Undocumented Orphan Well Characterization

Overview

• Lack of historic well records for undocumented orphaned wells, e.g., borehole design, geometry, depth, material use, previous logging data.
• Lack of economic, non-intrusive, fast wellbore integrity screening tools with high throughputs.

Objective

LBNL is developing a new technology for fast borehole condition screening using guided electromagnetic waves called electromagnetic time domain reflectometry (EM-TDR). It is aimed to be a non-invasive method for rapid screening of wells for condition assessment at low cost and high throughput.

1.  Short term impact

• • Reduce the needs for expensive downhole logging tool deployment for wellbore condition assessment.

2. Long term impact

• • Filling a critical technology gap for fast well condition screening to aid PA efforts.

Accomplishments

• Developed a prototype EM-TDR equipment.
• Developing the numerical capability for signal processing and anomaly identification
• Conducted first field trial of the prototype in Oklahoma for wells up to >3000 ft deep.

Research Products

TBD