Qatar Shell has successfully completed the field testing of a new fibre-optic seismic system in the country as part of a major R&D programme.
Making use of cutting-edge fibre-optic and laser technology, the system has been designed to provide a “more cost-effective method” to deliver “more accurate and higher quality” seismic data for exploration and permanent production monitoring.
The objective of the field testing is to demonstrate the ability of the technology to provide enhanced images of the subsurface using this technique, with the potential for large-scale deployment. The field testing and trial phase of the system was completed in March this year.
The collected data is currently being analysed at the Qatar Shell Research & Technology Centre (QSRTC) at the QSTP using “state-of-the- art” data processing, imaging and visualisation techniques. If successful, the new technology could represent a significant advancement in onshore oil and gas exploration, as well as monitoring and enhancing production.
“Qatar’s subsurface holds tremendous potential for oil, gas and water. Developing and deploying innovative technologies to support Qatar unlock these resources is a major focus area for our research at QSRTC,” said Wael Sawan, Qatar Shell Companies’ chairman and managing director.
The fibre-optic seismic system is part of a series of initiatives that Shell has undertaken to improve the quality of data obtained from seismic shooting. Shell technologists recognised the potential breakthrough innovation of applying PGS’ underlying OptoSeisTM technology for onshore seismic. Shell has been collaborating with PGS on the technology since 2010.
QSRTC has tested the applicability of the fibre-optic system in Qatar in preparation for a commercial deployment of this innovative onshore seismic acquisition system. This technology represents just one of a number of research and development programmes managed by QSRTC to test new and emerging technologies under the themes of Energy and Environment.
Qatar Shell Research and Technology Centre general manager Youssif Saleh said: “This is innovation at its best and a clear example of how creativity and ingenuity are creating game-changing technology with significant results. This technology not only offers more accurate and higher quality seismic data, but will also enable scalability far beyond what is currently available.”
Field testing of a new fibre-optic seismic system as part of Shell Qatar’s major R&D programme.
