Application of Advanced Signal-processing Techniques for the Analysis of Field Data in Single-well Imaging

Single-well imaging represents an important application for acoustic array measurements that allows for mapping of geologic structures in the vicinity of the borehole. This paper presents a basic methodology, apparatus, and some field-test results for imaging near-borehole geological structures using acoustic logging data. Special attention is paid to the application of various signal-processing techniques to improve the signal-to-noise ratio, suppress unwanted acoustic arrivals and enhance reflections coming from acoustic boundaries in the formation. The validity of this suggested methodology is first tested on synthetic data and then illustrated by imaging the geologic structures in salt domes and slow formation. The borehole survey allows for obtaining high-resolution structural images hundreds of feet along the wellbore, which is impossible to map with only surface or typical borehole seismic data.