Development and prospect of acoustic reflection imaging logging processing and interpretation method

Acoustic reflection imaging logging technology can detect and evaluate the development of reflection anomalies, such as fractures, caves and faults, within a range of tens of meters from the wellbore, greatly expanding the application scope of well logging technology. This article reviews the development history of the technology and focuses on introducing key methods, software, and on-site applications of acoustic reflection imaging logging technology. Based on the analyses of major challenges faced by existing technologies, and in conjunction with the practical production requirements of oilfields, the further development directions of acoustic reflection imaging logging are proposed. Following the current approach that utilizes the reflection coefficients, derived from the computation of acoustic slowness and density, to perform seismic inversion constrained by well logging, the next frontier is to directly establish the forward and inverse relationships between the downhole measured reflection waves and the surface seismic reflection waves. It is essential to advance research in imaging of fractures within shale reservoirs, the assessment of hydraulic fracturing effectiveness, the study of geosteering while drilling, and the innovation in instruments of acoustic reflection imaging logging technology.