1. n. [Drilling]
A representation of the measured diameter of a borehole along its depth. Caliper logs are usually measured mechanically, with only a few using sonic devices. The tools measure diameter at a specific chord across the well. Because wellbores are usually irregular (rugose), it is important to have a tool that simultaneously measures diameter at several different locations. Such a tool is called a multifinger caliper. Drilling engineers or rigsite personnel use caliper measurement as a qualitative indication of both the condition of the wellbore and the degree to which the mud system has maintained hole stability. Caliper data are integrated to determine the volume of the openhole, which is then used in planning cementing operations.
