Radical Improvements

Efficiency in geophysical data acquisition may improve radically in the future, because of

1. the use of multiples in imaging and characterization.
2. utilizing simultaneous sources.
3. robotized, modular, and scalable geophysical operations.
4. survey design updates during a survey.
5. independent geophysical measurements and analysis at the same time.

Statoil has developed a contactless multi-component seismic sensor, called Temprei-camera. It applies new types of laser interferometers which can measure seabed particle velocity and position along the survey line while “flying” 2-5 m over a site. By monitoring camera vibrations and reflected laser beams from the sea floor multiple components of particle velocity can be measured. At the moment, the system is based in an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) and allows for example arctic ice operations or geo-hazard operations. But the camera could for example also be utilized on land for exploration purposes over challenging topography.
Because of the contactless measurement of seismic waves, the receiver can be used travelling in an AUV, streamer, plane or any other vehicle. This implies reduced survey costs and calls for a radical change in geophysical data acquisition.
The system has been successfully tested in a laboratory pool and one field test has been performed. It is the plan is to make the technology available to the market via an external vendor and the first application will be targeting geohazard monitoring utilizing AUVs.
Learn more about Temprei and the application possibilities at the Recent Advances in Exploration Technology conference.