Inconsistent answers in organic-rich formations

Until now, TOC has been determined by using a complex model that requires multiple measurements from different logging and laboratory services. However, the variety of methodologies employed means that interpreters easily come up with different results. This uncontrolled variability in the interpreted results introduces significant ambiguity for one of the most important parameters in defining reservoir quality for unconventional plays.

Accurate, quantitative TOC

New Litho Scanner high-definition spectroscopy service revolutionizes gamma ray spectroscopy to enable the detailed description of complex reservoirs. In addition to measuring key elements in a wide variety of rock formations with higher precision and accuracy than previously possible, Litho Scanner service provides a stand-alone quantitative determination of TOC, independent of the environment and the reservoir.

Litho Scanner service's TOC output is based solely on the tool's direct measurements of both the carbon elemental concentration and accurate quantification of the carbonate minerals in the formation, which determines the carbon content associated with those minerals. The difference between the two is the TOC presented as a continuous log, available at the wellsite instead of waiting for laboratory core analysis.

Shale TOC in oil- and water-base muds

In both oil- and water-base muds, TOC logs from Litho Scanner service consistently agree well with TOC measured from cores from different shale basins across North America. In oil-base muds, Litho Scanner service avoids biasing the TOC determination by accounting for the contribution to the carbon signal from oil in the borehole.