: Voltage Return (e.g., VRA1, VRA2 for Pad A Frequencies 1 and 2). AMP/PHA : Amplitude and Phase measurements per pad.
Because oil does not conduct electricity, conventional direct-current (DC) microresistivity tools fail completely in OBM. Early technical workarounds included tools like the Oil-Based MicroImager (OBMI), which utilized specialized pad designs and localized current focusing. The (frequently commercialized or iterated within the Quanta Geo photorealistic reservoir geology service portfolio) drastically optimized this paradigm using capacitive coupling physics.
The SLB NGI tool string introduces specialized, high-frequency acquisition electronics to capture microresistivity data through non-conductive and oil-based mud (OBM) systems.
Whether you are landing a horizontal well in the Eagle Ford, drilling a high-angle appraisal well offshore Angola, or simply trying to avoid a water leg in a mature field, the NGI remains the unsung hero of the bottom hole assembly. It answers the two most important questions a driller can ask: "Where am I?" and "What am I in?" schlumberger ngi tool
: Operates across different frequencies (Frequency 1 and 2) to optimize measurements based on mud salinity and formation properties.
, ppm) : Associated with heavy minerals and highly stable terrestrial clays (like kaolinite). Uranium (
As drilling automation and closed-loop geosteering evolve, the philosophy of the NGI—placing sensors as close to the action as possible—will continue to define the future of reservoir navigation. For now, if you see a Schlumberger BHA going into the ground, chances are high that an NGI is leading the way, reading the rocks before anyone else. : Voltage Return (e
While the NGI is a Schlumberger trademark, the industry has similar offerings (such as Halliburton’s Near-bit tools and Baker Hughes Navitrak ). However, the NGI distinguishes itself through:
Traditional WBM Tools (FMI) --> Direct galvanic contact (Fails in OBM) First-Gen OBM Tools (OBMI) --> Early micro-laterolog voltage pads Next-Gen OGI/NGI Tools --> High-frequency capacitive coupling & multi-pad articulation Key Technical Specifications & Architecture Borehole Imaging Technology | SLB
Common data channels recorded by the NGI tool suite include: Whether you are landing a horizontal well in
This paper explores the application of the (Next Generation Imager) tool in characterizing heterogeneous reservoir facies. Traditional imaging tools often struggle with coverage gaps in highly deviated wells or specific mud environments. The NGI platform overcomes these limitations through its innovative pad design and high-frequency transmitter system. We present a case study demonstrating how NGI data improves the identification of micro-fractures, secondary porosity, and thin-bed lamination, leading to more accurate integrated stratigraphic and structural reservoir models. 2. Introduction
systems. It is part of the Quanta Geo photorealistic reservoir geology service, providing detailed images that were historically difficult to obtain in non-conductive environments. Key Features Microresistivity Imaging in OBM
Similar to other advanced Schlumberger tools, the NGI is equipped with precision 3-axis magnetometers and accelerometers , allowing for accurate image orientation and borehole deviation measurements. Primary Applications of the NGI Tool
: It works alongside other openhole logging tools to differentiate between reservoir rocks (like sandstones) and non-reservoir rocks (like shales) based on resistivity differences.
