Downhole Corrosion Survey Tools

Engineering Encyclopedia
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards
Downhole Corrosion Survey Tools
Note: The source of the technical material in this volume is the Professional
Engineering Development Program (PEDP) of Engineering Services.
Warning: The material contained in this document was developed for Saudi
Aramco and is intended for the exclusive use of Saudi Aramcos
employees. Any material contained in this document which is not
already in the public domain may not be copied, reproduced, sold, given,
or disclosed to third parties, or otherwise used in whole, or in part,
without the written permission of the Vice President, Engineering
Services, Saudi Aramco.
Chapter : Inspection
File Reference: COE10306
For additional information on this subject, contact

W.P. Lamp on 875-2742
Inspection
CONTENTS
PAGES
TYPES OF DOWNHOLE CORROSION SURVEY TOOLS ................................ 1

Mechanical Downhole Corrosion Survey Tools.......................................... 1
Mechanical Calipers......................................................................... 1
Electromagnetic Downhole Corrosion Survey Tools ................................ 10
AC Electromagnetic Tools ........................................................................ 11
DC Electromagnetic Tools ........................................................................ 18
Casing Potential Profile Tools................................................................... 22
Ultrasonic Downhole Corrosion Survey Tools.......................................... 25
Description/Operation of Ultrasonic Tools................................................ 25
Application of Ultrasonic Tools ................................................................ 30
Advantages and Limitations of Ultrasonic Tools ...................................... 30
GLOSSARY ......................................................................................................... 31
Inspection
TYPES OF DOWNHOLE CORROSION SURVEY TOOLS

Mechanical Downhole Corrosion Survey Tools
Mechanical downhole corrosion survey tools are wireline logging instruments that are used to
evaluate downhole casings and tubing. Mechanical calipers are the most common type of tool
in this category.
Mechanical Calipers
Description/Operation of Mechanical Calipers. Mechanical calipers are one of the oldest
and simplest inspection tools. Although they are expensive to use, the cost of inspection is
justifiable when compared to the high cost of tubing and casing failures.
A typical caliper consists of peripheral feelers (72 maximum) that press against the inner
surface of tubing or casing. The small tips of the feelers follow the contour of internal pits or
surface deviations. The number of feelers on the caliper determines the percentage of the wall
surface inspected. This action is illustrated in Figure 1.
Inspection
As the feelers extend into a pit, a stylus records the diameter and/or pit depth at the location
of the feelers. Depending upon the tubing size, tubing calipers typically have between 15 and
44 feelers while casing calipers have 40 to 72 feelers.
Response from the feelers is sent electrically to a strip chart or mechanically scribed on a
cylinder. Calipers with an electrical response must be run on electric wireline, while the
mechanical scribing calipers can be run on a slick line (nonconductor equipment).
Inspection
Calipers with a wire connection to the surface send their electrical responses to plotters for
recording. Mechanical scribing calipers record inside the tool itself. Mechanical recordings
typically require photographic enlargement or special equipment before the results can be
analyzed.
The feeler monitoring method determines how many feelers will be recorded. The three basic
methods of recording the movement of these feelers are
Single-stylus monitoring
These calipers continuously record only the one feeler with the maximum distance from
the center line of the tool.
Minimum-maximum monitoring
The minimum-maximum monitoring method continuously records the movement of the
two feelers that are positioned the farthest from and the nearest to the center line of the
tool.
Complete monitoring
The complete monitoring method continuously and simultaneously records all the
feelers. The data recording consists of as many lines as there are feelers on the caliper
and provides a complete circumferential inspection.
The most modern mechanical calipers are easier to manipulate than earlier versions.
Improvements have also been made in the fingers or feelers which are equally spaced around
the tool mandrel. There are 80 or more fingers on modern calipers and their sensitivity has
been increased.
Tubing caliper surveys are commonly run in gas, condensate, and oil wells where iron count
or wellhead coupon test data indicates severe downhole corrosion. Typical calipers include
the Dialog profile caliper, the Kinley microscopic caliper, the horizontal pipeline caliper, and
the heat exchanger caliper.
The Dialog profile caliper covers the range of 2-inch O.D. tubing to 11 3/4-inch O.D. casing.
It provides a surface electrical recording of the percentage of wall thickness remaining based
on mechanical feeler detection of internal surfaces.
The Kinley microscopic caliper runs on ordinary wireline. It records downhole on a metal
chart only 8 inches long by 1 inch in diameter. The movement of all feelers, typically 15, is
recorded. Models of Kinley microscopic calipers are available to survey sizes from 2-inch
tubing to 13 3/8-inch O.D. casing.
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The Kinley microscopic caliper produces characteristic patterns that can be interpreted with
considerable precision. Ring and line corrosion, isolated pits, and other forms of corrosion
can be distinguished. Caliper runs up to 15,000 feet are possible.
Accuracy of the Kinley microscopic caliper is typically plus or minus 0.01 inch. It is capable
of withstanding temperatures as high as 500 F (260 C) with no limit on pressure.
To obtain the best survey, calipers should be pulled up a well slowly at about 60-feet per
minute. Faster speeds will usually produce an inaccurate, blurred survey and may also
damage the feelers.
Application of Mechanical Calipers. Mechanical calipers use spring-loaded fingers to
measure the internal diameter of downhole casing and tubing. The measurements they record
are used in the following applications:
Detect and measure quantitatively the depth of individual pits, holes, and other corrosion
damage
Detect and measure quantitatively the corrosion activity by means of periodic survey to
determine the effectiveness of internal corrosion control programs
Produce a cross-sectional view of the inner diameter to determine the extent of damage
caused by buckling, mashes, and collapse
Schedule workovers on wells with advanced stages of corrosion
To obtain the greatest benefit from the data gathered by calipers, an initial inspection of the
area should be made and the data used to compile a background profile. Data from
subsequent surveys, performed at appropriate intervals, can then be compared to the profile.
In this manner, new problems can be detected, existing problems can be monitored, and
corrosion rates can be assessed.
Inspection
Figure 2 shows survey data recorded during an initial inspection by a Kinley caliper of a
section of bare oil well tubing. No damage is apparent in this initial data.
FIGURE 2 . Well Tubing With No Damage

Figure 3 illustrates evidence of massive corrosion during a subsequent run of the same section
of tubing.
FIGURE 3. Well Tubing With Massive Corrosion
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Figure 4 contains addition examples of corrosion damage recorded by mechanical caliper.
FIGURE 4. Typical Caliper Tracks with Interpretation
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Figure 5 shows a typical Dialog tubing profile caliper log. While most calipers are used for
downhole evaluation, some calipers have been used in horizontal pipelines and heat
exchanger tubes. Horizontal pipeline calipers are generally designed for pipe sizes ranging
from 3-inch to 6-inch inner diameter with the capability to traverse a 5-foot radius bend. Heat
exchanger calipers are designed to be pulled through 3/4-, 1-, and 1 1/4-inch outer diameter
tubes.
FIGURE 5. Dialog Tubing Profile Caliper Log (Typical)

Advantages of Mechanical Calipers. Mechanical simplicity and ease of use are the two main
advantages of mechanical calipers. Ease of use also applies to the caliper logs which are easy
to read and interpret.
Mechanical calipers also have the advantage of being able to operate at maximum
temperatures of 500 F (260 C) with no limit on pressure. They can also operate in the
absence or presence of borehole fluids.
Limitations of Mechanical Calipers. A primary limitation of mechanical calipers is the
concern about damage caused by the fingers. Caliper fingers can score tubing walls or cause
damage to protective scale or internal coating.
Inspection
Inspection
Figure 6 shows survey data recorded during an initial inspection by a Kinley caliper of a
section of oil well tubing. Minimal damage is apparent in this initial data.
FIGURE 6 . Initial Run of Bare Well Tubing

Figure 7 shows the same section of bare tubing after being subjected to 50 survey trips by a
wireline Kinley caliper with a 100,000-foot wireline drag.
FIGURE 7 . Wireline Damage
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Another limitation of mechanical calipers is the inability to distinguish between corrosion

damage and normal mechanical wear. For example, many calipers cannot distinguish
wireline wear or drill pipe wear from general pitting or erosion.
The effectiveness of mechanical calipers is also limited if a scale problem exists in the well.
When possible, a well with known scale problems should be acidized before running a caliper
inspection because scale and other corrosion products can mask pits.
Accuracy is an additional limitation of this type of inspection device.
conditions limit the accuracy of mechanical caliper survey data:
The following
Regardless of the number of feelers a caliper may have, the possibility exists that a pit
may pass between the feelers and not be detected.
If the caliper is not centralized or if, by breakage or wear, one finger is shorter than the
rest.
The mechanical caliper is unable to accurately measure the depth of pits or holes that
exceeds the penetration capabilities of its fingers.
Electromagnetic Downhole Corrosion Survey Tools

Electromagnetic tools are nondestructive, non-contact devices which are used to detect areas
of general or localized corrosion. They can operate in gas, water, oil, air, brine or any
combination of these elements.
These devices provide three basic measurements of inspected casings: internal diameter
readings, magnetic properties, and low frequency phase shifts. A combination of this data
provides information on the external and internal conditions of the casing.
Log data such as a significant loss in casing weight or a general thinning of casing walls
indicates the presence of corrosion damage in the form of holes, vertical cracks, or pitting.
There are three general classifications of electromagnetic devices:
Alternating Current (AC) tools

Direct Current (DC) tools
Casing Potential Profile (CPP) tools
10
Inspection
AC Electromagnetic Tools
AC electromagnetic tools are nondestructive, non-contact devices that use the eddy current
method to detect areas of general corrosion.
Description/Operation of AC Tools. A description and operation of the major AC tools
follows.
Electromagnetic Thickness Tools (ETT)

An electromagnetic casing corrosion detector, also known as an electromagnetic
thickness tool (ETT), is an example of a standard AC tool.
As shown in Figure 8, standard AC tools are equipped with two electromagnetic coils.
One coil is the transmitter coil and the other is a receiver. Centralizers, located on either
end of the tool, keep it centered inside the tubing.
FIGURE 8. The Electromagnetic Thickness Tool (ETT)
11
Inspection
A magnetic flux is generated by imposing an alternating current upon the transmitter coil.
This flux generates eddy currents which create a field, as shown in Figure 9.
FIGURE 9. Operational Theory of the ETT
12
Inspection
Figure 10 illustrates the path of the alternating current. The current travels from the
transmitter coil, through the tool, into the casing, and back to the receiver coil.
FIGURE 10. Path of the ETT Alternating Current
13
Inspection
As the flux penetrates the metal, it is attenuated or weakened and shifted in phase. The
thicker the metal, the greater the attenuation and phase shift. Any internal or external loss of
metal from the casing that is within the sensitivity range of the tool will be recorded as a
phase shift in the eddy currents. A significant loss of metal, indicated by a noticeable
deviation from the normal casing weight, can be a sign of heavy general corrosion.
In addition to wall thickness, the following casing attributes can also affect the tool response
recorded on a standard AC log:
Weight
Size
Grade
Permeability
Conductivity
The log in Figure 11 illustrates the effect the first three factors can have on log data. The data
on this log was recorded during a standard AC tool run in a test well in which joints of
different grades were used. An accurate interpretation of this data would require accessing
the well files and making corrections based on the casing I.D., O.D., and grade information
available for this well.
FIGURE 11. Sample ETT Log
14
Inspection
As the equation for standard AC electromagnetic thickness tools (ETT) demonstrates,

permeability and conductivity should also be considered when interpreting log data.
Phase (absolute) = = 2T
Where:
( / 103)
T is electromagnetic thickness (inches)

is the operating frequency (radians per seconds)
is casing conductivity (Henries per meter)
is casing magnetic permeability (Seimens)
In this equation, the magnetic permeability () and conductivity () of the casing are
variables of the thickness measurement. The potential influence of these two variables needs
to be considered when ETT logs are interpreted, because a physical change in wall thickness
may not necessarily be the cause of a recorded tool response.
Electronic Casing Calipers
The electronic casing caliper is another type of AC electromagnetic tool. This AC

tool measures changes in the internal conditions of the casing. Its sensing coils use a much
higher frequency than that used to determine changes in the weight of the casing.
In addition, electronic calipers, unlike mechanical ones, are noncontact devices
which make internal measurements using an electromagnetic tool rather than feelers that
contact the metal surfaces. They are precalibrated with known thicknesses for thick and thin
wall casings to ensure accuracy on each run.
The electronic caliper measures diameter over a length of 1 to 2 inches and
transmits data on the average diameter to the surface through a conductor wire. This data is
especially useful in detecting internal vertical cracks or pits and holes of at least 1 inch in
diameter.
Multifrequency Electromagnetic Thickness Tool (METT)
1Lewis,
Richard G., A New Generation of Electromagnetic and Ultrasonic Techniques for Subsurface
Evaluation of Oil Field Tubulars, Paper 369 delivered at Corrosion 88, March 1988
15
Inspection
The Multifrequency Electromagnetic Thickness Tool (METT) shown in Figure 12 is an

example of a relatively new AC tool.
FIGURE 12. Multifrequency Electromagnetic Thickness Tool (METT)

The METT was designed to overcome the limitations of the standard AC tool. It offers the
following improvements:
An allowance for time-related changes in magnetic properties
An accurate caliper to differentiate between internal and external damage
The ability to measure more than one concentric casing
16
Inspection
Application of AC Tools. In the area of corrosion inspection, AC electromagnetic tools are

typically used to detect the presence of significant general corrosion as evidenced by
generalized thinning or holes and pits over one inch in diameter. For best results, an initial
run should be made on new equipment. This background log can serve as a reference for
subsequent inspections.
The following is a list of the specific AC tools and their most common applications:
Electromagnetic Thickness Tools (ETT)
Best suited for the detection of large scale corrosion such as generalized thinning,
holes larger than 2 inches, and vertical splits.
Used to measure casing wall thickness and provide a log of corroded areas, leaks
and holes
Used to detect casing flaws in the outer casing of multiple strings (only tool
available for this purpose). Also used to detect the bottom of the outside casing
strings and to locate collars of the outside second string.
Electronic calipers
Used to measure the inside diameter of casing
Used to detect signs of generalized corrosion
Multifrequency Electromagnetic Thickness Tool (METT)
Used to detect and differentiate between external and internal casing defects
Used to measure more than one concentric casing
Advantages and Limitations of AC Tools. Advantages of AC electromagnetic tools include

the following:
Can operate in the absence of fluids

Can operate in any type of fluid or combination of fluids
Can operate in H2S environment (only applies to some tools)
Not affected by scale deposits, cement, or paraffin build-up
Can detect flaws in the outer casing of multiple strings
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Inspection
Limitations of AC tools include the following:
Log data of standard AC tools does not differentiate between internal or external
corrosion damage
Holes smaller than an inch in diameter cannot be detected by standard AC tools

Factors such as magnetic permeability and conductivity variations and mill tolerances
can produce data that is difficult to interpret
Certain limitations can be minimized or eliminated by using a combination of inspection

tools. For example, as was discussed earlier, the first limitation can be eliminated if an AC
corrosion detector is used in combination with a caliper.
DC Electromagnetic Tools
Direct Current (DC) electromagnetic tools are nondestructive contact devices that use
electromagnetic flux to provide high resolution detection and measurement of both internal
and external localized corrosion. The Pipe Analysis Log (PAL) is an example of a standard
DC tool.
Description/Operation of DC Tools. Standard DC tools consist of one or more rows of
sensors which are placed to pass in close proximity to the inside surface of casings. The
sensors which are located in the housings, or shoes, record defects in an induced magnetic
field generated by the tool.
18
Inspection
Typical DC tools, such as the one shown in Figure 13, have two rows of shoes, placed in such
a way that a complete 360-degree survey of the casing can be made.
19
Inspection
The tool induces an electromagnetic field within and surrounding the casing wall, creating a
magnetic flux as shown in Figure 14.
FIGURE 14. Magnetic Flux Produced by DC Electromagnetic Tool
20
Inspection
Pits, holes, and other defects in the surface of the casing will disturb the field and cause a flux
leakage or field irregularity. The detection of a disturbance in the field causes a change in the
signals produced by the sensors in the shoes. A disturbance can be caused by a single pit or a
group of related pits located either on the inside or the outside wall of the casing.
The following factors can produce differences in the signals produced by the sensors:
Strength of the induced DC magnetic field

Depth and shape of the defect
Location of the defect (internal or external)
Thickness of the casing wall
Size, grade, or magnetic properties of the casing
Speed at which the sensors pass the defect
Location of casing in multiple strings
Sensors transmit two basic informational signals. One signal, a low frequency flux, indicates
the presence and severity (with respect to wall thickness) of a casing defect. The other signal,
a high frequency eddy current, indicates whether the defect is internal or external. By
comparing data from the two signals it is possible to not only locate corrosion damage, but
also to determine whether it is on the internal or external surface of the casing.
Standard DC tools are run up or down in the casing while a section is saturated with a
continuous magnetic field. The maximum signal for both the eddy current and the flux is
recorded as corrosion damage and defects are found at each depth reference. The vertical
length and the magnitude of the response provide information on the scope and severity of the
detected damage.
Standard DC tools use the amplitude of the sensor signal to estimate pit depth. Casing wall
thickness affects the amplitude of this signal but the sensors do not measure it. Instead, the
amplitude response is calibrated to indicate pit penetration as a percentage of total wall
thickness.
Recent developments in digital circuitry and data processing have led to improvements in the
DC tools ability to evaluate the vertical extent and severity of localized corrosion. The most
modern DC tools digitize the data from all the available sensors and transmit all the data to
the surface. This additional data (six times as much as previous models) provides for a more
enhanced interpretation of the extent of localized corrosion and the depth and size of pits, thus
allowing more accuracy in differentiating between hardware design features and corrosion
damage.
21
Inspection
Application of DC Tools. DC electromagnetic tools are commonly used in the following

applications:
Evaluate internal and external casing conditions

Detect and evaluate the severity of internal and external corrosion and defects
Determine the effectiveness of cathodic protection and corrosion inhibitors
Determine the cause of mechanical failure
Survey the inside string in multiple casing strings
Advantages and Limitations of DC Tools. The advantages of using DC tools include the
following:
Differentiation between internal and external damage

High resolution detection
Using the pipe analysis log (PAL), the smallest hole seen by the eddy current is 12 mm (0.5
in) with a depth of investigation of 2 mm with flux leakage beginning to react at 6 mm
(0.25 in).
The limitations of DC tools include the following:
Magnetic particles, metal chips, and scale or paraffin build-up must be removed before
inspections.
Rods and tubing must be removed from the well before inspections.
Constant logging velocity must be maintained for accurate results.
Surveys of large casing have less accurate results.

Accuracy of pit measurements, in ideal conditions where casing information is known, is
approximately 15% of the pit depth.
Casing Potential Profile Tools

Casing potential profile (CPP) tools such as the Corrosion Protection Evaluation Tool
(CPET) use voltage readings to evaluate corrosion cell activity and cathodic protection.
22
Inspection
Description/Operation of CPP Tools. Casing Potential Profile (CPP) tools play an important
part in monitoring corrosion in casings. Figure 15 shows a typical CPP tool.
FIGURE 15. A Typical Casing Potential Profile Tool

This tool is used to measure the current flow in the casing by taking voltage readings at
various depths in the casing.
The tool consists of two sets of spring-loaded, insulated contactor knives, which are spaced
approximately two feet apart. A cable connects the knives to a microvoltmeter at the surface.
The CPP tool is placed at a specified depth in the casing and the knives are set to make
contact with the casing wall. A reading is then taken of the voltage between the knives.
The voltage reading represents the amount of IR drop at that position in the casing. The
amount of IR drop is proportional to the amount of current flowing at that depth. The
direction of the current flow is indicated by the polarity of the voltage.
23
Inspection
By taking a series of readings at various intervals, a curve or log is made. Interpretation of

log data can provide information that can be used to monitor corrosion activity and cathodic
protection.
The Corrosion Protection Evaluation Tool (CPET) is an example of a new design in casing
potential profile tools. Improvements offered by this new tool include the ability to directly
measure casing resistance and a reduction in the overall cost of preparing wells for a CPP
survey.
As shown in Figure 16, the CPET has four sets of electrodes that can be opened or closed
from the surface. Each set consists of three electrodes and provides separate measure point.
The use of these multiple electrodes makes contact with the casing more reliable and
enhances the vertical resolution of the measurements taken by the new version.
FIGURE 16. Operational Theory of the CPP Tools

24
Inspection
Application of CPP Tools. CPP tools are used to perform a casing potential or profile survey
that measures the amount of current flowing in the casing. This measurement is made by
determining the potential (IR) drop of the current over a specified length of casing. A
microvolt and resistance measurement are used to calculate the amount and direction of
current flow using Ohms law.
Log data recorded by CPP tools is used to monitor corrosion and cathodic protection in
casings by providing information on the location of anodic and cathodic zones.
Advantages and Limitations of CPP Tools. Advantages of CPP tools include the following:
Tools with multiple electrodes can operate in any type of wellbore fluid.
Contact resistance and casing resistance are measured directly.
Limitations of CPP tools include the following:
The presence of scale on the casing wall affects the tools sensitivity. Scraping or acid
washing which might be required for dirty or contaminated well casings can add to the
survey cost.
Variations in contact resistance can produce a log that is difficult to interpret.
Ultrasonic Downhole Corrosion Survey Tools

Ultrasonic downhole corrosion survey tools are nondestructive devices that use ultrasonic
resonance to measure casing ID, geometry, and thickness. Examples of ultrasonic tools
include the Borehole Televiewer (BHTV), the Acoustic Casing Evaluation tool (ACE) and
the Cement Evaluation Tool (CET).
Description/Operation of Ultrasonic Tools
Standard ultrasonic tools consist of at least one rotating ultrasonic transducer or eight fixed
transducers that are positioned perpendicular to the casing. As the tool traverses the inside
of the casing, the transducer transmits and receives a resonance in the pulse-echo mode. In
the pulse mode, the transducer directs a short pulse of acoustic energy at the casing wall. In
the echo mode, the same transducer receives the pulse after it bounces off the wall and returns
to the source.
Single transducer models have the transducer mounted on a rotating axis which allows it a full
360-degree scope of the casing wall. The eight-transducer model has its transducers mounted
on a fixed axis, 45 degrees apart. Both tools operate at extremely high frequencies and have a
high degree of resolution.
25
Inspection
Ultrasonic tools provide measurements of the transit time (the interval between pulse
transmission and reception), surface roughness, and casing wall thickness. This information
can be used to locate and evaluate casing wear and corrosion.
Borehole Televiewer (BHTV). The Borehole Televiewer (BHTV) is an example of a standard
ultrasonic tool with one rotating transducer mounted on and perpendicular to the tool axis.
The transducer rotates at high speeds and pulses hundreds of times per rotation to provide up
to 100% coverage.
This tool provides two basic measurements:
Transit or travel time the interval of time between pulse transmission and reception
Peak value the amplitude of the first part of the pulse
Available BHTV tools vary in rotational speed and pulses per rotation. Other variables
include transducer focusing and fluid velocity measurement capabilities.
The BHTV is primarily used to evaluate short sections of deformed casing that were shown
from the primary corrosion measurements to be corroded or damaged.
26
Inspection
Acoustic Casing Evaluation (ACE). The Acoustic Casing Evaluation tool (ACE) measures
casing geometry developed from data recorded by a Cement Evaluation Tool (CET).
The ACE uses the traditional eight-transducer ultrasonic method (as shown in Figure 17) to
evaluate cement and to detect metal loss, casing deformities, and internal surface roughness.
FIGURE 17. Acoustic Casing Evaluation (ACE)

The ACE is commonly used to detect generalized corrosion, holes greater than one inch in
diameter, internal scaling, and casing deformation or damage from packer drillout. It can be
used in combination with the ETT to evaluate casing thickness of multiple strings.
27
Inspection
Cement Evaluation Tool (CET). The Cement Evaluation Tool (CET) provides cement and
corrosion evaluation in a single run. This tool can detect changes in casing weight,
distortions, perforation damage, corroded zones, acid attack, and much more.
The CET operates on the same basic principle of ultrasonic resonance as standard ultrasonic
tools. It has eight high frequency ultrasonic transducers that act as transmitters and receivers.
A ninth transducer is used as a reference to measure the properties of mud.
The following measures are made for each pulse received by the eight transducers:
Transit time the interval of time between pulse transmission and reception. This
measurement is used to compute the output from the tools caliper.
Peak value the amplitude of the first part of the pulse. This measurement provides
information about the sensitivity of the transducer, the thickness of the fluid inside the
casing, and the roughness of the internal casing surfaces.
Resonance amplitude the amplitude of the resonance that follows the peak value.
This measurement supplies information about the acoustic properties of the materials
behind the casing. These materials can include cement, mud, or gas.
Resonance frequencies the frequencies of the resonance modes in the casing wall.
This measurement provides information on casing thickness. Previous CET tools have
not been able to provide this measurement.
Other measurements the deviation of the well and the relative bearing of the sonde in
the casing. These measurements make it possible to identify and locate defects caused
by well deviations.
The reference transducer (the ninth) evaluates the rugosity inside the casing by measuring the
speed of sound in the mud. This measurement can later be removed from the peak values.
CET caliper measurements have a resolution better than 0.1 mm and can display the following
information about casing geometry:
Mean casing internal diameter

Four casing diameters, at 45-degree angles
Eight internal radii
Minimum, maximum, and average radii
Casing ovality
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Inspection
Figure 18 is an example CET log. All the data shown in this example was recorded
simultaneously, during a single run of the tool.
FIGURE 18. Sample CET Caliper Log

This data was recorded in a 15-year old well, cased with a 7-inch, nominally 20-pound/foot
pipe.
In the process of interpreting CET measurements, it is important to remember that the
condition of the casing can affect the validity of certain measurements. For example, the
accuracy of cement property evaluations can be adversely affected if cement deposits or scale
are present inside the casing. In fact, as a general rule, accurate external measurements are
more difficult to obtain than accurate internal measurements.
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Inspection
Application of Ultrasonic Tools

Ultrasonic tools are commonly used in the following applications:
Determining drilling or other mechanical wear

Evaluating the scope of casing deformities and distortions
Locating scale or surface roughness caused by corrosion or abrasion
Detecting localized corrosion, splits, and holes
Determining casing I.D. and thickness
Evaluating cement bond quality (eight-transducer model)
Differentiating between I.D. and O.D. damage (eight-transducer model)
Monitoring the effectiveness of corrosion prevention systems
Advantages and Limitations of Ultrasonic Tools

The advantages of using ultrasonic tools include the following:
Accuracy of measurement (to 0.05 in)
The limitations of using ultrasonic tools include the following:
The borehole must be filled with fluid.
Suspended solids or oil-based muds may weaken the signal to non-detectable levels.
Rods and tubing must be removed before using eight-transducer models. Rods must be
removed for single transducer models.
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Inspection
GLOSSARY
AC tool
Electromagnetic tool that uses an alternating current
ACE
Acoustic Casing Evaluation
BHTV
Borehole Televiewer
CET
Cement Evaluation Tool
CPET
Corrosion Protection Evaluation Tool
CPP tool
Casing Potential Profile tool
casing I.D.
Casing inside diameter
casing O.D.
Casing outside diameter
contactor knives
The contact sensors on casing potential profile tools that carry

voltage from the microvoltmeter
DC tool
Electromagnetic tool that uses a direct current
ETT
Electromagnetic Thickness Tools
Electromagnetic tool
Nondestructive, non-contact device that is used to detect areas of

general and localized corrosion
flux leakage
An electromagnetic field irregularity caused by pits or holes in

the casing surface
magnetic permeability
A materials susceptibility to penetration by magnetic flux
METT
Multifrequency Electromagnetic Thickness Tool
MFC
Multi Finger Caliper
PAL
Pipe Analysis Log
peak value
The amplitude of the first part of a pulse transmitted by an

ultrasonic tool
31
Inspection
precalibrated
Equipped with preset measurement markers or indicators
resonance amplitude
The amplitude of the resonance that follows the peak value
resonance frequencies
The frequencies of the resonance modes in the casing wall
rugosity
The consistency of the fluid inside casings
shoes
Sensor pads on DC electromagnetic tools
stylus
A hard pointed, pen-shaped instrument used for marking on

paper or metal
The sensors on an ultrasonic tool that transmit and receive
resonance waveforms
transducers
transit time
The interval of time between pulse transmission and reception
wireline
A cable made of strands of steel wire which is used to lower and

raise devices and gauges in wellbores; used for logging
instruments and bottomhole pressure gauges
32

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