MUD LOGGING UNIT

The Mud logging unit is a proven design developed as the result of more than 10 years experience with unit operations, engineering and maintenance. Every feature of the mud logging unit aims to provide a rugged, efficient and safe working environment.

Each unit features:

• DNV certification for Zone I & II onshore and offshore work areas.
• Rugged skid mounted steel construction.
• Twin Air conditioners.
• 25KVA Transformer with selection of main power voltage.
• Two 3 KVA UPS’s backup.
• Pressurized and explosion proof with automatic power shutdown.
• Intrinsically safe electrical system.
• Unit combustible gas alarm.
• Unit H2S gas alarm.
• Unit emergency lighting system.
• Escape hatch.
• Large storage space.

Unit dimensions:

	Standard
Length:	8.5 meters
Width:	2.5 meters
Height:	2.63 meters
Weight: (fully loaded)	12 metric tons

DAPS System

DAPS is a comprehensive hardware and software system primarily intended for Mud Logging. The system consists of an array of sensors installed on a drilling rig, a data acquisition subsystem and real-time software processing. DAPS is sometimes deployed as a simple mud pit level monitoring system but is flexible enough to scale up to a full rig-instrumentation and mud logging package.

Key DAPS Functions:

• Acquire data from rig sensors and gas instruments in real-time.
• Process the data and update derived channel data.
• Store data in SQL server database based on time and depth intervals.
• Allow connections from client computers for remote workstations.
• Provide database graphical playback.
• Update and control external alarms.
• WITS data import/export

DAPS System Components:

• DAPS Box – Ethernet 100Mbps data acquisition and sensor signal termination.
• DAPS online SERVER.
• DAPS offline SERVER.
• DAPS logger SERVER.
• DAPS gas system.
• Rig sensors of quantity and type required for level of service.
• Offline log and report printer.
• Online uninterruptable power supply (UPS).

DAPS Software

The features of DAPS software are noted below: • Multiple well access • Playback time and depth data over entire well interval • Fast and Reliable • Making hundreds of engineering calculations in just a few milliseconds • Provide real-time alpha-numeric and graphical displays of drilling data on networked PC workstations • Both graphical and alpha-numeric windows may be configured and viewed simultaneously • Fully configurable displays including: Depth Curves Time Curves Bar Charts Alpha-numeric Drilling Status • Save a screen configuration as file that may be recalled at any time • Alarm management (visual and audio) • Ability to store Time & Depth databases • Ability to choose the desired recording interval in the database • Edit & collect data • Import & export compatible with Excel, ASCII and LAS data • Third Party Communication using Wits

DAPS Gas systems

DAPS TCD Gas systems

BEST Group provides as well TCD (Thermal conductivity detector) technlogy that provides advancced capabilities:
• Abnormal pressure detection.
• Early kick detection.
• Enhanced hole monitoring.
• Vibration detection monitoring.
• Formation evaluation.
• Thin zone identification.
• Geosteering.
• Fluid identification.
• Digital logs supported in multiple formats.

This technology does not use flammable gases, and requires only small quantities of inert sample gas for analysis and monitoring, making it the preferred choice for use in environments where operational safety is of paramount importance.

Total Gas Detector	Chromatograph Varian CP-4900

DAPS FID Gas System

BEST Group provides 2 sets of high speed FID chromatograph and 2 sets of FID Total Hydrocarbon Analyzer as standard in all our units. This provides backup for one of the most essential parameters monitored by the mud logging crew.
FID Chromatograph is a compact analyzer that always delivers the information you need. It provides optimal chromatography including peak symmetry, retention time repeatability, and retention index accuracy, while allowing for fast GC. When the composition of gas mixtures is critical, it generates more data in less time for faster and better business decisions. It comes in standard 19” rack mounting at 2U height.

FID TOTAL GAS	FID CHROMATOGRAPH	CO2 DETECTOR

MUD LOGGING PERSONNEL

Experienced Crews

BEST Group experienced crews are Graduate Engineers in Geology, usually recruited as fresh outs from National Engineering Schools. Crews are experienced specialists in Mud Logging services. BEST Group has developed its experienced workforce primarily through internal training and promotion. We typically hire junior personnel as sample catchers and trains them in accordance with our document training program. Sample Catchers are promoted to Mud Logger, Data Engineers and Pressure Engineers as they meet specific training and experience criteria required for advancement. The requirements for advancement include technical and QHSE internal and external training classes with examinations. Also, the candidate must have minimum number of wells logged with excellent QHSE records and job performance.

Mud Logging Crew Functions

Pressure Engineer

Predicts and interprets pore pressure, which is used for drilling safely and casing seat selection. Usually has at least two years experience as a Data Engineer. The individual also must have completed the abnormal formation pressure training class and has shown competence in pressure evaluation.

Data Engineer

Analyzes drilling and logging data to make recommendations on drilling parameters. Also documents probable hydrocarbon rich pay zones. Usually has at least three years experience as a Mud Logger. This position requires a completed advanced Mud Logging, Hydrocarbon Evaluation, Drilling Engineering and Well Controls training classes. The person must have proven competence in the analysis of drilling operations.

Mud Logger

Prepares and analyzes cutting samples used for drilling and geological interpretation along with monitoring drilling parameters. Usually the Mud Logger has 6 to 12 months experience as a Sample Catcher, worked as a trainee and has passed the basic Mud Logging course.

Sample Catcher

Typically an entry level training position for Mud Loggers. Retrieves samples from the rig mud system for analysis and assists Mud Loggers, Data Engineers and Pressure Engineers.

What’s Mud logging?

Mud Logging provides subsurface geological information while drilling a well.
Mud Logging examines and analyzes geological information contained in formation cuttings and drilling mud, to determine if oil and gas are encountered during well drilling. Mud Logging also provides critical safety functions such as determining pore pressure, kick control and ambient gas monitoring. Mud Logging is used while drilling most exploratory and many development wells, both on and off shore.
Mud Logging services range from basic unmanned gas detection to sophisticated full serviced, manned operations. Services have evolved to become the information centre for the well and include electronic monitoring of drilling parameters. These parameters include weight on bit, torque, penetration rate, mud levels, pump speed and third party service provider data.
Basic unmanned services use a cost effective Mud Logging unit that provides simple gas detection to identify potentially productive pay zones and enhance drilling safety. The system is configurable for monitoring. The units are equipped with alarms to alert the user if gas increases or equipment problems occur and works in conjunction with data logging and drilling penetration rates.
Mud Logging Services provides:
• Advanced drilling monitoring systems capable of gas detection, electronic monitoring and database recording for a full range of drilling parameters on manned or unmanned operations.
• Experienced crews and additional tools to monitor and analyze both the geology of the subsurface information and the drilling parameters.
• Various combinations of services and crew sizes depending on customer requirements and well complexity.
• A portable laboratory (Mud Logging Unit) that houses the hardware and software.
• Analysis conducted at wellsite during the drilling process and samples are returned to the operator after analysis.

Benefits of mud logging

Mud Logging lowers costs and improves the drilling success rates. Manned Mud Logging uses sophisticated systems and experienced crews, which range from one to six people. Mud Loggers analyze geological data as well as drilling parameters to identify and quantify productive hydrocarbon reserves, subsurface formation porosity and formation fractures. This information is used to make recommendations that optimize drilling paths (geosteering) for maximum reserves and production. Mud Loggers also look at the filling parameters in conjunction with formation analysis in order to provide recommendations to improve drilling rates reduce costs and enhance safety.

MUD LOGGING SERVICES

BEST Group was formed in 2003 to provide the international energy sector with specialized Mud Logging, formation evaluation/engineering, and well site consulting. For many years, the management and staff have been directly involved with development and implementation of current technology and practices used in the mud logging industry. Experience and commitment to deliver superior, quality service have been combined to form a complete surface well logging Service Company that utilizes state of the art equipment, qualified and experienced field personnel, and effective technical support.

1. Management has been directly involved with the international mud logging industry for more than twenty five years, operating effectively in some of the most remote regions of the world. Management is available and eager to answer any questions regarding our service.

2. Field personnel are all highly qualified geology engineers, electrical engineers, software and industrial engineers, each having several years specific logging experience. This knowledge, along with the experience of working in several foreign countries, provides the client with the confidence of knowing their well site operations will be competently performed no matter where they are drilling.

3. 3. Equipments & Software: The logging units and equipment are built to the highest standards in the industry. The latest technology and systems layout have been employed in construction and operations planning. All units are steel, fully pressurized, DNV certified for ZONE I & II onshore and offshore operations, and fitted with dual environmental control systems for redundancy. The electrical systems are designed to be ex-proof and intrinsically safe. A convenient work area has been provided for the client’s geologist, with industrial grade computer workstations that include complete RAID technology back-up to ensure reliability. The modular and flexible configuration of the DAPS system (Data Acquisition and Processing System) allows us to tailor the solution to fit the customer needs – from a mud logging unit in the Sahara to a mod logging unit for an offshore exploration well.