Integrating data from acoustic measurements with wellbore images and reservoir testing, estimated pore pressures, stress magnitudes, and the fracture gradient refines the mud-weight window to avoid future drilling challenges. Layered shales and fractured formations are readily identifiable to enable drillers to better maintain wellbore stability.

Properly contained hydraulic fractures are designed by using continuous stress profiles based on acoustic measurements because they account for shale layering and differential stress. The accuracy of stress profiles is honed by calibration with dual-packer stress tests and maps of wellbore failure occurrences from breakouts and induced fractures.

Quantification of anisotropy in rock mechanical properties and determination of the maximum horizontal stress guide completion design for achieving optimal production, especially in highly deviated or horizontal wells accessing unconventional reservoirs or where sanding is a concern. Measurement of the extent of the alteration zone and damage effects is used to calculate the necessary perforation penetration, and achieving uniformity in perforation performance is based on understanding stress anisotropy.

Distinguishing drilling-induced from natural fractures and using shear wave anisotropy and Stoneley wave data in conjunction with images to identify existing fractures as open or closed are important considerations for designing completions, targeting hydraulic fracturing, and maximizing production.

Well velocity calibration accounts for shale layering and stress anisotropy to refine the time-depth conversion for more accurate analysis, tie-ins, and use in applications such as seismic inversion.

Simulating complex fracture networks relies on calibration based on acoustic measurements for differential stress, geomechanical strain, and any existing discrete fracture networks.

Sonic Scanner platform logging can be used to relate physical rock properties to seismic data to improve the value of data in modeling.

Our petrotechnical experts work with you to apply advanced interpretation techniques and workflows to deliver answers from measurements made with the Sonic Scanner acoustic scanning platform.

Advanced sonic waveform processing and analysis provide critical information for completion optimization, sanding prediction, wellbore stability studies, and mechanical earth models. Shear wave splitting and orientation of the fast shear azimuth guide lateral well placement, and Stoneley analysis can indicate and characterize fractures as well as reveal formation mobility.

Data from the Sonic Scanner platform is acquired and ready for solutions through integrated Techlog™ wellbore software platform workflows for geomechanics, geophysics, fracture evaluation, and petrophysics.