Circumferential acoustic log finds vertical fractures

Journal Article · Sun Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1987 · World Oil; (United States)

OSTI ID:5700162

Noblett, B R; Fertl, W F

A recently developed acoustic logging system incorporating a circumferentially oriented acoustic transmitter-receiver array can locate vertical and near-vertical fractures intersecting uncased well bores. When run with an orientation section, this instrumentation also can determine the major lateral direction of fracture systems and regional stress patterns. Conventional acoustic logging devices have long been used to locate natural fractures that intersect well bores in horizontal or near-horizontal planes. However, as the direction of fractures shifts towards the vertical plane with respect to the hole, conventional logs become unreliable for fracture detection. The circumferential acoustic logging system overcomes that constraint. Similar, successful fracture detection and fracture direction determinations have been observed in wells drilled several geologic environments, e.g., in the U.S., Canada on- and offshore Europe.

• Research Organization: Atlas Wireline Services, Western Atlas International, Inc., Houston, TX
• OSTI ID: 5700162
• Journal Information: World Oil; (United States), Journal Name: World Oil; (United States) Vol. 205:5; ISSN WOOIA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

02 PETROLEUM
020200* -- Petroleum-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
03 NATURAL GAS
030200 -- Natural Gas-- Reserves
Geology
& Exploration
ACOUSTIC MEASUREMENTS
EQUIPMENT
GEOLOGIC DEPOSITS
GEOLOGIC FRACTURES
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
GEOPHYSICS
MINERAL RESOURCES
NATURAL GAS DEPOSITS
PETROLEUM DEPOSITS
RESOURCES
SONIC LOGGING
WELL LOGGING
WELL LOGGING EQUIPMENT