A novel logging method for detecting highly resistive formations in oil-based mud using high-frequency electrodes

The oil-based mud (OBM) borehole measurement environment presents significant limitations on the application of existing electrical logging instruments in high-resistance formations. In this paper, we propose a novel logging method for detection of high-resistance formations in OBM using high-frequency electrodes. The method addresses the issue of shallow depth of investigation (DOI) in existing electrical logging instruments, while simultaneously ensuring the vertical resolution. Based on the principle of current continuity, the total impedance of the loop is obtained by equating the measurement loop to the series form of a capacitively coupled circuit. and its validity is verified in a homogeneous formation model and a radial two-layer formation model with a mud standoff. Then, the instrument operating frequency and electrode system parameters were preferentially determined by numerical simulation, and the effect of mud gap on impedance measurement was investigated. Subsequently, the DOI of the instrument was investigated utilizing the pseudo-geometric factor defined by the real part of impedance. It was determined that the detection depth of the instrument is 8.74 cm, while the effective vertical resolution was not less than 2 cm. Finally, a focused high-frequency electrode-type instrument was designed by introducing a pair of focused electrodes, which effectively enhanced the DOI of the instrument and was successfully deployed in the Oklahoma formation model. The simulation results demonstrate that the novel method can achieve a detection depth of 17.40 cm in highly-resistive formations drilling with OBM, which is approximately twice the depth of detection of the existing oil-based mud microimager instruments. Furthermore, its effective vertical resolution remains at or above 2 cm, which is comparable to the resolution of the existing OBM electrical logging instrument.