Jul 17 2010
An understanding was reached between Shell and QuinteQ to use QuinteQ’s OptaSense fiber-optic Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS) systems to efficiently explore the oil & gas fields. The regular telecom cable is used for sensing, discriminate and locate echoes or sounds when welbore processes are conducted. This will permit advancements in design and makes sure operations run efficiently thereby reducing the expenses incurred and improving gains.
The agreement was signed after collaborating for 18 months, and consequent to many tests in Canada. Initially, Shell is planning to use the Optasense DAS onshore to explore oil & gas. This system has the capacity to be of great consequence in the near future. Its expansive areas of application will help growth of assets in the long run. The usage will be the most for companies who survey well and reservoir inspection and other hydraulic fracturing firms.
Shell’s Vice President (Hydrocarbon Recovery R&D division), Jeroen Regtien, said that initially they experimented with the DAS technology in an onshore field trial in February 2009 having recognized its importance. He stressed that this shows Shell’s commitment in providing solutions rapidly using innovative technology. As this technology is currently used only in military and security fields, risk factors are comparatively less, and hence the first system will be introduced in the near future.
According to Magnus McEwen-King MD, usage of Optasense DAS is a great innovation in the field of wellbore operations. As detection and extraction of fossil fuels like oil & gas is becoming more and more challenging and dear, providing customers access to enhanced data and statistics will be of great help. This will further assist in achieving the complete capabilities of Shell & QinetiQ’s technology.
Before this technology hits the market, research scientists belonging to both companies would conduct field trials in Canada & US as well as work on it in UK, Netherlands & U.S. Laboratories.
Source: http://www.shell.com