Rig Site and Laboratory Use of CWT Acoustic Velocity Measurements on Cuttings

Abstract

Summary A continuous wave technique (CWT) for measurement of acoustic phase velocities on cuttings is presented. The equipment is particularly well suited for testing of small samples like cuttings, and measurements, even on sub-mm-thick shale cuttings, have been performed. This yields potential access to a new source of data on the drilled formation that can also be attained in quasireal time at the rig site. The prototype equipment developed is portable, fast, and easy to use. Tests have been performed both at the rig site and in the laboratory. Potential applications include estimation of mechanical properties of shales, effects of various fluids and drilling muds, estimation of seismic parameters, and estimation of pore pressure.