ARI* Azimuthal Resistivity Imager

Schlumberger

ARI* Azimuthal Resistivity Imager

 Schlumberger 1993 Schlumberger Wireline & Testing P.O. Box 2175 Houston, Texas 77252-2175 All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transcribed in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording, without prior written permission of the publisher. SMP-9260 An asterisk (*) is used throughout this document to denote a mark of Schlumberger.

Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Principles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dual laterolog resistivity measurements . . . . . . Azimuthal resistivity measurements . . . . . . . . . . . Auxiliary azimuthal measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . Orientation measurements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Specications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Modes of operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stand-alone operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Environmental corrections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Combinability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Resistivity. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Porosity and lithology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Auxiliary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Others. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2 3 3 4 5 5 6 7 7 7 8 11 11 11 11 11 Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Borehole correction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Deep invasion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thin-bed analysis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fractured formations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Heterogeneous formations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dip estimation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Horizontal wells . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Borehole prole. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Groningen effect correction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Features and benets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Common ARI curve names . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Recommended reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 12 13 14 15 17 18 18 19 20 22 23 24 24

ARI Azimuthal Resistivity Imager

Introduction
The ARI Azimuthal Resistivity Imager, a newgeneration laterolog tool, makes directional deep measurements around the borehole with a higher vertical resolution than previously possible. Using 12 azimuthal electrodes incorporated in a dual laterolog array, the ARI tool provides a dozen deep oriented resistivity measurements while retaining the standard deep and shallow readings. A very shallow auxiliary measurement is incorporated to fully correct the azimuthal resistivities for borehole effect. The formation around the borehole is displayed as an azimuthal resistivity image. Although this full-coverage image has much lower spatial resolution than acoustic or microelectrical images those coming from the UBI* Ultrasonic Borehole Imager tool or the FMI* Fullbore Formation MicroImagerit complements them well because of its sensitivity to features beyond the borehole wall and its lower sensitivity to shallow features (Fig. 1).

Figure 1. Combining deep ARI images with shallow borehole surface images from the FMI tool, or even acoustic UBI images, helps to discriminate between deep natural fractures and shallow drilling-induced fractures. (Courtesy of UK Nirex Ltd)

ARI Azimuthal Resistivity Imager 1

Background
The laterolog technique was introduced in 1951; 20 years later the DLL* Dual Laterolog Resistivity tool was developed (Fig. 2). Together with induction tools, the DLL tool provided key input for basic formation saturation evaluation. Although anomalies such as the Delaware and anti-Delaware effects have been overcome by repositioning the measure and current return electrodes, other reference electrode effects have inuenced deep laterolog measurements since their early days. The Groningen effect, for example, remains a particularly complex problem that manifests itself as an increase in the deep laterolog (LLd) reading in conductive beds overlain by thick, highly resistive beds. The vertical resolution of the deep and shallow laterologs is around 2.5 ft, with a typical beam width of approximately 28 in. With the contribution of thin beds becoming more important for optimizing production, this vertical resolution is increasingly recognized as insufcient for their proper evaluation. A need has existed for a quantitative, deepreading resistivity measurement combining better vertical resolution with azimuthal resolution and full coverage. This measurement, which is provided by the ARI tool, bridges the gap between high-resolution microimaging instruments and conventional low-resolution resistivity tools.

LLd

LLs

A2

A1 M2 M1 A0 M'1 M'2 A'1

A'2

Figure 2. Dual Laterolog sonde electrode distribution and current path shape.

Background

Principles
The ARI tool incorporates azimuthal electrodes into the conventional DLL array. The electrodes are placed at the center of the DLL tools A2 electrode (Fig. 3). Focusing current for the LLs measurement ows from the A1 and A'1 electrodes, and both survey and focusing currents return to the A2 and A'2 electrodes. For the LLd measurement, an auxiliary monitor loop makes the tool effectively equipotential at 35 Hz; focusing current ows from both the A1, A'1 and A2, A'2 electrode pairs. The LLd survey current is focused so that it ows perpendicular to the tool, and all deep current returns to electrode B at the surface. The tool is connected to the logging cable by the bridle, a exible insulating connector about 80 ft long. The potential difference (V0) between the monitor electrodes (M2 and M'2) and the cable armor at the torpedo is recorded, as is the survey current (I0) owing from the A0 electrode. The resistivity (R) is computed according to R=k V0 , I0

Dual laterolog resistivity measurements

Current from the A2 electrode focuses the LLd current. The A2 electrode also serves as a return electrode for the shallow laterolog (LLs) current. The relatively small azimuthal array at the center of the A2 electrode does not interfere with either the LLd or the LLs measurements. The DLL tool operates simultaneously at two frequencies: 35 Hz for the LLd and 280 Hz for the LLs. In both cases the survey current (I0) ows from the A0 electrode and is controlled by the output of a feedback loop. This loop equalizes the potentials across pairs of monitor electrodes (M1, M2 and M'2, M'1), focusing the current from the A0 electrode into the formation.

where k is a geometric factor.

LLd and deep azimuthal resistivity

LLs and azimuthal electrical standoff

A2

A1 M2 M1 A0 M'1 M'2 A'1

A'2

Figure 3. ARI azimuthal electrodes are incorporated in the Dual Laterolog A2 electrode.

ARI Azimuthal Resistivity Imager 3

Azimuthal resistivity measurements

The detailed view of the azimuthal array (Fig. 4) shows current paths for the deep and auxiliary measurements made with the array. The deep azimuthal measurement operates at 35 Hz, the same frequency as the deep laterolog, and the currents ow from the 12 azimuthal current electrodes to the surface. They are focused from above by the current from the upper portion of the A2 electrode; from below they are focused by currents from the lower portion of the A2 electrode and by currents from the A1, A0, A'1 and A'2 electrodes. In addition, the current from each azimuthal electrode is focused passively by the currents from its neighbors. To overcome electrochemical effects across the electrode/mud interface, the azimuthal array is implemented in a monitored laterolog 3 (LL3) conguration. These effects would degrade the response of a simpler equipotential LL3 implementation.

A monitor electrode is set in each current electrode, and a feedback loop controls the electrode current. The monitor electrode is thus maintained at the mean potential of the annular monitor electrodes that lie just inside the A2 guard electrode on either side of the array (M3 and M4 in Fig. 4). The mud in front of the azimuthal current electrodes is effectively equipotential. The 12 azimuthal currents (Ii) and the mean potential of the M3 and M4 electrodes relative to the cable armor (Vm) are measured. From these data 12 azimuthal resistivities (Ri) are computed: Ri = k' Vm , Ii

where k' is a geometric factor. From the sum of 12 azimuthal currents, a high-resolution resistivity measurement, LLhr, is derived. This technique is equivalent to replacing the azimuthal electrodes by a single cylindrical electrode of the same height.

A2

A2

Vm
M3 M3

Figure 4. Azimuthal electrode array and current paths in both measurement modes.
Ii

dV = 0

dVi

Ic

M4 A2

M4 A2

High-resolution deep mode

Auxiliary mode

Principles

Auxiliary azimuthal measurements

The azimuthal resistivity measurements are sensitive to tool eccentering in the borehole and to irregular borehole shape. To correct these effects, a simultaneous auxiliary measurement is made with the array at a frequency of 71 kHz, which is sufciently high to avoid interference with the 35-Hz monitor loops. In this operating mode, current is passed between each azimuthal electrode and the A2 guard electrode (Fig. 4). The azimuthal and annular monitor electrodes, M3 and M4, serve as measure electrodes. The difference between the potential of the azimuthal monitor electrode and the mean potential of the annular monitor electrodes (dVi) is measured. Each azimuthal electrode passes the same current (Ic), and 12 resistivities (Rci) are computed as follows: Rci = c dVi , Ic

The auxiliary measurement is very shallow, with a current path close to the tool and most of the current returning to the A2 electrode near the azimuthal array. Because the borehole is generally more conductive than the formation, the current tends to stay in the mud and the measurement responds primarily to the volume of mud in front of each azimuthal electrode. Therefore, the measurement is less sensitive to borehole size and shape and to eccentering of the tool in the borehole. The primary objective of the auxiliary measurement is to provide information for correcting the azimuthal resistivity measurement for the effects of borehole irregularities and tool eccentering. A secondary objective is to derive an electrical standoff from which borehole size and shape can be estimated if mud resistivity (Rm) is known or is measured independently.

Orientation measurements
The orientation of the ARI tool is measured with a GPIT* General Purpose Inclinometry Tool, the device used to orient many dipmeter and imaging logs.

where c is a geometric factor chosen so that, in an innite uniform uid, Rci gives the uid resistivity.

ARI Azimuthal Resistivity Imager 5

Specications
The ARI tool is evolving; therefore, some specications in Table 1 may change.

Table 1. ARI tool specications. Length Weight Diameter (small sub) Diameter (medium sub) Vertical resolution Azimuthal resolution Formation resistivity range Temperature rating Pressure rating Mud resistivity 33.3 ft [10.1 m] 578 lbm [263 kg] 3 58 in. [9.2 mm] (4 78 in. [12.3 mm] with standoff) 6 in. [15.2 mm] (7 14 in. [18.4 mm] with standoff) 8 in. in a 6-in. hole 60 degrees azimuthal angle for 1-in. standoff 0.2 to 100,000 ohm-m 350F 20,000 psi Up to 2 ohm-m in active mode Up to 5 ohm-m in passive mode

Specications

Operation
The lower sections of the ARI tool contain the dual laterolog A1, A0, A'1 and A'2 electrodes, which are essentially identical to those used in the DLL tool. The upper azimuthal section uses the top and bottom parts of the dual laterolog A2 electrode as its LL3 guard electrodes. This section can be operated independently from the lower sections in a stand-alone conguration. The ARI tool can be logged at 3600 ft/hr; when dip estimation is required, however, logging speed is reduced to 1800 ft/hr and data channels are sampled every 0.5 in. for greater accuracy. A backup, passive mode was conceived for cases where mud resistivity is above 2 ohm-m or in case one of the azimuthal electrode circuit loops fails. If one of the 12 azimuthal loops fails while the tool is operating in the active mode, the remaining loops may not function properly. In the passive mode, one faulty channel does not affect the remaining channels. LLhr measurements from active and passive modes are identical; however, an estimate of mud resistivity is required to obtain the individual calibrated azimuthal resistivities in passive mode. The tool can be switched downhole from one mode to the other by software command.

Modes of operation
In the principal mode of operation, the active mode, current is emitted by each of the current electrodes, and 12 calibrated resistivities are available in real time. In addition, the conventional deep and shallow laterolog measurements (LLd and LLs) are available.

Stand-alone operation
When induction devices are preferred to laterologs and a deep-formation resistivity image is required, the azimuthal section can be run in combination with an induction tool (for example, the AIT* Array Induction Imager Tool).

ARI Azimuthal Resistivity Imager 7

Environmental corrections
Any laterolog-type measurement is subject to a borehole correction that is a function of the borehole diameter and of the ratio of formation resistivity to mud resistivity. The LLhr log reading can be corrected according to the chart in Fig. 5. Figure 6 shows that the high-resolution LLhr

Borehole Corrections 3 5 8-in. ARI tool, active mode, tool centered, thick beds
1.3

1.2

1.1

Rcor /Ra 0.9

Hole diameter 0.8 6 in. 8 in. 10 in. 12 in.

0.7

0.6

0.5 1 10 100 1000 10,000 100,000

Ra /Rm

Figure 5. Borehole corrections applied to the LLhr log recorded in active mode.

Environmental corrections

curve reads almost as deep into the formation as a deep laterolog LLd curve, particularly when Rt is less than Rxo. An LLhr log can therefore replace an

LLd log for interpretation, especially when its excellent vertical resolution is an advantage. Individually selected azimuthal resistivities can

1 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6

Rt = 50 ohm-m Rxo = 10 ohm-m Rm = 0.1 ohm-m Hole diameter = 8 in.

Rt Ra Rt Rxo

0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Invasion radius (in.) LLhr LLd LLs

1 0.9 0.8 0.7 0.6

Rt = 1 ohm-m Rxo = 10 ohm-m Rm = 0.1 ohm-m Hole diameter = 8 in.

Rt Ra Rt Rxo

0.5 0.4 0.3 0.2 0.1 0 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 Invasion radius (in.) LLhr LLd LLs

Figure 6. Depth of investigation of the LLhr curve compared with the LLd and LLs curves in two different resistivity environments.

ARI Azimuthal Resistivity Imager 9

be used in the same way when the logged interval is azimuthally anisotropic or includes highly dipping thin beds. The ne vertical resolution of the LLhr curve

is shown in Fig. 7 across a formation boundary with a resistivity step from 1 to 10 ohm-m. The responses of the LLd and LLs curves are shown across the same boundary for comparison.

20

10

Ra (ohm-m)

R t 1 = 1 ohm-m R t 2 = 10 ohm-m Rm = 0.1 ohm-m Hole diameter = 6 in.

LLhr 1 LLd LLs 0.5 30

24

18

12

12

18

24

30

Distance to boundary (in.)

Figure 7. LLhr log response compared with LLd and LLs logs across a resistivity step boundary. The signicant improvement in vertical resolution is apparent.

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Environmental corrections

Combinability
The ARI tool is combinable with a wide variety of other tools including the following:

Auxiliary
EMS* Environmental Measurement Sonde Auxiliary Measurement Sonde GPIT inclinometry tool

Resistivity
AIT Array Induction Imager Tool DIL* Dual Induction Resistivity Log MicroSFL* tool

Others
DSI* Dipole Shear Sonic Imager FMI Fullbore Formation MicroImager ADEPT* Adaptable Electromagnetic Propagation Tool RFT* Repeat Formation Tester

Porosity and lithology

Gamma ray tool CNL* Compensated Neutron Log tool Litho-Density* tool NGS* Natural Gamma Ray Spectrometry tool

ARI Azimuthal Resistivity Imager 11

Applications
New applications are being developed and discovered as experience with the ARI service grows in a variety of environments. We discuss here the more important applications known and proven with examples at this time. Figure 8 shows two ARI log passes over the same intervalone with the tool centered and one with it eccentered. The 12 electrical standoff measurements of each pass on the left of the log display show that the tool is not perfectly centered, even in the centered pass, and that the tool rotates during logging. On the right, the 12 uncorrected azimuthal resistivity measurements of each pass are shown with the corrected measurements of the eccentered pass. It is obvious that the standoff measurements and corrections are good since the corrected curves are much more coherent than the uncorrected curves, even of the centered pass.

Borehole correction
The electrical standoff measurements can be used to correct the azimuthal resistivities for tool eccentering and variations in borehole shape and size. The correction to be applied is a function of the electrical standoff measurements, mud resistivity and formation resistivity. Correction algorithms have been derived from tool modeling.

Figure 8. Electrical diameters and uncorrected azimuthal resistivities with the ARI tool centered and eccentered, and borehole-corrected azimuthal resistivities.

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Applications

Deep invasion
Figure 9 shows ARI and MicroSFL logs over a deeply invaded zone. Conductive-invasion separation between the MSFL, LLs and LLd curves is apparent. The LLhr curve, while showing more detail, generally follows the LLd curve quite

closely, and its ne-detail variations reect movement in the MSFL curve. This example demonstrates that the LLhr curve has a depth of investigation close to that of the LLd measurement and a vertical resolution approaching that of the MSFL curve.

Figure 9. Deep conductive invasion example showing that the LLhr curve has a depth of investigation similar to that of the LLd curve and a vertical resolution approaching that of the MSFL curve.

ARI Azimuthal Resistivity Imager 13

Thin-bed analysis
The deep, high-resolution resistivity measurements (vertical resolution less than 1 ft) can be used to improve the quantitative evaluation of laminated formations. In such formations the resistivity image helps ensure that potential hydrocarbon zones are not missed and guides the selection of subsequent logs.

Figure 10 is a log recorded across a series of thin beds. The LLd and LLs curves between X662 and X677 ft have little character, while the LLhr curve and the azimuthal measurements show thin bedding with an average bed thickness of less than 1 ft. The conductivity image shows other details such as azimuthal heterogeneity (X650 to X652 ft, and X660 to X662 ft) and dipping features (X658 to X660 ft).

Figure 10. 1-ft beds barely visible on the LLd and LLs curves are clearly seen by the azimuthal resistivity curves. Dipping beds and azimuthal heterogeneities can also be seen on the ARI image.

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Applications

Fractured formations
As with any resistivity device, the ARI response is strongly affected by fractures lled with conductive uids. Fig. 11 shows a simulated log of the ARI tool as it passes in front of a horizontal (perpendicular to the wellbore) fracture of innite extension lled with conductive uid. The resistivity reading in front of the fracture drops sharply. The signal departs from the baseline (the matrix resistivity reading) for an interval shorter than 1 ft. The fracture signal can be characterized by measuring the area of added conductivity 1,2 in front of the fracture.

Figure 12 shows a fractured formation. The azimuthal image on the left has a xed conductivity scale, while the image on the right is enhanced by dynamic normalization to improve the visibility of features by locally increasing the image contrast. The log presents several highly dipping, darker (conductive) events (at X945, X947, X953 and X967 m), which are interpreted as open fractures. The log also shows a vertical fracture from X975 to X985 m. The large separation between the LLs and LLd curves over this zone is characteristic of vertical fractures.3

200

100 E = 1 ohm-m Rm = 0.1 ohm-m Rb = 100 ohm-m Hole diameter = 6 in.

LLhr (ohm-m)

10 24 21 18 15 12 9 6 3 0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24

Distance from fracture (in.)

Figure 11. LLhr log response in front of a 1-mm horizontal fracture.

ARI Azimuthal Resistivity Imager 15

A dynamically normalized image does not have a calibrated image scale because the conductivity associated with a particular color or shade varies along the image. Figure 1 compares ARI, FMI and UBI images in a fractured formation. Although the ARI images do not have the denition and resolution of detail of the FMI images, open fractures are clearly identied. Some vertical fracturing seen on the

FMI image does not appear as clearly on the ARI image. This vertical fracturing is probably drilling-induced fracturing and cracks that are too shallow to be detected by the deeper-reading ARI measurement. ARI images, therefore, complement FMI borehole images by helping to discriminate between deep natural and shallow drilling-induced fractures.

Figure 12. Highly dipping fractures can be identied on the ARI images at the depth of each sharp resistivity trough. Separation between LLs and LLd curves conrms a vertical fracture below X975 m.

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Applications

Heterogeneous formations
Resistivity readings of the LLd and LLhr logs can be strongly affected by azimuthal heterogeneities. In such cases the azimuthal image can greatly improve the resistivity log interpretation. A selected azimuthal resistivity can be used for quantitative evaluation of the formation. Figure 13 shows ARI and FMI images displayed with ARI resistivity curves in a formation with dipping beds and surfaces, and with some azimuthal heterogeneities. It is interesting to

compare the low-resistivity readings at X91.4 and X92.2 m. The deeper low reading is due to heterogeneity, with a very low-resistivity localized feature, and the shallower is an azimuthally continuous event. The deeper event would certainly be misinterpreted using a standard azimuthally averaged resistivity log reading. A more coherent answer can be obtained if tool orientation information is recorded with the density log. The formation resistivity in the same azimuthal direction can be selected from the ARI log data for saturation computation.

Figure 13. ARI and FMI images in a heterogeneous formation. Compare the low-resistivity depths (X91.4 and X92.2); one is a heterogeneity, and the other is an azimuthally continuous event.

ARI Azimuthal Resistivity Imager 17

Dip estimation
An estimate of formation dip can be derived from the azimuthal resistivity image. Generally, dips computed from ARI images do not have the accuracy of those computed by a dipmeter. They can, however, give a good estimate of the structural dip, detect unexpected structural features (unconformities and faults) and conrm the presence of expected features. Figure 14 shows the agreement between sedimentary dips derived from ARI images and dips from the SHDT* Stratigraphic High-Resolution Dipmeter Tool.

Horizontal wells
The responses of azimuthally averaged measurementsLLd, LLs and induction logs, for exampleare inuenced by beds lying parallel and near the borehole. This situation often arises in horizontal wells, particularly when the well is steered to closely follow the top of the reservoir. The quantitative azimuthal image of the ARI tool helps to detect and identify these nearby beds so the most representative reading can be selected from the quantitative azimuthal deep resistivity measurements.

Figure 14. Excellent agreement between sedimentary dips derived from ARI images and dipmeter data.

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Applications

Borehole prole
Figure 15 shows the 12 auxiliary-mode azimuthal borehole curves, recorded in conductivity units. The spread of the curves indicates some tool eccentering or borehole irregularity such as ovality. Tracks 2 and 3 show FMI calipers recorded with orthogonal pairs of caliper arms and an

orthogonal presentation of ARI electrical calipers. Although agreement is generally good, the ARI calipers are more sensitive to sharp variations, particularly small washouts. In this case the FMI caliper arms were partially closed to log a sticky section of the hole. Caliper information was recovered from the ARI log.

Figure 15. Borehole prole from ARI caliper measurements compared with measurements made with FMI calipers. Agreement is good except where the FMI caliper arms have not been fully opened below X770 ft.

ARI Azimuthal Resistivity Imager 19

Groningen effect correction

The Groningen effect on the deep laterolog measurement is encountered in conductive formations overlain by thick, highly resistive beds. The LLd measurement voltage reference, taken at the torpedo connector between the logging cable and the top of the insulated bridle, normally represents innity. The reference becomes negative as the torpedo enters the resistive bed, and the Groningen effect occurs. In cases without Groningen effect, the out-ofphase (quadrature) voltagewith reference to the total currentis normally zero. When the effect occurs, the quadrature voltage becomes signicant. This phenomenon can be used to identify and, under favorable conditions, correct for the effect. The correction is based on the formula dV0 = g ( V90 ) , where dV0 represents the voltage shift responsible for the Groningen effect and V90 represents the quadrature voltage. The coefcient g depends on the mud resistivity, the formation/mud resistivity contrast and the borehole diameter. This coefcient is determined from charts obtained by modeling.

The value of the ratio V90 /V0 is used to indicate the presence of a Groningen effect. Figures 16 and 17 show the application of the detection and correction schemes in a well with the casing string set well above the resistive bed. When casing is set in the resistive bed, this correction method no longer applies; the onset of the effect, however, is still detected by an increase in the out-of-phase voltage. The Groningen effect is stronger and the effect extends deeper in the well, occurring even when the torpedo is well below the resistive bed. A second pass is made with an enlarged A2 electrode. The mass-isolation sub on top of the A2 electrode is short-circuited by a software command, extending the electrode. This technique alters the tools geometrical factor and the ratio of the total to measured current. These two passes exhibit Groningen effects of different magnitude from which a Groningen-free LLd reading can be computed. The second pass is only needed over a short section below the casing. The Groningen effect correction is applied automatically if the well and casing conguration permit the single-pass correction.

20

Applications

Figure 16. The appearance of a Groningen effect can be agged.

Figure 17. Correction for Groningen effect is conrmed by the LLs and IDPH curves.

ARI Azimuthal Resistivity Imager 21

Features and benets

The ARI tool brings such an innovative approach to deep resistivity logging, opening new opportunities for interpretation and applications, that it is useful to summarize here its principal features and benets.

Features Improved vertical resolution with narrow beam width (compared to the DLL tool) 12 deep azimuthal resistivities, comparable with the LLd curve Deep azimuthal image, much deeper than microelectrical image

Benets Better Rt estimation in thin beds Improved evaluation of deviated and horizontal wells Fracture detection and characterization Differentiates between natural and drilling-induced fractures Adjacent (nonintersecting) bed distance

Dynamic normalization for enhanced image with improved contrast Quadrature signal processing

Detection of heterogeneous formations Structural dip Groningen-corrected resistivity (no casing present) Log quality control

Software-controlled extendable electrode Electrical standoff measurement to correct azimuthal resistivities for individual standoff

Groningen-corrected resistivity (casing present) Better deep resistivity measurement in irregular holes Borehole prole Measurement not degraded by eccentering

Flexible system architecture with interchangeable half-shell design Backup passive mode Stand-alone mode Combinable with resistivity, porosity and lithology, and other borehole imaging tools

Resolution maintained in large holes Images possible in high-resistivity muds Short tool string (for example, in combination with induction tools) Signicant rig time savings

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Features and benets

Common ARI curve names

The following curve names may appear on ARI and other log presentations.

Curve name AC01 to AC12 AR01 to AR12 CALE CC01 to CC12 CLLD LDCG LHCG LLD LLDG LLG LLHC LLHG LLHR LLS RC01 to RC12 RR01 to RR12

Sample rate 0.5 in. 0.5 in. 0.5 in. 0.5 in. 6 in. 6 in. 6 in. 6 in. 6 in. 6 in. 0.5 in. 0.5 in. 0.5 in. 6 in. 0.5 in. 0.5 in.

Description Corrected azimuthal conductivity curves 1 to 12 (mmho/m) Corrected azimuthal resistivity curves 1 to 12 (ohm-m) Borehole diameter from electrical standoff (in.) Electrical standoff conductivity curves 1 to 12 (mmho/m) Deep laterolog conductivity (mmho/m) Casing Groningen-corrected deep resistivity (ohm-m) Casing Groningen-corrected high-resolution resistivity (ohm-m) Deep laterolog resistivity (ohm-m) Groningen phase-corrected deep resistivity (ohm-m) Standard deep Groningen-referenced resistivity (ohm-m) High-resolution conductivity (mmho/m) Groningen phase-corrected high-resolution resistivity (ohm-m) High-resolution deep resistivity (ohm-m) Shallow laterolog resistivity (ohm-m) Azimuthal deep conductivity curves 1 to 12 (mmho/m) Azimuthal deep resistivity curves 1 to 12 (ohm-m)

ARI Azimuthal Resistivity Imager 23

References
1. Luthi SM and Souhait P: Fracture Aperture from Electrical Borehole Scans, Geophysics (1990), 55, No. 7, 821833. Faivre O: Fracture Evaluation from Quantitative Azimuthal Resistivities, paper SPE 26434, presented at the 68th SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Houston, Texas, October 36, 1993. Sibbit AM and Faivre O: The Dual Laterolog Response in Fractured Rocks, presented at the SPWLA Twenty-Sixth Annual Logging Symposium, June 1985.

2.

3.

Recommended reading
Davies DH, Faivre O, Gounot M-T, Seeman B, Trouiller J-C, Benimeli D, Ferreira AE, Pittman DJ, Smits J-W and Randrianavony M: Azimuthal Resistivity Imaging: A New Generation Laterolog, paper SPE 24676, presented at the 67th SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition, Washington, DC, October 47, 1992.

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References and recommended reading