ArchieParameters - Archie's Relationships Clarified

Introduction

This is a treatise that was inspired by the conflict in opinions that appears in literature relative to G. E. Archie’s relationships of 1942. While some opinions are technically correct, a review of current and past literature will show that many are not. Many baseless beliefs, often repeated, have become factoids that have shaped conventional wisdom.

In literature and in practice, Archie’s parameters sometimes are given values that are not compatible with each other, and sometimes are given values that violate the principles of electricity. Often there is a double correction for the occurrence of secondary electrical conductivity in rock. In many case studies these parameters appear to be used as fudge factors aimed at producing intended results. None of these practices is acceptable. Because misuses such as these have been allowed in literature, it has been deemed necessary to publish this paper.

In this paper, electrical law, mathematical proofs and derivations are employed in order to promote a better understanding and a better use of these relationships. Simple equations are produced in the systematic development and explanation of each of the parameters. From this development, a concept emerges that clarifies Archie’s relationships.

It is hoped that this work will explain away most of the misunderstandings and myths related to Archie’s relationships and parameters so that the usual resistivity well-log interpretation will be better understood, and improved.

Permission: This treatise was written for educational and informational purposes. Permission hereby is granted to copy or otherwise reproduce as is necessary by educational institutions or other organizations for educational purposes. It would be appreciated if credit would be given for the use of the materials found in this paper.

Responsibility: This paper was written for educational and informational purposes. Any results from the use of the methods found herein are not warrantied or guaranteed and there is no form of security offered relative to injury or damage incurred from the use of any of the ideas in this paper. The use of any material in this paper is beyond the control of the author, and the user does so at his/her own risk.