TGS acquires Apparition Geoservices to strengthen seismic survey performance

TGS has acquired Apparition Geoservices, gaining exclusive access to the Swiss company’s simultaneous source acquisition and separation technology.

The two parties have collaborated since August 2023, performing R&D and testing of the technology for commercial ocean-bottom node (OBN), towed streamer and XHR data acquisition.

TGS said the combination with its own Gemini Enhanced Frequency Source (EFS) service can deliver major advances in seismic operational efficiency, source capacity and subsurface imaging clarity.

Apparition’s seismic acquisition/processing methodology is said to allow simultaneous operation of multiple sound sources in a controlled and coordinated approach. It employs precise timing, TGS added, to encode sources distinctly, producing overlapping signals that are said to be simpler to separate and cleaner to process.

This combination is claimed to increase source capacity and acquisition efficiency.

TGS had been testing Apparition in multiple acquisition configurations and marine environments, including a Hexa Source configuration which has delivered improved signal-to-noise uplift.

Operational efficiency gains have been up to 30%, TGS added, with cleaner signal recovery, improved low-frequency performance, and greater visibility of deeper and more complex subsurface targets.

The company plans to integrate Apparition into its acquisition and imaging workflows for OBN, towed streamer and ultrahigh-resolution 3D surveys performed by its Ramform vessel fleet. These, it adds, should benefit from reduced project timelines and greater confidence for clients in exploration and development decisions.