same function of the amount of
The writers wish to gratefully acknowl-
chemical added for each mud. Electrolytes
edge their indebtedness to Mr. Howard C.
used in mud treatment lower resistivity
Pyle and Mr. P. H. Jones for many
and, therefore, tend to decrease the sensi-
helpful suggestions, to Messrs. Robert
tivity of electric logs. N onelectrolytes, such
Rose and C. F. Bowden, who performed.
as quebracho, have little effect.
a number of the experiments, and to the
4. The effect produced by increased
Union Oil Company of California for its
sodium chloride content is to reduce
release of the data presented.
markedly the resistivity of the mud and its
filtrate. The fact was noted that when
REFERENCES
enough sodium chloride was added to a

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1. Application of Electric Corinl,( in the Russian
mud low in salt content so that its resulting Oilfields (a symposium). Pans 1932. Societe de
salinity approached that of a more saline Prospection Electrique.
2. C. and H. Schlumberger: Electrical Coring; its
native mud, the resistivity of the mud so Application in Rumania in 1931-1932. Pre-
sented before the World Petroleum Congress.
treated approached very closely that of London. July 25. 1933.
3. C. and H. Schlumberger and E. G. Leonardon:
the saltier mud. This indicates that a Electric Coring; a Method of Obtaining
Bottom-hole Data by Electrical Measure-
knowledge of the chloride content of a ments. Trans .. A.I.M.E. (1933) IIO, 237-272.
4. A. Deussen and E. G. Leonardon: Electrical
native mud will often enable the rough Exploration of Drill Holes. Presented before
evaluation of its resistivity. the American Petroleum Institute at Tulsa.
Okla .• May 16. 1935.
s. Weighting materials, such as Baroid S. A. Deussen and E. G. Leonardon: Use of Electri-
cal Logs for Correlation in the Gulf Coast of
and limestone, tend to increase the resis- Texas and Louisiana. Presented before the
American Petroleum Institute at Los Angeles.
tivity of drilling mud. California. Nov. 14. 1935.
6. P. D. Torrey: Water-flooding of Oil Sands. part 4.
6. Cement and sodium bicarbonate used Oil Weekly (Dec. 20. 1937).
7. C. and H. Schlumberger and E. G. Leonardon:
in treating the mud for cement contamina- ANew Contribution to Subsurface Studies by
tion cause reduced mud resistivity. Means of Electrical Measurements in Drill
Holes. Trans. A.I.M.E. t1933) IIO, 273-208.
7. Statistical data, and a few individual 8. A. A. Noyes: Chemical Pnnciples. New York.
1930. Macmillan. 310 pp.
tests obtained under field conditions, amply 9. C. E. Lewis and M. Randall: Thermodynamics.
New York. 1923. McGraw-Hill Book Co. 633
demonstrate the importance of the mud
10. H.Pi'i. Kruyt: Colloids. New York. 1930. John
resistivity in its affect on electric logging, Wiley and Sons. Inc. 285 pp.
11. H. T. Byck: Effect of FormatIon Permeability on
and point to the need for further control P:,. +ering Beh. vior of Mud. Oil Weekly (June
3. ')40) 19-20.
in the field. 12. P. H. Jones and H. C. Babson: Evaluation of
The fact is recognized that the material Rotary Drilling Muds. Presented before the
American Petroleum Institute at Los Angeles.
presented herein represents only a recon- California. Nov. 13. 1935.
13. P. H. Jones: Field Control of Drilling Mud. Oil
naissance of the problem investigated, and and Gas Jnl. (June 3. 1937) 32, "4. II9-I22.
14. M. C. Bowsky: Tomorrow's Tools Today. {June
that further and more detailed study could 1941) 7,4-5·