Abstract: At least four waveforms representative of sonic waves obtained from an acoustic investigation of a borehole with at least four sonic receivers are combined to automatically measure a parameter of a wave present in the waveforms. The waveforms are derived from sonic receivers which are selectively spaced from each other as well as the sonic transmitter whose sonic pulses caused the sonic waves. Several techniques are described to measure acoustic wave parameters such as the interval travel time of compressional and shear waves for open or cased boreholes. In accordance with one technique a multiple fold correlation process and apparatus are described to measure the acoustic wave parameter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for detecting an acoustic wave in a waveform produced from a sonic receiver in response to an acoustic investigation of a borehole. The maximum amplitude of the waveform is measured and a portion thereof utilized as a threshold for comparison with successively different combinations of initial portions of the waveform and the waveform location, where the threshold is exceeded, is identified as the location of the wave. A pattern comparison is made between waveform segments where the acoustic wave is initially located to provide a correction factor for a more accurate locating of the acoustic wave. A parameter of the wave, such as its interval travel time is measured with the acoustic wave locating techniques.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are described for preferentially exciting and for extracting late arrivals at low frequencies in an acoustic investigation of a borehole. The late arrival may be the Stoneley wave whose amplitude is derived by measuring the energy in a predetermined frequency band of a waveform produced with a low frequency transmitter-receiver system. The transmitter produces a highly damped acoustic pulse whose frequency spectrum is selected to preferentially excite a late arrival such as the Stoneley wave and/or tube wave with wavelengths which are significantly greater than the diameter of the borehole while preserving measurable earlier arrivals at higher frequencies. A receiver system is used which provides a generally flat frequency response including low frequencies to produce waveforms of both the earlier arrivals at high frequencies and late arrivals at low frequencies with sufficient extractable amplitudes throughout a wide range of borehole and formation conditions.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for investigating a borehole with energy transmissions whose directivity is varied in real time during the investigation is described. A plurality of transmitters are employed on a well logging tool with at least one receiver located ahead of the transmitters. The transmitters are repetitively activated to transmit a wave of energy to the receiver which produces a received wave. A parameter of the received wave is derived and used to vary the relative delay of activation of the transmitters to direct the beam of energy in a manner whereby the parameter is effectively enhanced for a subsequent investigation. A real time control is provided over the directivity of the energy transmissions to preferentially emphasize a particular segment of a received wave.