Permian Basin Multi-Client Programme
Airborne Full Tensor Gradiometry (FTG) and Magnetics HD survey in the Delaware Basin has proved particularly useful for mapping drilling hazards in the shallow section
An unprecedented level of resolution was achieved in this 100m spaced survey over 1000 square miles in West Texas. Operators had experienced multiple causes of hazards in the shallow section and were unable to quantify risk. It was suggested that an FTG survey might provide valuable insight and information. The suggestion was correct.
Once the data had been collected, cutting edge interpretation consultants produced a shallow hazards risk map that achieved 87% accuracy in some areas and has been the subject of several industry papers and talks by operators and drillers.
Several seismic companies and experienced velocity model professionals have used this high resolution data to create a significantly more accurate image of shallow velocity variations.
Current work is proving that water detection and avoidance is another application for the data, with future studies planned to investigate the correlation between fault maps from FTG and magnetics with induced seismicity.
Related Papers
Managing Drilling Losses in the Permian Using Airborne Gravity Full Tensor Gradiometry - SPE 2019