Apache to Use Analog Seismic Sensors for Data Acquisition in Argentine Projects

Apache Corporation will acquire data related to its projects in Mendoza, Argentina, using the FireFly system from ION Geophysical Corporation.

The FireFly system is a cableless land seismic acquisition system. The Apache projects will use traditional geophones, the first time Firefly is installed with the aid of analog seismic sensors. Currently geophones are the dominant sensor type utilized for land acquisition.

Dave Monk, Apache’s Director of Geophysics, has said that Apache is anticipating the usage FireFly. Monk has clarified that the areas to be surveyed are sensitive environmentally, comprising urban settings, vineyards, and agricultural land.  Monk felt that FireFly is ideally suited for operational challenges posed by these environments.

ION’s Senior Vice President Doug Allinson commented that ION is thrilled at the prospect of one of its initial FireFly partner using it again. Allinson also said that ION strongly believes in customer-based development of products. ION has also included input suggestions from Apache and other customers for continual enhancement of the FireFly system. Allinson has revealed that FireFly has continuously set the standards for technical innovation in the cableless seismic acquisition domain, a high-growth segment, by leveraging its track record of large channel installations in challenging environments both in Asia and the Americas. Allison has emphasized that ION is committed to offer an option of technologies to its customers. Allisson has added that the commitment is proved by its delivery of a geophone-based FireFly system.

The Apache project will use about 5,500 FireFly stations. The project is likely to commence in May 2010 and be complete by August this year. Global Geophysical Services will function as Apache’s contractor. The deployment of FireFly will be according to terms of the launch partnership signed by Apache, BP, and ION.

FireFly integrates data storage, power, and wireless communication technologies in a HSE-friendly, high-productivity seismic acquisition system. FireFly, designed as a total ecosystem, utilizes a range of integrated technologies. These technologies revolutionize the method of planning seismic surveys, conducting operations, and processing data.