Description
Shales are complex and heterogeneous but their petrophysical properties can be assessed with the proper tools and methods. New logging technology such as elemental spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance, and cross dipole acoustic logging provides the necessary detail to characterize shales. Interpretations from these logs provide the operator with explanations for post-fracture well performance. They also can predict future performance by identifying lithofacies in the shale which are preferential for completion and horizontal drilling.