Well Logging Electrical Resistivity

Mining & Petroleum Engineering

How It Works

Wireline well logging tools evaluate reservoir rock petrophysical properties by transmitting electrical currents through rock formations surrounding the borehole. Archie's empirical law relates bulk formation resistivity to porosity, formation water salinity, and hydrocarbon saturation. High resistivity signatures indicate insulating hydrocarbons, while low resistivity reflects conductive brine-saturated pores.

Governing Equation
R_t = (a · R_w) / (ϕ^m · S_w^n)  |  F = a / ϕ^m = R_0 / R_w