Measurement while drilling continued

A wellbore fluid has been developed that has a nonaqueous continuous liquid phase that exhibits an electrical conductivity increased by a factor of 10 to 10 compared with conventional invert emulsion. 0.2% to 10% by volume of carbon black particles and emulsifying surfactants are used as additives. Information from electrical logging tools, including measurement while drilling and logging while drilling, can be obtained [1563]. 

Unlit recently, these measurements could be taken only when the drill bit and string were removed from the borehole. However, in the mid-1980s, a new dimension was added, namely, measmement while drilling (MWD) instruments. These devices are mounted above the drill bit and around the drill string to provide a continuing source of data on downhole characteristics. This advancement reduces the drilling downtime previously required when measurements were taken. 

Figure 5.37 depicts the basic set up of a wireline logging operation. A sonde is lowered downhole after the drill string has been removed. The sonde is connected via an insulated and reinforced electrical cable to a winch unit at the surface. At a speed of about 600m per hour the cable Is spooled upward and the sonde continuously records formation properties like natural gamma ray radiation, formation resistivity or formation density. The measured data is sent through the cable and is recorded and processed in a sophisticated logging unita the surface. Offshore, this unit will be located in a cabin, while on land it is truck mounted. In either situation data can be transmitted in real time via satellite to company headquarters if required. 

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