Recent Advances in Well Logging Techniques for Exploration of Shale Reservoirs

Well logs play a vital role in the exploration and exploitation of the hydrocarbon. In case of unconventional shale reservoir, exploitation of hydrocarbon is much more challenging than conventional reservoirs. Application of advanced technologies has played an effective role in the successful exploitation of shale reservoirs in North America and China. With the advancements in well logging technologies, some innovative logging tools are now available to provide more data and information to geoscientists, drilling engineer and reservoir engineer for comprehensive assessment of shale reservoirs. In this book chapter three such advanced well logs like, Litho Scanner, Sonic Scanner and Nuclear Magnetic Resonance have been included. For each of the logging tools, a brief description of principle of measurement and various applications of the log with field examples has been discussed. Well log like Litho Scanner can be used for the continuous mineralogical analysis and measurement of TOC. Sonic Scanner with cutting-edge types of acoustic measurements provides useful information about the drilling environment, the reservoir mechanical properties and hydro-fracture operation at completion stage. Such information supports in making decision that reduce overall drilling costs, improve recovery, and maximize hydrocarbon production. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance log, another advanced log, is very useful for providing information for reservoir characterization and analysing producibility. Application of these advanced logs will be very advantageous for better understanding and evaluation of the resources for hydrocarbon exploration and exploitation in a time efficient and cost-effective manner.