Borehole stability applications using high-resolution LWD acoustic caliper images

Abstract

Summary Logging-while-drilling is an increasingly important mode of data acquisition in inclined wells and has been undergoing a continual evolution in measurement types and increasing resolution. The recent development and upscaling of a LWD acoustic imaging service is the enabling technology that allows high-resolution profiles of borehole shape. Acquisition has been across a range of well inclinations (from vertical to horizontal) and geological environments (sedimentological and structural). We show applications based on borehole shape measurements that include borehole stability while-drilling and time-lapse effects on stability where LWD acquisition allows relogs to be taken after drilling has completed. High-resolution acoustic images available in the LWD environment, allow a closer monitoring of the borehole geometry in the sense that it can provide the means to understand risks related to development of geomechanical features, and being able to make mitigation strategies to obtain or sustain borehole stability during drilling-, wireline- and/or well completion operations.