The limited resolution of conventional seismic surveys oftenrnresults in challenges to successful reservoir development.rnReservoir structure and thickness may not be determined fromrnthe seismic to the level of detail necessary, affecting thernplacement of the horizontal well. We describe a new sonicrnimaging technique that resolves these features. In addition thernposition of the well in relation to the reservoir perimeter canrnbe determined with great accuracyrnSingle-well sonic imaging places the acoustic transmitterrnand receivers in the same well, analogous to recording arnmicro-scale seismic reflection survey downhole. Usingrnmodified sonic logging technology, sound is broadcast into thernformation and reflections are converted into a two- or threedimensionalrnspatial image of the zone around the borehole.rnAcoustic reflectors such as the top of the reservoir, calciternstringers, or fractures are mapped at distances of 10-15 metersrnfrom the well with resolution on the order of one-half meter.rnWe show several examples of surveys conducted in horizontalrnwells to illustrate applications of the technique.
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