Cylindrical probe with a variable heat flow rate: A new method for the determination of formation thermal conductivity

The thermal conductivity of a geological formation is one of the important petrophysical parameters which are preferable to study in situ in geophysical well logs. A new technique for the determination of formation thermal conductivity has been developed. We assumed that formation dry density, porosity, and pore fluids saturations could be determined from core samples or cuttings. In this case the specific heat and density of a formation can be quantitatively estimated. It is also assumed that the instantaneous heat flow rate and time data are available for a cylindrical probe with a variable heat flow rate placed in a wellbore. A semi-theoretical equation describing the temperature of the probe’s wall is used to determine in situ the formation conductivity as a function of the temperature increase. The formation thermal diffusivity is also calculated. A field example is presented.