Stoneley wave analysis for detection of high-conductivity flow paths and fracture zones in oil and gas reservoirs

Yu. B. Chen-len-son

Scientific Research Institute for System Analysis of the National Research Centre “Kurchatov Institute”, Moscow, Russian Federation

Abstract: We studied the use of Stoneley-wave analysis from full-waveform acoustic logs to detect and characterize high-conductivity flow paths and fracture zones in oil and gas reservoirs. We examined the physical principles of Stoneley-wave propagation in the borehole-formation system and the mechanisms that control its response to permeable zones and fractures. Stoneley-wave attenuation is controlled by poroelastic effects described by the Biot–Rosenbaum model and increases steadily with formation permeability. Fractures that cut the wellbore appear as sharp local anomalies in Stoneley-wave attenuation and amplitude.
We presented the measurement and processing workflow, including Stoneley-wave extraction, calculation of its kinematic and dynamic parameters, and quantitative interpretation using petrophysical models. We analyzed the main factors that affect these measurements: borehole conditions, drilling-fluid properties, lithology, porosity, fluid saturation, temperature, and in-situ stress. We also reviewed modern Russian broadband acoustic logging tools that support technological independence of the domestic oil and gas sector.
We described practical applications of the method at different stages of field development, from exploration drilling to production optimization. The approach is especially effective for characterizing fractured carbonate reservoirs, planning hydraulic-fracturing operations, and managing water cut. Integrating broadband acoustic logs into standard well-logging programs significantly improves the efficiency of hydrocarbon-field development.

Keywords: Stoneley wave, acoustic logging, high-conductivity flow paths, fracturing, permeability, poroelasticity, oil and gas reservoirs, well logging.