GEOSCIENCES
Gene Kliewer • Houston
Seismic, electromagnetic combination tested
MultiField Geophysics has completed successful field tests of ocean bottom cable technology that combines seismic with electromagnetic sensors.
The tests, over Peon offshore Norway, involved deploying a series of seabed sensor segments to acquire EM and seismic data. The proprietary EM source, towing a horizontal electric dipole, was used to transmit various GPS synchronized arbitrary waveforms. Data were acquired and compared with a reference station deployed to monitor the spread, and acoustic data were collected simultaneously on selected acquisition lines.
Preliminary processing by MultiField successfully delineates the gas field. On this basis, the first full-scale commercial application is expected in 1Q 2009.
MultiField Geophysics is backed by Wavefield Inseis ASA, StatoilHydro Venture AS, and the Norwegian Geotechnical Institute.
WISE JIP under way
A three-year joint industry project into “Well Integration with Seismic and Electromagnetics” (WISE) is under way, reports Offshore Hydrocarbon Mapping Plc and Rock Solid Images.
WISE aims to develop new ways to integrate seismic, controlled source electromagnetic (CSEM), and well log data to give better reservoir property maps. The JIP also is investigating an optimum algorithm to remap CSEM results into the higher resolution seismic data and to develop a joint inversion method for seismic and CSEM data.
The WISE consortium was brought together by the Industry Technology Facilitator and includes Total, Chevron, DONG Energy, and the UK’s Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform, in addition to OHM and Rock Solid.
“The aim of this project is to help industry exploit the combined strengths of CSEM, surface seismic, and well data, the results of which could transform current practices of how geophysical data is processed and interpreted,” says Dave Pratt, executive chairman of OHM.
Ireland seismic work expands
Surveys over licenses 4/05 and 5/05 offshore Ireland at the Old Head of Kinsale and Schull gas fields have begun. The 2D seismic is being done by the Irish Marine Institute using theCeltic Explorer. The IMI is a national agency charged with marine research, technology, development, and innovation.
The surveys are targeting a potential extension of Old Head field to the southeast and also low-risk exploration prospects adjacent to Schull and Old Head.
Island says the run up of gas prices has increased the potential value of its Old Head and Schull developments.
“We anticipate being able to make a Declaration of Commerciality for a joint development of Schull and Old Head later this year, which will add further value to our portfolio,” says Paul Griffiths, Island CEO. “Significant cash flow would be generated from these fields upon commencement of production, which is currently targeted for 2010.” Island’s area partners are Valhalla Oil and Gas Ltd. and EnCore Oil Plc.
Technical developments
ION Geophysical Corp. and Fugro Geoteam have combined to roll out three technological advancements from ION’s Intelligent Acquisition product line onto Fugro’s seismic vessel fleet.
Fugro used ION’s first DigiSTREAMER solid streamer acquisition system on a 2D vessel for a North Sea project. Fugro also used DigiFIN spread control on a 10-streamer configuration in a difficult ocean current and since has ordered another system for theGeo Celtic. Third, Fugro upgraded a vessel to include ION’s Orca marine streamer command and control software.
“We are pleased to have achieved a number of recent milestones with Fugro related to our intelligent approach to marine acquisition,” says Dave Moffatt, senior vice president, Marine Imaging Systems, ION. The companies say they plan to continue collaboration on marine acquisition technologies.
China Oilfield Services Ltd. continues expanding its capacity. It has contracted ODIM to supply automated handling systems for a 12-streamer seismic survey vessel for delivery by the end of 2009. The contract value is $17.63 million.
This is the third such delivery from ODIM to COSL.
Schlumberger has acquired Integrated Exploration Systems of Aachen, Germany. IES supplies petroleum system modeling programs and services to exploration and production companies. It specializes in generation, migration, and entrapment of oil and gas. Its PetroMod software aims to estimate undiscovered hydrocarbons in frontier basins to mitigate exploration expenses.
Roxar ASA has signed a Letter of Intent with StatoilHydro for a four-year global software contract on the full suite of its reservoir modeling tool, IRAP RMS.
Tools include a new uncertainty management module and structural modeling; RMSwellstrat, a well correlation tool; RMSwellplan, which allows for drillable well paths to be designed based on planned target locations and known drilling constraints; and FracPerm, a fracture modeling package. All modules operate within an integrated, easy to use workflow.
IRAP RMS is able to handle complex reservoirs and well geometries in a 3D environment.
IRAP RMS also operates on the Linux-64 and Windows-64 platforms, benefiting StatoilHydro with increased data volumes, faster speeds, and lower operating costs, according to Roxar.