Borehole Image

The term "borehole imaging" refers to those logging and data-processing methods that are used to produce
centimeter-scale images of the borehole wall and the rocks that make it up. The context is, therefore, that of
open hole, but some of the tools are closely related to their cased-hole equivalents. Borehole imaging has been
one of the most rapidly advancing technologies in wireline well logging. The applications range from detailed
reservoir description through reservoir performance to enhanced hydrocarbon recovery. Specific applications
are fracture identification, analysis of small-scale sedimentological features, evaluation of net pay in thinly
bedded formations, and the identification of breakouts (irregularities in the borehole wall that are aligned with
the minimum horizontal stress and appear where stresses around the wellbore exceed the compressive
strength of the rock).

The subject area can be classified into four parts:

 Optical imaging
 Acoustic imaging
 Electrical imaging
 Methods that draw on both acoustic and electrical imaging techniques using the same logging tool

Optical imaging

The principal application of downhole video has been in air-filled holes in which acoustic and contact electrical
images cannot be obtained. Most applications described in the literature are directed at fracture identification or
casing inspection.

Acoustic imaging

The borehole televiewer operates with pulsed acoustic energy so that it can image the borehole wall in the
presence of opaque drilling muds. The amplitudes of the reflected pulses form the basis of the acoustic image
of the borehole wall that caused by the shape of the borehole wall itself such as: irregularities. Examples of
these irregularities are fractures, vugs, and breakouts.

Electrical imaging

The tool does not provide an absolute measurement of formation resistivity but rather a record of changes in
resistivity. The resolution of electrical microimaging tools is governed by the size of the buttons, usually a
fraction of an inch. In theory, any feature that is as large as the buttons will be resolved. If it is smaller, it might
still be detected. The tools can be run as dipmeters.

Conjunctive acoustic and electrical imaging

To some extent, the ultrasonic and electrical images are complementary because the ultrasonic measurements
are influenced more by rock properties, whereas the electrical measurements respond primarily to fluid
properties. These differences can be accommodated through the combined use of electrical and acoustic
imaging.

References:

http://petrowiki.org/Borehole_imaging

http://wiki.aapg.org/Borehole_imaging_devices