Our most economic solution is the InsightMemory series. This HD color well imaging system provides full motion video of the well environment and is best suited for tubing and casing diameters of 7” and smaller for optimal lighting. However, being a memory based-system, the visual well log is not observed in real-time. In cases of a known well obstruction at a particular depth or to monitor a specific mechanical function (e.g. flapper valve operation) this may be the most suitable solution.

However, if the nature of the visual well log is exploratory and/or real-time observation of the well condition is required, then use of a real-time system such as Insight2 or Insight3 is indicated. Fishing operations or complex well failure events typically require operator interaction and control over lighting, camera positioning, camera rotation, active camera selection and more, all of which are only available on realtime systems such as Insight2, Insight3 and InsightFiber.

Visual well logging performs best in transparent mediums. Suspended solids and high oil cut environments can introduce unwanted artifacts in the visual images/video captured. For best results in an oil well environment, preparation is necessary. Please click here for well preparation standard operating procedure (SOP).

For gas wells, water wells or geothermal wells, minimal initial preparation is typically required.

For idle wells that have been dormant for extended periods, it should be expected to have undesirable image quality in an oil pad at the uppermost interval of logging. Furthermore, sediment can be loosened from the wellbore walls during entry, and gravity will naturally encourage this sediment to fall downhole during logging, possibly impacting image clarity. We recommend, if at all possible, a scraper run and circulation be performed based on our well preparation SOP linked above.

Insight MemoryHD, yes.

Insight2 and Insight3, for the most part, yes. As with any logging technology, telemetry performance depends on wireline bandwidth and an electrically clean environment. High line resistance or capacitance will reduce bandwidth. (Insight works best below 125 ohms.) Small diameter, exceedingly long or coated / MP35N lines all limit bandwidth.

With respect to existing surface system integration, all we need is depth encoder output into our system (either directly from your encoder, from your depth measurement system or directly from an encoder we can provide). We utilize our own portable telemetry system, so we will require direct access to the wireline, preferably at the slip-ring connection, for real-time camera operations.

Without question. In fact, we do not operate our own hoisting units, so a third party hoisting company is required to perform the visual well log. We provide the engineer and the Insight camera system for service operations.

In most instances, we receive service callouts directly from the well operator. However, if as a service provider you are in need of a visual well log as part of a scope of work, we are more than happy to work directly with you. Our camera systems work on mono-conductor e-line, multi-conductor e-line, coax, fiber, slickline, conventional coil tubing and e-coil.

In most wells, very little considering the largely monochromatic nature of the wellbore environment. Color imaging can be beneficial in an open hole or highly corroded environment. Our newer Insight2, Insight3 and MemoryHD systems utilize color imagers, whereas older tools do not.

We do offer discounts on multiple runs during the same callout so that our services costs don’t burden operational progress. This is especially true for fishing operations, where consecutive runs are desirable. Please consult our sales team for a specific proposal if you anticipate a need for multiple runs.

We provide you with the data onsite in most cases. When operating In real-time mode, you will witness and help direct the log as it is being created. Dependent on available bandwidth, live streaming of data to stakeholders at remote sites can allow them to take part, as well. At the completion of the run, we typically provide flash drive[s] containing a “hit list” of videos of the most salient portions of the log. If significant post-processing measurement or other analysis is being performed, this may take place after data is transmitted to our offices.

We also inspect each log after the job is completed for quality assurance and continuous process improvement. Sometimes, we are able to apply filtering or other image processing techniques that markedly improve or clarify results. If a significant improvement in image quality is achieved, we will provide you with this enhanced version of the data volume.

Depending on the camera model and operating mode, it will produce either static .png files or H.264 video. Numeric/textual data is captured as .csv / .tsv files, which can be easily imported into spreadsheet or well diagnostic software.

We also provide a freely-distributable Insight Viewer software package, which allows the user to quickly peruse image and video data, add annotations, export clips, and more.

A computer running a reasonably current version of Windows, Linux or OS X is all that is required to run the Insight Viewer software. Alternatively, the still images, video and text files we produce can all be viewed on any of these operating systems using built-in functionality.

All standard systems have a maximum operating pressure of at least 10k psi / 680 bar and maximum tool temperature of at least 257 °F / 125 °C.

From our very first model, all e-line cameras produced by Downhole Vision have contained hybrid memory/SRO functionality.

“Burst Mode” is a hybrid feature that allows the tool to capture full frame rate video and buffer it in the tool, sending it to the surface as wireline bandwidth permits. Multiple Burst Mode captures can be performed during a single run.

We utilize the Burst Mode feature when an interesting well dynamic or feature is observed and full frame rate, high quality video would aid visualization.

Yes. For deviated wells, we will do our best to work with the wireline service provider to construct a bottom hole assembly that allows the instrument to overcome long build sections or highly inclined completion intervals. For highly deviated or horizontal wellbores, Insight is deployable on a motorized tractor system or on coil tubing.

Functionally no, but practically yes. At a minimum, we will deploy any Insight instrument assembly with a bottom centralizer to protect the sapphire windows on the bottom of the camera against collecting grime or coming in contact with low-side obstructions or well debris. Furthermore, centralization assures that the full periphery of the wellbore can be visualized, and provides an overall better quality log by eliminating cyclical bouncing.

Insight1.5 / Insight2 capture SD resolution images in 640×480 pixels.
Insight3 and MemoryHD capture Full HD images at up to 1080p (1920×1080 pixels).