Explor acquires highest trace density 3D seismic in Canada, achieves record seismic source production rates

3D seismic with over 5 million seismic traces per km² achieved in the greater Montney play fairway.  Explor achieved this while reducing the project's environmental footprint.

CALGARY, March 1, 2017 /PRNewswire/ - Explor Geophysical Ltd. ("Explor") announces that it has just completed acquisition of a high-density 3D seismic survey that attained trace densities ranging from 2.5 million to 5 million seismic traces per square kilometer, a new record.  Over 115,000 source points were acquired on a single 120 km² 3D seismic survey.  This trace density was achieved in each of the three components recorded, enabling processing and interpretation of both pressure waves and shear waves.

On this project Explor also set the record for single-day source production with over 8,500 source points acquired in 24 hours – an average rate of over 350 source points per hour with peak rates of over 500 source points per hour, or one seismic source point every 7 seconds.

"The benefits of high density 3D surveys go far beyond the delivery of outstanding subsurface images. Using high density 3D seismic, our clients are able to exploit the associated high quality seismic attributes to build a robust and reliable reservoir characterisation model, including the delineation of fractures and sweet-spots in unconventional reservoirs, which lays the foundations for improved business decisions." - Allan Châtenay, President, Explor

This 2017 survey follows a 2016 survey in which Explor demonstrated the value of high trace densities with a 3D seismic survey that attained trace densities of 1.25 million to 2.4 million traces per square kilometer.  The 2016 survey imaged steeply dipping faults and small fractures that were not resolved on adjacent recently-acquired conventional surveys, leading to significant changes in the drilling plans for Explor's clients.

Both 3D surveys were acquired in fully stakeless mode using real-time GPS positioning to deploy over 13,000 three-component seismic nodes.  Positions for the seismic nodes were derived directly from the nodes themselves using a method that Explor has been developing since 2011.  Source point positioning was achieved using RTK GPS positioning with real-time remote monitoring.

To minimize the environmental impact of higher density receiver lines on the project, receiver lines were prepared in a way that virtually eliminated any damage to the forest.  Narrow meandering walking trails were prepared allowing crews to deploy seismic nodes on foot.

Source trails were meticulously planned using high resolution satellite imagery and LiDAR.  These source trails were prepared to a maximum width of 2.75 metres, just wide enough to permit the mini-vibrators to travel along these meandering trails.  To support the complexity of mulching these pre-planned meandering trails, line preparation equipment was equipped with GPS navigation systems connected to a central command center that monitored their positions in real time.

"To acquire this high-density data Explor deployed the latest seismic acquisition and positioning technologies to achieve trace densities that are 100 times higher than many conventional 3D datasets – and we did it while simultaneously reducing environmental impact." - Allan Châtenay, President, Explor

Explor is a privately held Canadian company that acquires high quality geophysical data with minimal environmental impact.  Explor employs a team of qualified scientists across a range of scientific disciplines as well as project teams and logistics experts to accomplish its objectives through a rigorous continuous improvement process.  Explor specializes in challenging and extraordinary projects.

SOURCE Explor

Related Links

http://www.explor.net