Acoustic and optical borehole-wall imaging for fractured-rock aquifer studies

Williams, John H.; Johnson, Carole D.

doi:10.1016/j.jappgeo.2003.06.009

Cited by 148 publications

(80 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…Moreover natural-gamma radiation emitted by the rocks surrounding the boreholes was measured every 5 cm. Based on the borehole logging data a detailed fracture characterisation (position, opening, orientation, dip angle) can be obtained (Paillet et al, 1990;Williams and Johnson, 2004). Gamma-ray data and observation of the cuttings during drilling may result in rock identification through depth (Keys, 1990).…”

Section: Borehole Loggingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Heterogeneous bedrock investigation for a closed-loop geothermal system: A case study

et al. 2016

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a b s t r a c tThis paper investigates bedrock heterogeneity by applying three different geophysical approaches, in order to study the long-term behaviour and the interaction between closed-loop geothermal systems. The investigated site consists of four boreholes equipped with geothermal pipes on the campus of University of Liege, Belgium. The first approach includes acoustic borehole imaging, gamma-ray logging and cuttings observation and results to a detailed fracture characterisation, rock identification and layer dip angle determination. The second approach consists of measuring the thermal conductivity of cuttings at the laboratory. Study of cuttings thermal conductivity measurements can contribute to bedrock heterogeneity knowledge concerning the transition of one formation to another and the layer dipping. The third approach is based on high-resolution temperature profiles, measured during the hardening of the grouting material and the recovery phase of a Distributed Thermal Response Test. Through this approach a correlation of the temperature profiles to the geological characteristics of the surrounding bedrock is identified. The analysis of this correlation can provide information on fractured zones, alternation of different rock types and layering dipping. This latter approach can be easily applied on closed-loop geothermal systems to characterise the bedrock and investigate its heterogeneity as well as contribute to the their long-term behaviour prediction and to the optimisation of their efficiency.

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Section: Borehole Loggingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Heterogeneous bedrock investigation for a closed-loop geothermal system: A case study

et al. 2016

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“…ATVs provide continuous and oriented 360° views of the borehole wall from which the character, relation, and orientation of lithologic and structural planar features can be defined for studies of fractured rock aquifers (Figure 2.23) (Williams and Johnson 2004). The general attitude in the well logging industry is that logging while drilling has matured and can potentially replace conventional post-drilling wireline logging in many situations, especially in high-risk or in high-angle and horizontal exploration and production wells (Prensky 1994).…”

Section: 45mentioning

confidence: 99%

Evaluation of Non-Nuclear Techniques for Well Logging: Technology Evaluation

Bond¹,

Denslow²,

Griffin³

et al. 2010

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Sealed, chemical isotope radiation sources have a diverse range of industrial applications. There is concern that such sources currently used in the gas/oil well logging industry (e.g., americium-beryllium [AmBe], 252 Cf, 60 Co, and 137 Cs) can potentially be diverted and used in dirty bombs. Recent actions by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have reduced the availability of these sources in the United States. Alternatives, both radiological and non-radiological methods, are actively being sought within the oilfield services community. The use of isotopic sources can potentially be further reduced, and source use reduction made more acceptable to the user community, if suitable non-nuclear or non-isotope-based well logging techniques can be developed. Data acquired with these non-nuclear techniques must be demonstrated to correlate with that acquired using isotope sources and historic records. To enable isotopic source reduction there is a need to assess technologies to determine (i) if it is technically feasible to replace isotopic sources with alternate sensing technologies and (ii) to provide independent technical data to guide DOE (and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission [NRC]) on issues relating to replacement and/or reduction of radioactive sources used in well logging.This report presents an initial review of the state-of-the-art nuclear and non-nuclear well logging methods and seeks to understand the technical and economic issues if AmBe, and potentially other isotope sources, are reduced or even eliminated in the oil-field services industry. Prior to considering alternative logging technologies, there is a definite need to open up discussions with industry regarding the feasibility and acceptability of source replacement. Industry views appear to range from those who see AmBe as vital and irreplaceable to those who believe that, with research and investment, it may be possible -to transition to electronic neutron sources and employ combinations of non-nuclear technologies to acquire the desired petro-physical parameters. In one sense, the simple answer to the question as to whether petro-physical parameters can be sensed with technologies other than AmBe is probably "Yes". The challenges come when attention turns to record interpretation. The many decades of existing records form a very valuable proprietary resource, and the interpretation of subtle features contained in these records are of significant value to the oil-gas exploration community to correctly characterize a well. The demonstration of equivalence and correspondence/correlation between established and any new sensing modality, and correlations with historic records is critical to ensuring accurate data interpretation. Establishing the technical basis for such a demonstration represents a significant effort.The focus of this study is the understanding of the technical obstacles that hinder the replacement of and the disadvantages from the loss of extensive interpretation experience based on data accumulated with AmBe. Enhanced ac...

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“…Optical-televiewer logs record a 360-degree magnetically oriented optical image of the wellbore wall (Williams and Johnson, 2004). Optical-televiewer logs can be collected above the water level, and below it where the water is clear.…”

Section: Geophysical Logsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Acoustic and optical borehole-wall imaging for fractured-rock aquifer studies

Cited by 148 publications

References 5 publications

Heterogeneous bedrock investigation for a closed-loop geothermal system: A case study

Heterogeneous bedrock investigation for a closed-loop geothermal system: A case study

Evaluation of Non-Nuclear Techniques for Well Logging: Technology Evaluation

Geophysical, stratigraphic, and flow-zone logs of selected test, monitor, and water-supply wells in Cayuga County, New York

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