Mudlogger

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A mudlogger, or mud logger in the modern oil field typically works for a service company contracted by the oil company (or operator) and is tasked primarily with gathering data and collecting samples during the drilling of a well to identify possible indications of hydrocarbons. They then organize this information in the form of a graphic log, showing the data charted on a graphic representation of the wellbore.^[1]

The oil industry representative or Company Man (also with the Tool pusher, Mud engineer and Geologist) provides mudloggers their instruction. The mudlogger is told when to start well-logging activity and what services to provide. Work may begin on day one, known as the "spud in" date. It is more likely to be at some later time (and depth) as gleaned from the oil industry geologist's research. The mudlogger may also possess logs from wells drilled in the surrounding area. This information (known as "offset data") can provide valuable clues as to the characteristics of the particular geo-strata that the rig crew is about to drill through.

Mudloggers have to connect various sensors to the drilling apparatus and install specialized equipment before they can monitor or "log" drill activity. This can be quite strenuous and challenging, especially when having to be done during drilling activity. Much of the equipment will require precise calibration or alignment by the mudlogger to provide accurate readings.

Mudloggers observe and interpret the indicators in the mud returns during the drilling process. At regular intervals the mudlogger logs properties such as drilling rate, mud weight, flowline temperature, natural gas content and type, oil indicators, pump pressure, pump rate, lithology (rock type) of the drilled cuttings, and various other items of interest. The job of a mudlogger requires a good deal of diligence and attention. Sampling the drilled cuttings must be performed at predetermined intervals, and can be difficult during rapid drilling.

Another important task of the mudlogger is to monitor gas levels and notify other personnel on the rig when gas levels may be reaching dangerous levels, so appropriate steps can be taken to avoid a dangerous well blowout.

This is not to be confused with the MWD Hand who logs data in a similar manner but whose data is different in source and content. Most of the data logged by an MWD Hand comes from expensive and complex tools that are downhole.

[edit] See also

• Directional drilling
• MWD (Measurement While Drilling)
• LWD (Logging While Drilling)
• Geosteering
• Geosearch Logging

[edit] References

1. ^ Definition of "Mud Logger" at Maverick Energy, Inc. Retrieved on 2007-07-16.

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