5

Mud Weight Window (lbm/gal)

25

sonicVISION

Real-time LWD sonic for

advanced drilling optimization
and formation evaluation

sonicVISION
REAL-TIME APPLICATIONS
Pore-pressure trends
Borehole stability assessment
Bit-on-seismic positioning

Providing full slowness

time projections to surface

Rock strength and other

mechanical information
Formation gas and gas influx

detection
Drilling optimization
Porosity determination
Top-of-cement identification

Robust, real-time velocity

measurements in hole
sizes up to 30 in make
it possible to drill
with confidence

aking advantage of the TeleScope* high-speed telemetrywhile-drilling service, the sonicVISION* sonic-while-drilling
tool delivers full slowness time (ST) projections to surface. This
technology offers you real-time compressional (DTc) and shear
(DTs) measurements with a full slowness projection log delivered
while drilling at the rig site or to remote offices through an interface with
the InterACT* connectivity, collaboration, and information system.
The sonicVISION tool improves real-time measurements with

a real-time projection log

real-time surface labeling capability

pumps-off station measurements

wideband receivers

wideband freqency and high-power transmitter

additional downlinks for full parameterization of downhole acquisition

parameters while drilling.

Robust, real-time sonicVISION velocity measurements enable safe,

efficient drilling in hole sizes up to 30 in with 634-, 814-, and 9-in collars.
The sonicVISION sonic-while-drilling tool sets high performance
standards, with hardware and software advances that enhance realtime log quality and add functionality to give operators confidence
while making critical well decisions. Building on more than a decade

Delivering robust, real-time interval transit time data

for compressional, shear, and Stoneley waves
2. Optimized attenuation section

3. Wideband acoustic signals are

improves signal-to-noise ratio.

Acquisition parameters are set at the surface before the sonicVISION

tool is run in the hole. Downhole parameters can be modified while drilling
by limiting interaction. QC data, transmitted to the surface independently
of the downhole parameters, can be used to relabel the sonic data and
guarantee its reliability.
Additional QC is performed using automatic station measurements made
during connections. In this noise-free environment, the tool is able to
take a station measurement that is then sent uphole when pumping
is resumed for further QC of real-time data.
The sonicVISION tools wideband frequency measurements reduce aliasing
and eccentralization effects, improve formation signal strength, and allow
measurement of shear waves in fast formations. Large amounts of wideband
power from the transmitter effectively couple more energy into various
formation types, ultimately improving the signal-to-noise ratio and, therefore,
measurement quality and hole-size range.

1
500

500

1,000

1,000

1,500

1,500

Depth, m

MEASUREMENT QUALITY

acquired by four azimuthal receivers.

2,000

2,000

2,500

2,500

3,000

3,000

1,500

2,000

2,500

3,000

Vp, m/s

10

15

20

Sonic

1,500

Pore-pressure gradient, lbm/galUS

2,000
2,500
Vp, m/s

3,000

10
15
20
Pore-pressure gradient, lbm/galUS

500

500
Mud weights

1,000
1,500
2,000
2,500

Sonic

1,500
2,000
2,500

3,000

1,500

Mud weights

1,000

Depth, m

of Schlumberger experience with sonic LWD technology, the sonicVISION

tool delivers robust, real-time interval transit time data for compressional
waves and shear waves in fast formations, and Stoneley, if required.

Depth, m

transmitter generate a reliable acoustic

response from both soft and hard formations.

Depth, m

1. Wideband frequency and high-power

Porepressure
data

Sonic

3,000

2,000

2,500

Vp, m/s

3,000

10

15

20

Pore-pressure gradient, lbm/galUS

1,500

2,000

2,500

Vp, m/s

3,000

10

15

20

Pore-pressure gradient, lbm/galUS

Pore-pressure monitoring workflow uses sonicVISION compressional-velocity

(Vp) data to reduce uncertainties and update the pore-pressure trend.

Density

Sonic
slowness

Acoustic
impedance

Reflectivity

Wavelet

Synthetic
seismogram

Synthetic seismogram workflow uses sonicVISION slowness for bit-on-seismic positioning.

RELIABILITY AND FUNCTIONALITY

LARGE-HOLE RESPONSE

Extended battery life, large memory capacity, and fast dump speed
significantly enhance the sonicVISION tools reliability and functionality.
Standard memory life is 12 days at 180 ft/h (10-s acquisition). In addition,
standardized planning software allows the engineer to easily optimize
the tool configuration for the well being drilled.

The sonicVISION tool is available in 634-, 814-, and 9-in collar sizes. It
has been run successfully in hole sizes up to 30 in, using model-based
processing when compressional wave is slow (leaky-P).

Measurements acquired by the sonicVISION tool can significantly reduce

risks and costs by providing critical formation data in uncertain drilling
environments. This reliable real-time sonic data is used in managing
many drilling concerns, including

optimization of mud weight selection

pore-pressure monitoring independent of formation temperature

and salinity effect

borehole stability prediction

top-of-cement identification

understanding of rock mechanical properties

sourceless porosity measurement

bit positioning on seismic using synthetics

gas influxes or formation gas identification.

DRILLING SAFETY AND EFFICIENCY

The accuracy and extended QC of sonicVISION measurements make

synthetic seismograms even more robust for improved identification
of bit position on the seismic map. The use of time-depth-velocity information
acquired by the seismicVISION* seismic-while-drilling service to calibrate
the raw sonic velocities offers a unique solution for optimal conciliation
between surface seismic and borehole seismic information while drilling.
Combining sonicVISION measurements with shear measurements provides
quantitative information for AVO analysis, as well as for fluid-independent
pore-pressure estimation.

Time

DRILLING APPLICATIONS

SONIC FOR SEISMIC CORRELATION

Velocity is one of the best indicators of pore-pressure change because

of its independence from temperature and salinity effects. A slowing
of velocity indicates that a pressure ramp is being entered. Used alone
or coupled with rock mechanical properties, velocity makes a powerful
tool for enhancing drilling safety and efficiency.
Proprietary Schlumberger software turns quality sonicVISION log
information and other LWD measurements into drilling answers.
A typical output is an optimal mud-weight window versus depth.
Real-time compressional and shear data provided by the sonicVISION
tool enables geomechanical calculations that reduce pore-pressure
uncertainties independent of formation temperature and salinity effect
and, thus, improve mud weight selection and allow casing programs
to be optimized for drilling safely and efficiently.

Surface seismic
seismicVISION corridor stack

Wireline synthetic
sonicVISION syntheticcalibrated in real time

Real-time sonicVISION synthetic seismogram allows real-time

bit-on-seismic positioning.

FORMATION EVALUATION
APPLICATIONS

Min.

compressional speed/shear wave

speed (Vp/Vs) ratio determination
in fast formations

porosity measurement without

a radioactive source

complex lithology identification

light-hydrocarbon detection.

Max. ROP Averaged

ROP Averaged
Over LastOver
5 ft Last 5 ft

0
ft/h 500
500
ft/h
0
10
Slowness Time Projection,
Receiver Array
Array Resistivity
Compensated
Array Resistivity
Compensated
Gamma
Ray (Uncorrected)
(Uncorrected)
40
us/ft
240 Gamma Ray

The many formation evaluation

applications for sonicVISION data
include

Amplitude

Delta-T Compressional
from Receiver Array
40
X,500

us/ft

240
0

gAPI

gAPI 150

150

Delta-T Compressional Delta-T Compressional,

Delta-T Compressional,
Delta-T Compressional
(Computed
Real-Time
Real-Time
(Computed
Uphole), Uphole),
Real-Time
Real-Time
40

Compressional
Coherence
Compressional
Coherence
(Computed
Real-Time
(Computed
Uphole), Uphole),
Real-Time
0

us/ft

us/ft 240 40 240 40

us/ft

us/ft 240

Delta-T Compressional,
Delta-T Compressional,
Real-Time
Real-Time
1

40

40

40

us/ft

us/ft 240

Projection
240
SlownessSlowness
Projection

Robust surface-labeled shear

measurements can be used
quantitatively for assessing rock
mechanics, for sanding analysis in
production and fracture design,
and for gas detection.
In geological and geophysical
applications, the sonicVISION tool
provides information about the
amount of connected porosity
without using radioactive sources.
This is particularly advantageous
in carbonate reservoirs because
the sonicVISION tool responds
only to interconnected porosity
not to vuggy porosity. Used
alone or with other LWD porosity
measurements, such as those made
by the adnVISION* azimuthal density
neutron tool or the proVISION*
real-time reservoir steering
service, the sonicVISION porosity
measurement can greatly increase
reservoir understanding.
Using sonicVISION measurements
to update the predrilling velocityto-pressure transform and
measuring the true formation
pressure with the StethoScope*
formation pressure-while-drilling
service reduces pressure-prediction
model uncertainty. This enables an
operator to extend casing depths
and eliminate an entire casing
section, significantly reducing
well costs.

X,550

Real-time projection from the InterACT system provides QC and confidence in sonicVISION data.

Min. Amplitude Max.

0

Slowness Time Projection,

Receiver Array

40

us/ft

240

Delta-T Shear from

Receiver Array
40

us/ft

Shear Minimum and Maximum

Labeling Slowness, Real-Time

240

40

Delta-T
Compressional from
Receiver Array
40

us/ft

240

2,300

40

us/ft

Min.
0

240 40

Amplitude

Max.

Slowness Projection
us/ft

1
240

Compressional Minimum and

Maximum Labeling Slowness,
Real-Time

Delta-T Peak 1 Compressional

(Computed Uphole), Real-Time

us/ft

us/ft

240 40

240

X,600

These sonicVISION
measurements were
made in a 20-in borehole
drilled with oil-base mud.

2,400

Real-time projection, station measurement, and QC log from

sonicVISION tool (right) demonstrate that the quality of real-time
images matches that of sonicVISION memory data (left).

station measurement

240

sonicVISION
SONIC-WHILE-DRILLING SERVICE

Specifications

sonicVISION 675

sonicVISION 825

sonicVISION 900

Nominal OD, in [mm]

6.9 [175.26]

8.4 [213.36]

9.187 [233.35]

Max. tool OD (incl. wear bands), in [mm]

Fishing stub length, in [mm]
Hole size, in [mm]
Length, ft [m]
Tool mass (in air), lbm [kg]
Connection
Makeup torque, ft.lbf [N.m]
Max. rotary torque, ft.lbf [N.m]
Max. torque (pin yield), ft.lbf [N.m]
Max. dogleg severity
Rotating, /ft [/m]
Sliding, /ft [/m]
Max. operating temperature, degF [degC]
Max. operating pressure, psi [MPa]
Max. differential pressure, psi [MPa]
Max. flow rate, galUS/min [L/min]
Max. sand content, %
Max. LCM size, in [mm]
Pressure drop, psi

7.5 [190.5]
55 [1,397] (for new collar)
8 [216] to 105 8 [270]
23.8 [7.254]
2,500 [1,134]
API 512 FH box box
25,000 [33,895]
16,000 [21,693]
42,700 [57,893]

9.13 [231.9]
52 [1,321] (for new collar)
105 8 [270] to 22 [559]
22.6 [6.888]
3,400 [1,542]
API 658 FH box box
41,000 [55,589]
23,000 [31,184]
67,000 [90,840]

10.0 [254.0]
52 [1,321] (for new collar)
12 [311] to 30 [762]
22.6 [6.888]
4,240 [1,923]
API 758 H90 box box
76,000 [103,042]
51,000 [69,147]
120,000 [162,698]

8/100 [8/30]
16/100 [16/30]
302 [150]
25,000 [172.369]
5,000 [34.474]
800 [3,028]
3
0.63 [16]
(mud weight (lbm/galUS)
(flow rate2 (galUS/min)2)

6/100 [6/30]
14/100 [14/30]
302 [150]
25,000 [172.369]
5,000 [34.474]
1,200 [4,542]
3
1 [25.4]
(mud weight (lbm/galUS)
(flow rate2 (galUS/min)2)

4/100 [4/30]
12/100 [12/30]
302 [150]
25,000 [172.369]
5,000 [34.474]
1,400 [5,300]
3
1 [25.4]
(mud weight (lbm/galUS)
(flow rate2 (galUS/min)2)

Equivalent bending stiffness, ft [m]

Bending strength ratio
Average inertia, in4
Max. jarring load, lbm [kg]
Max. tensile load, lbm [kg]
Max. WOB, lbm [kg]

256,000
35 (6.50-in OD and 2.81-in ID)
2
62
330,000 [149,685]
330,000 [149,685]
57,000,000
L2

Max. WOB (not from buckling), lbf [N]

Max. shock (electronics)
Measure point from tool bottom, ft [m]

100,000 [444,822]
250 g for 100,000 cycles
14 [4.267]

750,000
32 (8.00-in OD and 2.81-in ID)
2.2
140
500,000 [226,796]
500,000 [226,796]
128,000,000
L2
(where L is the distance between stabilizers in ft)
140,000 [622,751]
250 g for 100,000 cycles
13.5 [4.115]

750,000
27 (9.00-in OD and 2.81-in ID)
2.15
270
650,000 [294,835]
650,000 [294,835]
247,000,000
L2
200,000 [889,644]
250 g for 100,000 cycles
13.5 [4.115]

Measurements
Compressional wave transit time
Shear wave transit time (fast formation)
Compressional wave transit time (pumps off)
Accuracy, us/ft [us/0.305 m]
Measurement range
Transmitter-receiver spacing, ft [m]
Acoustic aperture, ft [m]
Max. recording rate
Real time and memory (6-in [152.4-mm]
sampling at 180 ft/h [54.864 m/h]), s
Memory only (6-in [152.4-mm]
sampling at 180 ft/hr [54.864 m/h]), s
Memory capacity
Power supply
Collar attenuator efficiency, dB
Dump time (memory full), min

Real time and memory

Real time and memory
Real time and memory
Real time and memory
Real time and memory
Real time and memory
1
1
All tools 40230 us/ft dependent on mud type
10 [3.048]
10 [3.048]
2 [0.610]
2 [0.610]

Real time and memory

Real time and memory
Real time and memory
1

10

10

10

6 days at 10-s record rate or 12 days at 10-s rate for dual memory tools
Battery and turbine
Battery and turbine
60
60
10
10

American Petroleum Institute (API) specification

Lost circulation material
Weight on bit
Measurement range: water-base mud 40170 us/ft [40170 us/0.305 m]; oil-base mud 40200 us/ft [40200 us/0.305 m]; and synthetic oil-base mud 40230 us/ft [40230 us/ 0.305 m]

10 [3.048]
2 [0.610]

Battery and turbine

60
10

Coherence at
Compressional Peak
(Computed Uphole),
Real-Time

Stick Slip
Indicator,
Real-Time

Array Resistivity
Compensated (ARC)
Attenuation Resistivity,
Environmentally
Corrected,
Real-Time
28-in Spacing at 2 MHz

Axial (X-Axis)
Density Caliper,
RMS
Vertical, Real-Time,
Vibration,
Computed Downhole
Real-Time,
Computed
in
12
Downhole 8
0

ft/s2 200

Density Caliper,
Horizontal, Real-Time,
Computed Downhole

-1

Maximum Labeling Slowness,

Compressional
1

Delta-T Compressional,
Real-Time

40
1

c/min

300 0.2

ohm.m

240

us/ft

us/ft

5,000

240

psi

10,000
Gamma Ray, Average, Real-Time,
Computed Downhole

Downhole Annulus
Temperature,
Real-Time,
Computed Downhole

240

Delta-T Compressional
(Computed Uphole), Real-Time
us/ft

Downhole Annulus
Pressure, Real-Time,
Computed Downhole

240

Delta-T Compressional, Real-Time

40

200 Bulk Density Average,

Real-Time,
Transverse
Computed Downhole
(Lateral)
22-in Spacing at 2 MHz
8
in
12 40
us/ft
140
RMS
Collar
2.95 Vibration,
1.95
g/cm3
40
ohm.m
200
0
gAPI
150 Rotational 0.2
Density Caliper,
Delta-T Compressional
Real-Time,
Speed,
Average, Real-Time,
(Computed Uphole),
Thermal Neutron Porosity, Computed
Real-Time
ROP Averaged Over Last 5 ft
16-in Spacing at 2 MHz
Computed Downhole
Real-Time
Average, Real-Time
Downhole
0
300
in
12 40
us/ft
140
250
ft/h
0 c/min
0.2
ohm.m
200 45
%
-15 0 ft/s2 300 8
0

Gamma Ray, Average, Real-Time,

Computed Downhole

us/ft
Minimum Labeling Slowness,
Compressional

Coherence at
Compressional Peak,
Real-Time
-1

40

100

degF

Equivalent Circulating
Density, Real-Time
Slowness Projection

12

lbm/galUS

14,010

gAPI

150

300

16

Density Image from Sector (Top of Hole),

Computed Downhole

sonicVISION
Higher confidence from unique

real-time QC
14,020

Reduced drilling risk and cost

14,030

More effective mud program

14,040

14,050

14,060

14,070

management
Accurate seismic positioning
Hole sizes from 812 to 30 in
Available with up to 25,000-psi

maximum pressure

14,080
14,750

14,760

14,770

14,780

14,790

14,800

14,810

14,820

14,830

14,840

Wired drillpipe telemetry enhances sonicVISION real-time data quality and provides interactive communication
with the downhole tool using transparent downlinks.

www.slb.com/vision
*Mark of Schlumberger
Other company, product, and service names are the properties of their respective owners.
Copyright 2010 Schlumberger. All rights reserved. 09-DR-0319