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0 20260302

DOI: https://doi.org/10.11698/PED.20250641

Phased array electromagnetic wellbore detection technology and its application

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  • 1. PetroChina Research Institute of Petroleum Exploration & Development, Beijing 100083, China;
    2. Xi’an Shiyou University, Xi’an 710065, China

Received date: 2025-11-27

  Revised date: 2026-03-19

  Online published: 2026-03-27

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Abstract

Traditional wellbore detection technologies face limitations such as low detection efficiency, poor accuracy, unsuitability for unconventional oil/gas reservoir fracturing operations, and incomplete coverage of wellbore damage as well as integrity assessment. This paper introduces a phased array electromagnetic wellbore detection technology. The theoretical principles, instrument design, and technical features of this technology are systematically elaborated. Field applications, including casing damage and corrosion detection in old wells in Xinjiang Oilfield, and fracturing-induced casing deformation detection in platform wells targeting deep shale gas in Southwest Oil & Gas Field and deep shale oil in Dagang Oilfield, are analyzed to evaluate the proposed technology’s performance in inspecting metal casing strings. Results demonstrate that the phased array electromagnetic wellbore detection technology provides high measurement accuracy, broad applicability, ease of operation, and high scalability. The technology achieves a resolution of 10 mm for non-penetrating damage detection, 0.5 mm for inner diameter measurement of oil casing, and 0.3 mm for wall thickness assessment. Furthermore, it maintains stable performance in high-temperature (≤175 °C) and high-pressure (≤140 MPa) environments, and effectively addresses current exploration and production requirements by providing comprehensive and accurate wellbore integrity data for downhole operations.

Key words： wellbore detection; array electromagnetic; unconventional oil/gas reservoir; fracturing; casing damage; casing deformation

Cite this article

FU Yongqiang, JIA Deli, DANG Bo, WANG Zhi, TONG Zheng, WEI Ran . Phased array electromagnetic wellbore detection technology and its application[J]. Petroleum Exploration and Development, 0 : 20260302 . DOI: 10.11698/PED.20250641

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