Abstract: A deployable electrical contact device is provided that includes a body portion and a mounting arrangement. The mounting arrangement is controllably deployable from the body portion. The mounting arrangement is configured to retain the device at a position at a metallic well structure by mechanically engaging with a wall surface of the metallic well structure. The mounting arrangement includes electrically conductive pads configured to provide electrical continuity between the engaged metallic well structure and the mounting arrangement. The device is configured such that when deployed an electrical signal path between one or more of the conductive pads and the body portion is established to provide electrical continuity between the metallic well structure and the body portion.

Abstract: There are described devices and methods for use, for example, with signaling in a well, e.g. using a well structure of the well. Such signaling may include the communication of power and/or data signals. The devices and methods used may assist with efficient and/or effective communication of such signals. In some examples, there is described deployable devices and methods, e.g. a deployable device for signaling contact in a well, and methods associated therewith.

Abstract: A ranging system and method to determine a relative distance and direction of a target borehole relative to a second borehole using a ranging tool that can make ranging measurements while the ranging tool is not rotating. An array of button electrodes included in the ranging tool can be fired in a sequential fashion so as to simulate rotation of one or more button electrodes, without the ranging tool rotating. The array of button electrodes can also be fired in a sequential fashion so as to simulate rotational and/or longitudinal movement of the ranging tool.

Abstract: Aspects of the subject technology relate to systems and methods for identifying a mud angle associated with an electromagnetic imager tool based on variations in mud effect removed quantities of tool measurements made by the electromagnetic imager tool. Tool measurements made through one or more measurement units of an electromagnetic imager tool can be received. The one or more measurement units can have azimuthal sensitivity and the electromagnetic imager tool can operate to log a wellbore in a formation in making the measurements. One or more mud effect removal techniques can be applied to the tool measurements across a plurality of mud angle estimates to generate mud effect removed quantities for the one or more measurement units across the plurality of mud angle estimates.

Abstract: A sensor comprising three electrodes forming two electrode pairs, each pair having a gap between the electrodes, is disclosed. An electrically insulating layer is disposed in the gap of one electrode pair. The sensor may include a RC oscillator circuit connected to the electrode pair having the insulating layer such that the electrode pair contributes to the capacitance of the circuit. The sensor may include a power supply connected to the other electrode pair to provide a voltage across and current through material in the pair's gap. The sensor may be disposed in a borehole to allow borehole fluid to enter the gaps and the RC oscillator circuit and power supply may be operated to provide a measure of capacitance and resistance characteristics of the borehole fluid.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods may operate to detect anomalous formation resistivity values within measured formation resistivity data, based on mud resistivity associated with a borehole in a geological formation, the measured formation resistivity data comprising the anomalous formation resistivity values and acceptable formation resistivity values. Additional activity may include transforming the anomalous formation resistivity values into corrected formation resistivity values, inverting the corrected formation resistivity values and the acceptable formation resistivity values to provide true resistivity values for a geological formation, and operating a controlled device according to the true resistivity values for the geological formation. Additional apparatus, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A resistivity profile can be generated directly from measured electromagnetic field data from a marine survey. A series of transformations can be applied to remove a conductivity dependency from a boundary value problem such that an inversion method may no longer be required to generate the resistivity profile.

Abstract: Systems and methods for estimating standoff and/or caliper in a wellbore for oil-based mud drilling are provided. The systems include a sensor having a primary electrode and at least two secondary electrodes, and an electronics subsystem having a controller and a processor for driving the system and correlating current measurements with standoff and/or caliper. The electrodes are positioned relative to one another such that there is a distinct flow of current between the primary electrode and each secondary electrode. In operation, a single excitation frequency is applied to the primary electrode and a simultaneous measurement of current flowing between the primary electrode and each secondary electrode is obtained. Standoff is estimated from the measurements. The estimations can be independent of formation properties when an appropriate excitation frequency is used.

Abstract: Systems and methods using multi-electrode configurations for characterizing fluids in subterranean formations during various treatment operations are provided. In certain embodiments, the methods comprise: placing a tubular base structure having a multi-electrode configuration disposed thereon in at least a portion of a well bore penetrating at least a portion of a subterranean formation, the multi-electrode configuration comprising at least first and second electrodes with a dielectric layer between the tubular base structure and the electrodes; collecting electromagnetic measurements using the multi-electrode configuration; and processing the electromagnetic measurements to obtain a characterization of at least one fluid in an annulus between the tubular base structure and an inner wall of the well bore. The first and second electrodes of the multi-electrode configuration may be oriented along non-parallel planes and/or positioned at different heights from an outer surface of the tubular base structure.

Abstract: A chemical stimulation system and a resistivity tool are disposed in a wellbore. Chemical stimulation operations are performed in the wellbore using the chemical stimulation system. Resistivity measurements are made with the resistivity tool before, during, and/or after the chemical stimulation operations. The resistivity measurements may be used to determine the porosity of a formation penetrated by the wellbore. A wormhole distribution and/or penetration in the formation is determined based on the resistivity measurements. Decisions regarding stimulation operations are made based on the determined wormhole distribution and/or penetration. The resistivity tool may be modular and have various arrays allowing various depths of investigation. The depths of penetration of the wormholes into the formation may be determined using the measurements from the multiple depths of investigation. The volume of the formation that is dissolved by the chemical stimulation operations may also be estimated.

Abstract: A method for making downhole dynamics measurements using rotating navigational sensors includes rotating navigational accelerometers in a subterranean borehole to obtain a string of accelerometer measurements while rotating. The measurements are differentiated to obtain a string of differentiated accelerometer measurements and may then be further processed to obtain a drill string vibration parameter. Substantially simultaneous magnetometer measurements may be obtained and utilized to compute a corrected vibration parameter in which at least one of a gravitational acceleration component, a tangential acceleration component, and a centripetal acceleration component is removed from the vibration parameter.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for estimating a property of an earth formation penetrated by a borehole. The apparatus includes a carrier configured to be conveyed through the borehole and having a first transmitter electrode configured to inject electrical current into the formation and a first measurement electrode configured to receive electrical current for measurement due to the current injection in order to estimate the property of the earth formation. A controller is configured to determine a phase difference between injected electrical current and received electrical current. A first bucker amplifier is coupled to the first measurement electrode and configured to apply a voltage to the first measurement electrode based on the determined phase difference in order for a phase of current received by the first measurement electrode to be substantially in phase with the current injected by the first transmitter electrode.

Abstract: A system for investigating non-linear properties of a rock formation around a borehole is provided. The system includes a first sub-system configured to perform data acquisition, control and recording of data; a second subsystem in communication with the first sub-system and configured to perform non-linearity and velocity preliminary imaging; a third subsystem in communication with the first subsystem and configured to emit controlled acoustic broadcasts and receive acoustic energy; a fourth subsystem in communication with the first subsystem and the third subsystem and configured to generate a source signal directed towards the rock formation; and a fifth subsystem in communication with the third subsystem and the fourth subsystem and configured to perform detection of signals representative of the non-linear properties of the rock formation.

Abstract: Various disclosed resistivity imaging tools and methods provide a high-resolution electrode configuration for imaging in oil-based imaging in oil-based muds. Some tool embodiments have a sensing surface that comprises: a measurement electrode, a focus electrode surrounding the measurement electrode, and a return electrode surrounding the focus electrode. The sensing surface can be provided on an extendable sensor pad or on the wall-contacting portion of a stabilizer. Some method embodiments include measuring the measurement electrode current while driving a voltage signal between the measurement electrode and the return electrode. The voltage signal may simultaneously or sequentially provide energy at different frequencies. The resistivity measurements are combined with tool position and orientation measurements to form a borehole wall image.

Abstract: A method, a system, and an apparatus are described for the data acquisition in the well-logging of a borehole wall during the investigation of formation properties. Data acquisition is conducted by either an adaptive phase compensation processing or a modulus mode processing, both of which use in-phase and out-of-phase current components to obtain current values. Adaptive phase compensation employs a calculation of a phase shift compensation value, which may then be applied to subsequent acquisitions and can be further processed in the generation of an image of the borehole wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing an image of a resistivity property of an earth formation surrounding a borehole is provided. The apparatus, in one aspect, may include a plurality of measure electrodes that are configured to convey an electrical current into the earth formation. In one aspect, each measure electrode may be substantially surrounded by an associated insulator that extends away from a tool body in a manner that blocks at least a portion of a vertical current flowing in a conductive fluid when the tool is operated to log the borehole. A processor provides an image of the resistivity property of the earth formation using the current in plurality of measure electrodes.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to determining the attenuation of an electromagnetic signal passing through a conductive material. An antenna is provided and placed in relatively close proximity to the conductive material. An alternating current is passed through the antenna and the impedance of the antenna is measured. The attenuation is determined using the measured impedance. A single frequency measurement may be made, or multiple measurements using different frequencies may be made. Grouped parameters based on properties of the material and the frequency of the current are used to relate the coil impedance to the attenuation. A current frequency for which the ratio of the antenna's resistive part of the impedance to the angular frequency of the current is substantially insensitive to at least one of the parameters is preferred.

Abstract: A system for measuring a resistivity parameter of an earth formation includes: at least one measurement electrode electrically connected to a first electrical source; at least one guard electrode; a shielding electrode interposed between the at least one guard electrode and the at least one measurement electrode, the shielding electrode being electrically connected to a second electrical source independent from the first electrical source, and the guard electrode being electrically connected to a third electrical source independent of the first and second electrical sources; at least one return electrode; insulators positioned between (i) the measurement electrode and the shielding electrode, (ii) the shielding electrode and the guard electrode and (iii) the measurement electrode, the guard electrode and the return electrode; and a processor configured to adjust at least one of the first electrical source and the second electrical source to minimize a current flow through the shielding electrode.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for evaluating an earth formation penetrated by a borehole comprises taking resistivity measurements using a plurality of resistivity arrays or pads positioned within the borehole proximal the borehole wall. In one embodiment, pads are spaced apart azimuthally around the perimeter of a tool body, each pad carrying at least one electrode thereon. A sequence of resistivity measurement operations are performed involving sequentially operating each pad, in turn, as a transmitter, with remaining pads and electrodes operated as return electrodes. The sequence preferably involves a succession of adjacent pads around the perimeter of the tool body, resulting in a full rotational (360°) imaging of the formation penetrated by the borehole. In one embodiment, the pads include at least two electrodes spaced vertically apart from one another, such that helical current paths are defined between transmitting electrodes and return electrodes.

Abstract: An imaging tool made includes a pad whose curvature is chosen based on the expected range of borehole radius and the pad size so as to maintain the maximum standoff below a desired value. The curvature may be adjusted using fasteners.

Abstract: A method and instrument provide a very detailed symmetric resistivity image of a formation. A first asymmetric resistivity image is collected from a first arrangement of electrodes, which form an asymmetric sensor. A second asymmetric resistivity image is collected from a second arrangement of electrodes, which form an asymmetric sensor. The first image and the second image overlap each other. The images are assembled about a selected reference point and then processed to provide the very detailed symmetric resistivity image.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimizing the effects of a common mode voltage signal in downhole logging tools utilized to determine the resistivity of an adjacent portion of a borehole wall. Two current electrodes are energized by an excitation source to create an oscillatory electric field in a borehole wall. A voltage drop across a segment of the borehole wall is measured by two voltage electrodes, and the differential voltage is used in combination with a measured current flow to determine a resistivity value for the borehole wall. A common mode voltage in front of the two voltage electrodes is measured and minimized by controlling the excitation source, thereby reducing the resistivity measurement error.

Abstract: A measuring head for use in electrical measurements conducted in holes drilled in the ground comprises an elongated body, adaptable in the hole and comprising an electrode, electrically connecting the measuring head with its surroundings, for transmitting an electrical signal between the measuring head and its surroundings. In accordance with the invention, the measuring head comprises insulating means, placed on the body on both sides of the electrode along the length of the hole in order to form a measuring area, electrically insulated from other parts of the hole, around the electrode placed in the hole.

Abstract: An apparatus for investigating the wall of a borehole in a geological formation. The pad having shielding means which are arranged between a source electrode and a set of measurement electrodes and between the measurement electrodes and a return electrode. The shielding means being flush with or almost flush with the outside face of the pad and extending along the length of the outside face of the pad so that the electric field generated by the current and return electrodes is substantially eliminated in the pad and in the vicinity of the measurement electrodes.

Abstract: The invention concerns an apparatus for investigating the wall of a borehole tilled with non-conductive mud, said apparatus comprising: a pad having an inside face and an outside face for pressing against the wall of the borehole; a set of measurement electrodes mounted on the outside face of the pad, potentials differences being measured between said measurement electrodes in order to provide measured points representative of the resistivity of the formation; both a source electrode and a return electrode adapted to inject current into the formation, the set of measurement electrodes being situated between the source electrode and the return electrode.

Abstract: A resistivity tool for investigating a wall of a borehole drilled with a non-conductive mud includes a tool body adapted to be incorporated in a logging-while-drilling tool assembly; a resistivity sensor disposed on the tool body, wherein the resistivity sensor comprises a sensor pad supporting a current injector electrode, a current return electrode, and an array of measurement electrodes, and a circuitry for controlling current injection from the current injector electrode and for measuring voltage difference between electrodes in the array of measurement electrodes, wherein the current injector electrode and the current return electrode are disposed near opposite ends of the sensor pad and the array of measurement electrodes is disposed between the current injector electrode and the current return electrode, wherein the sensor pad is constructed of an insulating material and includes a conductive shielding member, or wherein the sensor pad is constructed of a conducting material and includes insulating sec

Abstract: A method for electrically investigating a wall of a borehole in a geologic formation including injecting a current into the formation at a first position along the wall and returning the current at a second position along the wall, the formation current having a frequency below about 100 kHz, measuring a voltage in the formation between a third position and a fourth position along the wall, the third and fourth positions being located between the first and second positions, and determining an amplitude of a component of the voltage in phase with the current.

Abstract: An azimuthal resistivity logging tool includes one or more pads for making azimuthal resistivity measurements of earth formation. Current from the pads, guard electrodes and a measure electrode are measured while monitoring the voltage difference between pairs of monitor electrodes. The pads and an adjacent portion of the tool body form a guard electrode. In addition, microelectrodes are provided on the pads for obtaining high resolution resistivity measurements.

Abstract: A multi-mode resistivity tool measures at multiple depths into the near-borehole formation. By use of a four mode tool, measuring to four depths at the formation, a more accurate invasion zone resistivity measurement may be made than previously known. The tool itself is shown as including six concentric electrodes, although not every electrode is necessary for every mode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for a tool for investigating the wall of a borehole in a geological formation, the apparatus comprising: a non-conductive pad having an inside face and an outside face for pressing against the wall; a set of measurement electrodes mounted on the outside face of the pad and means for measuring the potential difference between two measurement electrodes; and both a source electrode adapted to inject current into the geological formation and a return electrode, the set of measurement electrodes being situated between the source electrode and the return electrode for the current; the apparatus being characterized in that the pad comprises an electrically conductive portion covering the entire measurement electrode zone and electrically insulated from the measurement electrodes.

Abstract: A resistivity tool for investigating a wall of a borehole drilled with a non-conductive mud includes a tool body adapted to be incorporated in a logging-while-drilling tool assembly; a resistivity sensor disposed on the tool body, wherein the resistivity sensor comprises a sensor pad supporting a current injector electrode, a current return electrode, and an array of measurement electrodes; and a circuitry for controlling current injection from the current injector electrode and for measuring voltage difference between electrodes in the array of measurement electrodes, wherein the current injector electrode and the current return electrode are disposed near opposite ends of the sensor pad and the array of measurement electrodes is disposed between the current injector electrode and the current return electrode, wherein the sensor pad is constructed of an insulating material and includes a conductive shielding member, or wherein the sensor pad is constructed of a conducting material and includes insulating sec

Abstract: A resistivity device for downhole use with a nonconducting mud injects a current at a frequency sufficiently high to pass capacitively through the mud and a mud cake into the formation. The frequency is further selected so that the impedance due to the dielectric constant of the formation is small compared to the formation resistivity. Dual frequency measurements may be used to further minimize the effects of the mud and mud cake resistivity. When multiple frequency measurements are used, frequency focusing may be used to get an estimate of formation resistivity that is independent of near borehole effects.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining resistivity images of a borehole includes an array of measure electrodes separated from a pad or the body of the instrument by a focusing electrode. The focusing electrode is maintained at a slightly higher potential than the measure electrodes. The apparatus is primarily intended for use with conducting fluids but may also be used with non-conducting fluids. A modulated electrical current with a carrier frequency of 1 MHz is injected into the formation. When used with a non-conducting fluid, capacitive coupling between the electrode and the conductive formation is provided by the dielectric of fluid. When used with a conducting borehole fluid, an additional capacitor may be incorporated into the circuit. The current in the measure electrode is indicative of the conductivity of the formation.

Abstract: A resistivity logging apparatus has an array of electrodes projecting from imaging pads. The electrodes penetrate nonconductive mud lining the borehole wall. Some of the electrodes are moveable in and out of the pad while others of the electrodes can be fixed. The electrodes, which are arranged in an array along a circumferential portion of the borehole wall, are able to make contact with the borehole wall. Sequencing electronics causes one electrode to be a source, another to be a measuring electrode, with the measurements of source electrode and measuring electrode moving along the array in order to log a circumferential portion of the borehole wall.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of investigating the wall (2) of a borehole in a geological formation by means of two injectors (4, 5) with a potential V being applied between them and in measuring the potential difference &dgr;V between two electrically isolated measurement electrodes (6) situated between the two injectors (4, 5) and spaced apart from the formation by an insulating layer (1), in which the resistivity of the formation is obtained from the measured values of &dgr;V, V and I, with corrections being made for the effects due to the nature and the thickness of the insulating layer (1). In a first variant these corrections are based on a correction factor obtained from curves of K=Rt.I/&dgr;V as a function of the impedance V/I of the injector. In a second variant these corrections are obtained by estimating the current IF actually injected into the formation while taking account of leakage current IL, and calculating the resistivity of the formation from the equation (I).

Abstract: The present invention relates to apparatus for a tool for investigating the wall of a borehole in a geological formation, the apparatus comprising: a non-conductive pad having an inside face and an outside face for pressing against the wall; a set of measurement electrodes mounted on the outside face of the pad and means for measuring the potential difference between two measurement electrodes; and both a source electrode adapted to inject current into the geological formation and a return electrode, the set of measurement electrodes being situated between the source electrode and the return electrode for the current; the apparatus being characterized in that the pad comprises an electrically conductive portion covering the entire measurement electrode zone and electrically insulated from the measurement electrodes.

Abstract: Using micro-resistivity techniques, an image of the wall of a borehole can be obtained. A downhole tool stack is provided with plural imaging tools, wherein each imaging tool has a set of pads that deploy radially outward to contact the borehole wall to obtain the image thereof. As the pads deploy outwardly, gaps are formed between the pads. The pads of one tool are circumferentially offset relative to the pads of the other tool so that more complete circumferential coverage of the borehole wall is obtained during the imaging process. Furthermore, an adaptive polling technique is utilized to telemeter the large amounts of data generated by the two imaging tools to the surface. Data is obtained from the imaging tools by polling at a particular rate, which rate is modified depending upon the amount of data generated by the imaging tools.

Abstract: A resistivity device for downhole use with a nonconducting mud injects a current at a frequency sufficiently high to pass capacitively through the mud and a mud cake into the formation. The frequency is further selected so that the impedance due to the dielectric constant of the formation is small compared to the formation resistivity. Dual frequency measurements may be used to further minimize the effects of the mud and mud cake resistivity. When multiple frequency measurements are used, frequency focusing may be used to get an estimate of formation resistivity that is independent of near borehole effects.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining resistivity images of a borehole includes an array of measure electrodes separated from a pad or the body of the instrument by a focusing electrode. The focusing electrode is maintained at a slightly higher potential than the measure electrodes. The apparatus is primarily intended for use with conducting fluids but may also be used with non-conducting fluids. A modulated electrical current with a carrier frequency of 1 MHz is injected into the formation. When used with a non-conducting fluid, capacitive coupling between the electrode and the conductive formation is provided by the dielectric of fluid. When used with a conducting borehole fluid, an additional capacitor may be incorporated into the circuit. The current in the measure electrode is indicative of the conductivity of the formation.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining resistivity images of a borehole includes an array of measure electrodes separated from a pad or the body of the instrument by a guard electrode. The guard electrode is maintained at a slightly lower potential than the pad and the measure electrode is at an intermediate potential thereto. With this arrangement, the current from the guard electrode defocuses the measure current from the measure electrode as it enters the formation, and at greater distances, the current from the measure electrode is refocused by the effect of the current from the pad. This defocusing and refocusing defines a region of investigation away from the borehole wall that is relatively insensitive to borehole rugosity. Circumferential and vertical overlap may be obtained either by the arrangement of the measure electrodes, or by relying on the broadening of the measure beam as it enters the formation.

Abstract: An apparatus for obtaining resistivity images of a borehole includes an array of measure electrodes separated from a pad or the body of the instrument by a guard electrode. The guard electrode is maintained at a slightly lower potential than the pad and the measure electrode is at an intermediate potential thereto. With this arrangement, the current from the guard electrode defocuses the measure current from the measure electrode as it enters the formation, and at greater distances, the current from the measure electrode is refocused by the effect of the current from the pad. This defocusing and refocusing defines a region of investigation away from the borehole wall that is relatively insensitive to borehole rugosity. Circumferential and vertical overlap may be obtained either by the arrangement of the measure electrodes, or by relying on the broadening of the measure beam as it enters the formation.

Abstract: An instrument for measuring resistivity of earth formations within azimuthal segments. The instrument includes azimuthally separated measure electrodes placed in contact with the wall of a wellbore penetrating the earth formations. The electrodes are placed in contact with the wall by springs, hydraulics or similar mechanisms. A guard electrode surrounds each measure electrode. The instrument includes a booster current electrode axially spaced apart from the guard electrodes. An insulator axially separates the guard electrodes from the booster electrode. Monitor electrodes are disposed on the exterior of the insulator. A first bucking current circuit is connected to the guard electrodes. The first bucking current constrains the flow of measuring currents from each measure electrode to a path substantially perpendicular to the axis of the instrument. A booster current circuit is connected to the booster electrode.

Abstract: A well logging apparatus adapted to be moved inside a borehole includes an elongate body, a measuring pad adapted to contact the wall of the borehole, a support device for the pad mounted pivotally on one side of the body, and a counter arm which causes the pad to be applied against the wall of the borehole. The support device includes an arm which carries the weight of the pad and is connected to the pad substantially in the central part thereof.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a pad (20) pressed against the wall of a borehole (12), the pad comprising a plurality of detecting devices (42, 43, 44, 45) disposed in alignment along the longitudinal direction of the borehole. Each detecting device includes a housing (112, 113) having complementary ends fitted with electrical connectors. The end of one housing (112) is extended by first skirts (117, 118) suitable for interfitting between second skirts (121) of the complementary end of the housing (113) of an adjacent detecting device. An annular element (111) and screws (120, 122) fixed to complementary ends together thus constituting a rigid pad (20) which can be disassembled.

Abstract: A logging apparatus for measurement of earth formation resistivity is disclosed. The apparatus includes an elongated sonde having an insulated section and an electrically isolated conductive pad mounted for lateral extension into contact with a borehole wall. The electrically isolated conductive pad includes a plurality of current electrodes disposed longitudinally along the pad and a return electrode disposed on the reverse face thereof. A focussing section is utilized to provide varying depths of investigation by electrode current to preferably permit measurement of earth formation resistivity in the mudcake, flush zone, and uninvaded formation. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the conductive pad includes a pair of hingeably mounted sections which permit the apparatus to accommodate varying radii of curvature of boreholes.

Abstract: A microelectric method and apparatus for recording and differentiating between open and closed fractures along the walls of boreholes is disclosed. A main current and a controlled opposing or bucking current are fed into a hard rock formation in a measurement area of a borehole wall insulated from the drilling mud in the borehole. Within this measurement area absolute potential and potential differences are measured and dimensionless ratios based on the measurements of current and potential are ascertained. The ratios indicate the presence of fractures and allow differentiation between open and closed fractures allowing determination of an open fracture network. The apparatus is made up of at least one measuring pad (6) made of insulating material forced onto the wall of borehole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a logging method and apparatus for determining the electrical resistivity of an earth formation traversed by a borehole. The resistivity is determined using a measuring pad which has a central electrode operable to deliver a measuring current. The measuring current is focused radially by means of two focusing systems: an active focusing system which focuses the measuring current in a first direction; and a passive focusing system which focuses the measuring current in a second direction perpendicular to said first direction.

Abstract: A filter removes certain noise-induced artifacts from a two-dimensional image of a bore-hole wall, this image being formed by signals from a two-dimensional array of staggered electrodes pulled along the bore-hole wall. The noise artifacts are due to a type of noise which varies as a function of depth of the array, but which is substantially the same at all electrodes at any given time. The artifacts appear in the image in the form of a "footprint" of the electrode array, as an unintended result of a depth-adjustment process in which the original frames of samples of the signals at the electrodes of the staggered array, all taken essentially at the same time, are later resampled to produce frames of samples each corresponding to the same depth in said bore-hole. The filter makes use of the fact that the configuration of the artifact in the image is known, and that the true signal values do not change much between azimuthally adjacent electrodes.

Abstract: A wall engaging pad for well logging comprises a face portion of electrically conductive material within which are disposed three or more current electrodes. The survey current emitted from the current electrodes is differently focussed. A suitable current return is furnished. A plurality of individual measurements having respective graduated depths of investigation are obtained and suitably processed to yield resistivity measurements. The body of the sonde carrying the pad may be used to enhance the focussing of the survey current.

Abstract: A resistivity device for downhole use with a nonconducting mud injects a current at a frequency sufficiently high to pass capacitively through the mud and a mud cake into the formation. The frequency is further selected so that the impedance due to the dielectric constant of the formation is small compared to the formation resistivity. Dual frequency measurements may be used to further minimize the effects of the mud and mud cake resistivity. When multiple frequency measurements are used, frequency focusing may be used to get an estimate of formation resistivity that is independent of near borehole effects.