A Prototype Radar Fracture Mapping System

Abstract

The design and fabrication of a prototype radar system for fracture detection have been completed. This system uses directional antennas for both the transmitter and the receiver in a single tool which provides both the distance and the direction of a fracture in a downhole application. Electronic circuits in the system generate 50 KW peak power impulse with -100 dbm minimum detectable sensitivity. Unique downhole sampling and up hole data reconstruction techniques are used to obtain high frequency data using standard logging cable. In a recent test conducted in a like, radar returns form a target were clearly observed. Problems encountered in the prototype and the future test plans are discussed.