Review on study progress of seismic while drilling technology

Seismic While Drilling（SWD）specifically encompasses the seismic techniques to be operated while the drillstring is lowered in the borehole. The seismic wave field is detected and recorded by sensor deployed on the surface or integrated on the downhole tools. Regular seismic sources（such as explosive, air-gun and vibroseis）or drill-bit vibrations is utilized as the sources to obtain the VSP or Reverse-VSP data as well as check-shot data. This paper provides a state of the art review on both Drill-Bit SWD, the Swept Impulse Tool and VSP-SWD techniques used by the Industry. The principle, system configuration, function, and business application are described in detail, as well as advantages and shortcomings. The domestic research and development direction of SWD is suggested through analysis.