Foundations of Petrophysics

Overview

Petrophysics turns well logs, core and test data into the numbers that drive every reservoir decision: how much porosity the rock has, how much of it holds hydrocarbons, and how easily those hydrocarbons will flow. Errors at this stage carry through to reserves estimates, well placement and development plans. This course provides a solid foundation in petrophysical evaluation for geoscientists and engineers. Participants learn how the main logging tools work and what they measure, including gamma ray, resistivity, density, neutron, sonic and nuclear magnetic resonance logs. They then apply standard interpretation workflows to determine shale volume, porosity, water saturation, net pay and permeability indicators, using the Archie equation and shaly sand models. The course explains how core data are used to calibrate logs, how to recognise bad hole and tool problems, and how uncertainty in petrophysical inputs affects volumetrics.

Objectives

• Explain the physical principles of the main open-hole logging tools
• Perform log quality control and recognise borehole effects
• Calculate shale volume and porosity from logs
• Determine water saturation with Archie and shaly sand models
• Define cut-offs and estimate net pay
• Integrate core data to calibrate log interpretation
• Assess uncertainty in petrophysical results

Who should attend

Training methodology

Participants interpret real log suites from clastic and carbonate wells, first by hand on paper logs and crossplots, then with a spreadsheet-based workflow. Each tool is introduced with its physics, typical responses and common pitfalls. Core porosity and saturation data are used to check and adjust interpretations. Group exercises compare results between teams to show how parameter choices change net pay and hydrocarbon volumes. A final integrated well evaluation is completed and presented by each team.

Programme outline

Dates and fees

Certificate

Frequently asked questions