Cases

MTEM Defines Extent of Potential
Hydrocarbon Charge

North Sea Viking GrabenComparison of the results from seismic data with Multi-Transient electromagnetic data over this prospect illu-strates the value of combining the two complementary techniques. The seismic indicates amplitudes brightening towards the fault (on left), whilst this trend is opposite to the EM trend, where the bright spot is closer to the old (dry) well. The EM response could be due to increased resistivity in the target, or increased thickness; both potentially indicating increased quantity of hydrocarbons (higher saturation or thicker pay). The existing well location appears to be too far to the right to pick up this prospect. Additionally, there is a fault running down to the left which can be seen on the seismic and is also seen in the Multi-Transient EM data.

To accelerate the entry into the high growth EM market, PGS purchased the UK based company MTEM Limited (Multi-Transient EM) in June 2007. MTEM technology is differentiated from that used by a group of competitors in that for the marine environment it is cable, rather than node based, which allows real-time quality control and data storage. Furthermore, the patented method is applicable onshore and in any depth of water, and comes from a distinct and separate research stream than the CSEM method used by many competitors. PGS Multi-Transient EM had two onshore crews active during 2007 and it conducted a marine campaign in October in the North Sea. By the close of 2007, operations were integrated into PGS and enable Multi-Transient EM to benefit from PGS’ global infrastructure.