Natural Gamma Radiation Logging
Igne’s natural gamma logging identifies subsurface lithology and stratigraphy through borehole walls supporting groundwater studies, formation correlation, and geological interpretation.
Verticality Logging
Verticality logging is the process of measuring how straight, or deviated, a borehole is from the vertical axis.
About
Borehole Alignment
Whether you're drilling a water well, a monitoring borehole, or a geothermal system, confirming the true alignment of the borehole is essential for the safe and successful installation of pumps, sensors, screen sections, or heat exchangers.
At Igne, we provide precise verticality surveys using downhole inclination tools to give you confidence that your borehole is correctly aligned, especially at depth. This helps prevent costly installation issues, mechanical failure, and non-compliance with contractual requirements or industry standards.
The measurements
What Does Verticality Logging Measure?
Verticality logging records the inclination (or deviation) of a borehole from true vertical. It provides:
- Angle of deviation from the vertical (in degrees)
- Depth at which deviation occurs
- Azimuth (optional, where directional logging is used)
- Total displacement from intended position
These measurements help determine whether the borehole is suitable for its intended use and, if necessary, whether corrective actions are needed before installation proceeds.
The benefits
Why Is Borehole Verticality Important?
Even small deviations can cause major issues especially in deeper boreholes. Problems may include:
- Pumps or sensors failing to install or becoming stuck
- Incomplete or uneven grouting of monitoring equipment
- Reduced efficiency or damage in geothermal loops
- Compromised flow paths or screen alignment
- Misinterpretation of data from inclined monitoring boreholes
- Non-compliance with Environment Agency or design standards
Verticality logs are often a planning condition or verification requirement for critical infrastructure or regulated installations.
The uses
Applications Across Sectors
Verticality surveys are commonly used in:
- Water supply boreholes and abstraction wells
- Geothermal boreholes (single or double loop)
- Piezometer and sensor installation
- Environmental and ground gas monitoring wells
- Deep ground investigation and sampling holes
- Remediation and grouting boreholes
- Engineering and infrastructure foundation drilling
The Process
How It Works
A verticality probe equipped with tilt sensors is lowered down the borehole. As it travels, it records any angular deviation from vertical at set depth intervals. It is centralised, using non magnetic centralisers to ensure data is not affected. It is often a pre-requisite to borehole seismic, or cement bond logs in pvc lined boreholes.
The resulting data is plotted as a verticality log, often alongside other borehole logs, to give a complete picture of borehole geometry and suitability for installation.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions about Verticality Logging
- What’s an acceptable level of deviation in a borehole?
It depends on the borehole’s purpose. For example, abstraction wells should typically remain within 1 to 2 degrees of vertical to ensure proper pump function. Geothermal and monitoring boreholes often require even tighter tolerances.
- Can you run verticality logs in cased boreholes?
Yes, provided the casing is accessible and there are no blockages. However, open-hole conditions generally provide more accurate results.
- Is verticality logging required by regulators?
In many cases, yes. The Environment Agency, local authorities, and certain engineering standards require verticality checks before approving installations or issuing permits.
- Can verticality logs detect borehole collapse or blockage?
They can show where the tool stops or deviates unexpectedly, which can be an early warning of borehole instability or obstructions.
- How deep can verticality be logged?
We routinely log verticality in boreholes up to several hundred metres deep. Our equipment is rated for long-depth surveys and is selected based on the borehole design.
- Is this service available on short-notice projects?
Yes. Igne offers rapid mobilisation for urgent surveys, including post-drilling compliance checks and pre-installation inspections.
The Next Step
Stay on Target with Our Verticality Logging Services
Don’t risk failed installations, costly reworks or non-compliance. With verticality logging from Igne, you’ll know your borehole is straight, aligned and ready for whatever comes next.
Contact us to book a borehole verticality check and make sure your project’s next step is built on solid, straight foundations.
Temperature & Conductivity Logging
Igne’s temperature and conductivity logging reveals groundwater flow, aquifer characteristics, and thermal behaviour supporting hydrogeological and geothermal system design.
Flowmeter Logging
Flowmeter logging is a downhole technique used to measure the direction and velocity of water movement within a borehole.
Caliper Measurement Logging
Caliper logging is a simple, yet powerful, geophysical tool used to measure the internal diameter of a borehole along its entire depth.
Dual Focused Resistivity Logging
Dual focused resistivity logging is a geophysical technique used to measure the electrical resistance of subsurface materials surrounding a borehole
Verticality Logging
Verticality logging is the process of measuring how straight, or deviated, a borehole is from the vertical axis.