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Cobalt Exploration Services - Seismic Exploration
Mapping/Surveying
At Cobalt Exploration we use experienced geologists certified in the petroleum sector with emphasis in geochemistry as well as hard rock mining exploration and maximum recovery techniques. Surface and subsurface mapping along with core drilling are very important tools used by our geologists in order to identify oil, gas and mineral deposits. Based on our experience, there are three elements that must be address successfully in order to acquire useful seismic data:
1. Mapping /Positioning /Surveying
2. Seismic Energy Source
3. Data Recording, processing and interpretation.
Mapping
Earth Surface:
1. Topographic map: indicates the elevation’s of earth's surface
2. Geologic map: indicates the location of rock layer crops on earth’s surface.
3. Base map: indicates the well position as well as seismic lines.
Earth subsurface:
1. Structural map: Uses contours to indicate the elevation of the top of a subsurface sedimentary rock layer possibly indicating a potential reservoir rock or drilling target.
2. Isopachmap: Uses contours to indicates the thickness of a subsurface layer (post drilling map)
3. Percentage map: Indicate the percentage of a specific rock type. Higher percentage of reservoir quality rocks implies a larger reservoir pay zone (vertical distance in the well that produces gas/oil).
Surveying
At Cobalt Exploration we strongly believe that land instrumentation precision is fundamental to acquiring seismic data. A pre-planned layout pattern for the energy source as well as the receiver is of the up most importance for accurate acquisition of seismic data. Through the use of GPS-Global Positioning System we are able to perceive unprecedented accuracy.
Seismic Exploration for Oil and Gas Reservoirs
The main purpose of seismic exploration is to receive the most accurate possible graphic representation of a pre-planned earth's subsurface geologic structure. Exploration involves the analysis of the earth’s subsurface using three methods: gravity, magnetic and seismic. At Cobalt Exploration we use seismic exploratory techniques through vibrosis which is consider the most reliable and accurate of the three. Through the science of seismology we use sound energy into the earth recording subsurface rock reflections. The “reflections” will travel at different velocities depending upon the type or density of the rock layers through which they must pass.
The reflected sound energy then returns to the surface to be recorded by seismometers. The 3D seismic data are displayed as a three-dimensional cube that may be sliced into numerous planes or cross-sections. Digital recording of this seismic data is then analyzed by our geophysics for signs of oil and gas deposits.
Based on the 3D seismic analysis of the earth’s subsurface, drilling targets are identified and another important cycle occurs.
The end product of all this work and technology is a graphic 3D representation of the earth's sub-surface geologic structure. This example (above) represents over 200 square miles (600 kilometers) of complex geology down to a depth of almost 20,000 feet (6000 meters).
However in areas of soft, unconsolidated or weathered surface layers dynamite is the preferred method for producing energy sound into the earth’s subsurface. When buried and detonated in safely plugged shot holes below the surface layer, dynamite produces a sharp acoustically clean energy pulse.
Seismic data recording, processing and interpretation requires accuracy, reliability, speed and substantial computing power. Geophysicists at Cobalt Exploration interpret the processed seismic data and integrate other geo-scientific information to make assessments of where oil and gas reservoirs may be accumulated. Quality and timely delivery are among the keys to our success in managing surveys. At Cobalt Exploration we use the Remote Acquisition Module (RAM) in order to acquire seismic data.
RAM
The Remote Acquisition Module (RAM) is a self-contained unit functioning to acquire analog seismic data from the geophones and to transmit the data digitally to the central equipment.
- 4, 6, 8 Channel capabilities
- Internal memory
- Dual port digital transmission
- Line communication for voice & shooting communication
- LED operation indicators
- Extruded aluminum with stainless steel connectors for durability and lightning protection.
LINE TAP UNIT
The Line Tap Unit (Tap) is a self-contained unit that interconnects baseline cable from the recording truck to multiple receiver lines functioning to retransmit data from the RAMs to the central recording equipment.
- Multi-port digital transmission
- Network telemetry routing
- Bi-directional operations
- Independent transmission rate
- System configuration adaptation
- LED operation indicators
- Extruded aluminum with stainless steel connectors providing durability and lightning protection.
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