Cost constraints in the oilfield restrict the performance of remedial services unless a high probability of success can be assured. Unfortunately, a method that could accurately diagnose wellbore problems in a broad scope of oilfield environments was not available, and until the 90's, accuracy of problem assessment was compromised to the point that estimates of remedial success could not be determined. During the 90's, however, a downhole video system that showed promise of providing the sought-after diagnostic accuracy for today's operational conditions was introduced to the oilfield. With the combined capabilities of fiber-optic signal transmission and downhole video camera technology, the system can now provide the oil and gas industry with a diagnostic tool that is rapidly becoming invaluable in oilfield services and is proving the worth of the old adage, "Seeing is believing." This paper will present a brief overview of the use of the downhole video (DHV) camera technique from its first documented usage until early 1992. The enhancements that have been instrumental in enlarging the scope of its usage since that time will then be discussed. Case histories recorded by the video camera operation in the Europe/Africa area will be presented and analyzed to demonstrate usage and benefits of the system. Background of DHV The desire to have visible indication of conditions has been common to all areas of problem solving, and video technology has been tried worldwide in every situation requiring diagnostic evaluation. Video application in the oil industry has been no less desirable. Although the developments that have taken place in DHV camera technology from 1992 to the present have been particularly significant in expanding its usage, cameras for use in the wellbore have been documented as early as the 1950's with the first video camera patents being issued during this period. The first downhole cameras were used successfully in shallow water wells during the 1970's and soon were commonplace in the water well industry. During the 80's, the use of downhole cameras became more commonplace. However, as needs required deeper environments to be viewed, problems surfaced in telemetry, high pressure and temperature, lighting, and condensation that had to be overcome. Why Fiber Optics The downhole cameras of the 80's relied upon large- diameter (9/16-inch [14.3 mm]) coaxial cable for transmission of the high-frequency signals required for real-time video. P. 421
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