Digital Energy Journal- SLB’s “Retina” high resolution borehole images for formation evaluation and well

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SLB’s “Retina” high resolution borehole images for formation evaluation and well

Sunday, May 25, 2025

SLB launches first-of-its-kind, at-bit imaging tool

Global energy technology company SLB (NYSE: SLB) has launched Retina at-bit imaging, which enables identification of formation characteristics to optimize drilling efficiency, formation evaluation and safety.

This first-of-its-kind solution provides precise measurements at the critical point of first contact between the drill bit and the formation, providing unsurpassed image clarity in large hole sizes as drilling commences and the borehole diameter reduces progressively toward the reservoir section.

'Retina provides an unparalleled view of the formation and its characteristics downhole, enabling better-informed decisions from the start,' said Cecilia Prieto, president, Well Construction, SLB. 'This leading-edge technology marks a significant advancement in borehole imaging, providing drillers with critical insight in situations where it was previously impossible. With imaging at the bit, before the formation is affected by drilling fluids, the exceptional resolution unlocks new opportunities around drilling, fluid management, and completions, leading to significant risk reduction and production optimization.'

Retina addresses the limitations of traditional imagers, which are often restricted by operational factors like drilling fluid type and wellbore damage, and often not usable in the reservoir access intervals due to borehole size limitations. Applicable to drilling operations utilizing any drilling fluid composition, Retina enables the highest-resolution imaging to date, providing critical insights into the formation. High-resolution images are important for geological characterization from the outset of drilling, revealing potential well-related expenditures such as mud-loss zones, hard drilling intervals and stuck-pipe events - which can add days to complete the well, incur non-productive time, and increase safety risks.

Field test data from land operations in South America and the Middle East have demonstrated Retina's versatility and effectiveness. In South America, the technology identified conglomerates early in the drilling cycle, enabling the design of more durable drill bits to reduce downtime. In the Middle East, Retina revealed the presence of fractures and vugs (small cavities or pores within the rock) in carbonate formations, providing critical information for predicting and preventing mud losses. During another field test in the Middle East, the tool also provided high-resolution images of stylolites, which act as pressure barriers, allowing for a better understanding of productive zones.

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