Numerical analysis of near‐borehole and anisotropeic layer effects on the response of multicomponent induction logging tools

We present finite‐difference simulation results that lend new insight into the behavior of multicomponent induction logging tools when in the presence of anisotropic layers, boreholes, and invasion zones. We use four independent models to investigate multicomponent tool properties as well as typical magnetic field responses. In addition, model variations with respect to formation dip angle, layer geometry, and conductivity provide data about the effects of geological variation on the multicomponent responses. Simulations suggest a coaxial tool configuration senses a depth of twice the source–receiver offset, although this depth is reduced to the source–receiver offset with coplanar configurations. Numerical responses in the presence of transversely isotropic layers provide evidence that anisotropy can have a measurable effect on both coaxial and coplanar magnetic fields; these effects increase as layer dip increases. Sensitivity analyses substantiate these numerical results. An investigation of tool responses to varying borehole and invasion zone conductivities and diameters demonstrates that the coplanar tool orientation is much more sensitive to near‐borehole variations than the coaxial configuration. A frequency‐differencing technique is presented to mitigate unwanted borehole‐induced bias in multicomponent data; however, drawbacks include decreased signal strength and possible geological signal destruction.