New world record set for number of seismic channels transmitted cable-free in real time
Oil Search Limited and Wireless Seismic, Inc. announced today that in December 2014, following seven months of continuous operations, Asian Oilfield Services (ASIAN) has completed a large 3D seismic survey over the Taza Block in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq using Wireless Seismic’s real-time, radio-based RT System 2 seismic data acquisition system. The acquisition project sets a new world record for the number of seismic channels transmitted cable-free in real time by deploying over 13,000 channels with an active recording patch of 6,400 channels.
Oil Search, operator of the Taza PSC and contractor to the Ministry of Natural Resources, contracted ASIAN to conduct the 636 km2 survey over the extremely rugged terrain of the Taza Block that included very rough access for the line crews and the vibrator fleet, extreme heat, pre-existing minefields, and the explosive remnants of war.
“We are very impressed with the reduced HSE exposure and other benefits that eliminating cables have delivered without compromising the data quality,” stated Nigel Wilson, General Manager of Exploration, Oil Search. “I am pleased to be able to report that we completed the survey safely.”
“The scalability of the RT System 2 became truly apparent as the crew deployed 13,000 channels across a large area of hilly terrain,” continued Wilson. “Another major benefit from the elimination of cables was the reduced interference by farmers as they recommenced work in their fields in October, after the onset of the first rains.”
“The real-time QC and noise monitoring was especially useful, allowing us to continuously monitor the status of the spread despite significant noise bursts from cultural and other activities inside and outside the survey area from time to time,” explained Wilson.
“We are delighted that the RT System 2 has been used to conduct another large 3D survey in the rough terrain of the Kurdistan region,” said Mick Lambert, President & CEO of Wireless Seismic. “This project has proven, beyond doubt, that the system is capable of tackling the most challenging large-scale projects while delivering significant HSE benefits compared to other systems. We would like to thank Oil Search and ASIAN for choosing Wireless Seismic on this occasion.”
About Oil Search Limited
Oil Search Limited is an oil and gas exploration and development company established in Papua New Guinea (PNG) in 1929. Most of the Company’s assets are located in PNG, where it holds oil and gas production and exploration licenses plus a 29% interest in the US$19 billion PNG LNG Project operated by ExxonMobil. Oil Search also has exploration interests in the Middle East and North Africa, focused on oil opportunities that offer the potential for significant growth and value upside.
About ASIAN
Asian Oilfield Services Limited (ASIAN), headquartered in India, provides Geophysical, Drilling and Well services across the Indian sub-continent and other regions in the Middle East and Asia. ASIAN’s services include 2D and 3D seismic data acquisition and processing, topographic surveying, continuous core drilling for mineral and CBM exploration, wire-line logging, and directional core drilling to target shallow horizons.
About Wireless Seismic
Wireless Seismic, Inc. is revolutionizing onshore seismic data acquisition with RT System 2, the industry’s only fully scalable wireless seismic recording system with real-time data transmission. Headquartered in Sugar Land, Texas, with offices worldwide, the company’s recording systems enable contractors to efficiently tackle the most challenging projects by delivering commercially compelling solutions for conventional surveys and passive monitoring for hydraulic fracturing.