Frequently Asked Questions

Without question. In fact, we do not operate our own hoisting units so a 3rd 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 fiber, mono conductor eline, multi-conductor eline, slick line and coil tubing.

Our most economic solution is the InsightMemoryHD. 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, this is a flash memory based system and 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 our Insight2 or Insight3 (June 2017) system is required. Fishing operations or complex well failure events typically required a real-time logging option that will allow for lighting adjustments, camera rotation and sideview camera selection which are only available on the Insight2 and Insight3 systems.

Insight MemoryHD, yes.

Insight2 and Insight3, for the most part, yes. As with any logging technology, telemetry performance can be negatively impacted by high wireline resistance (Insight works best below 125 ohms).

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 system measurement or directly from our encoder which we provide). We utilize our own portable telemetry system so we will require access to the slip-ring connection for real-time camera operations.

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. A clear fluid column achieves the best results. For best results in an oil well environment, yes. Please click here for well preparation standard operating procedure (SOP).

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

For idle wells that have been dormant for extended periods, we would expect to have undesirable image quality in a 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 which can impact image clarity. We recommend, if at all possible, a scraper run and circulation be performed based on our well preparation SOP linked above.

In most wells, very little considering the monochromatic nature of the weldor environment (steel casing, tubing and well hardware). Color imaging can be beneficial in an open hole or highly corroded environment. Our newest systems, Insight3 and MemoryHD, utilize color imagers more for the resolution improvement and sensor efficiency than the colorization features.

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 during fishing campaigns or frac treatment intervals. If your project requires multiple runs, 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 instances. In real-time mode you will witness that log as it transpires but we are recording each image as it is transmitted from downhole to our surface equipment and will save all images recorded to a USB for handover to you after the log is completed.

We also inspect each log performed after the job is completed for quality assurance. We are able to apply some filtering and contrast adjustments in a post-processing environment if required. If a significant improvement in image quality is achieved, we will provide you with this enhanced version of the data volume.

The Insight2 and Insight3 system records individual image frames during real-time logging. These individual files are stored as .png. Utilizing Insight Viewer software (provided), you are able to view the catalogue of individual images in a video presentation which can be exported as .mp4.

The Memory HD system records full frame-rate continuous video (30 frames per second) from start of log to finish. No individual frames are recorded. This video file is created as .mp4.

A laptop computer running Windows or Linux is required to run the Insight Viewer software that we provide for playback of the logging data in a video presentation. Individual image frames can be viewed on any operating system with the supplier’s default image viewer.

All standard systems have a maximum operating pressure of 10k psi/680 bar. The Insight2 and Insight3 standard systems are rated to a maximum internal temperature of 257F/125C.

The Insight 2 and Insight3 system is approximately 79.3” in overall length without cable head and with bottom centralizer only.

The MemoryHD system is approximately 51” in overall length without cable head and with bottom centralizer only.

“Burst Mode” is a hybrid feature that allows the Insight2 system to switch into a full-motion video capture system. When activated from the surface controls, real-time surface acquisition of downhole imagery is temporarily halted and the Insight camera directs resources to record up to 30 seconds of downhole video at 30 frames per second (fps). This video can then be retrieved from the instrument while still in the downhole environment over the wireline cable. The video can be reviewed at the surface while real-time
logging at 1 fps resumes.

Burst Mode video capture can continue at additional stages in the wellbore overwriting previously acquired burst mode video clips. We utilize the Burst Mode feature when an interesting well dynamic or feature is observed and high quality video would help describe/visualize the artifacts in question.

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.

Yes. At a minimum, we will deploy any Insight instrument assembly with a bottom centralizer to protect the sapphire lenses on the bottom of the camera that may be exposed to low-side obstructions or well debris. Furthermore, centralization provides an overall better quality log by eliminating cyclical bouncing

Insight2 captures images in 640×480 pixels.
Insight3 and MemoryHD captures images in 1080p (1920×1080)