Extending the Limit of High Resolution LWD Borehole Imaging Technology in Challenging Drilling Environments

Wireline borehole imaging logs have been widely used for both structural and stratigraphic analysis High resolution resistivity imaging technology uses pads consisting of a large number of buttons that establish direct contact with the formation. Logging-while-drilling (LWD) imaging technology has enabled an alternative imaging method while drilling.

The main challenges of LWD high-resolution imaging technology is related to the drilling environment. Although high levels of vibration, especially stick-slip and high rate of penetration (ROP) can impact the quality of the image acquisition, LWD image technology was able to acquire good quality images data in the challenging environment. The technology is designed with stabilizer above and below the data acquisition rows. The upper and lower rows offer redundant high-resolution (0.4in) image acquisitions that can serve as a good quality check of the image repeatability features.