Oil and Gas Exploration Solutions

Full Tensor Gradient

Applications in Oil
and Gas Exploration

One of the more intriguing innovations to reach the oil and gas
exploration industry in some time is a former U.S. Navy “stealth”
technology commercialized by Bell Geospace. The advanced
system uses Full Tensor Gradient (FTG) technology developed
originally for Trident submarine navigation to image the seafloor
and subsurface geology.

FTG is stimulating interest due to its high sensitivity (1X10-11) and

potential to map very minute density changes in the subsurface.
The result is a unique tool to assist geologists and geophysicists in
searching for oil and gas at the prospect level.

From Theory to Application The technology is based on measuring

the gradient of earth’s gravity vector field in three principal directions.
The nine resulting components can then be displayed in the following
tensor matrix:

Txx Txy Txz

Ti,j = Tyx Tyy Tyz
Tzx Tzy Tzz

The matrix can be simplified since Tyx = Txy, Tzx = Txz, and
Tzy = Tyz. In addition, the diagonal elements are related through
the equation:

Tzz = -(Txx + Tyy)

Ultimately, the tensor components reduce to a system of five

independent constraints that can then be used to yield unique
information about the subsurface.

A key application of FTG data according to Bell Geospace is to

image subsurface anomalies that cause problems for traditional
seismic surveys; for example, seismic data can become defocused
in areas having strong velocity contrasts. FTG data respond to
density variations meaning that it can “see” through velocity
contrasts. Another advantage in these areas is that they are free
from masking, reflecting or refracting effects that adversely affect
seismic data. The ultimate objective is to integrate the five FTG
constraints with seismic and well data to significantly increase the Example of tensor components from a cubical source (location show by the white square).

accuracy of subsurface images.

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 Oil and Gas Exploration Solutions

Data Acquisition and Processing

Data are acquired from ship-borne FTG systems in conjunction with

seismic data. Following acquisition, data are then georeferenced
(i.e. oriented to real world coordinates), formatted into lines
and lineleveled using Geosoft’s Oasis montaj™ Mapping and
Processing system.

Line formatting consists of removing data acquired during boat turns

and ordering the remaining information into discrete lines for further
processing. Line data is then leveled to correct for instrument drift
and other effects.
Original seismic interpretation on left with the gradient optimized interpretation on right. The
subsalt anticline on right Corresponds with a significant discovery in The Gulf of Mexico.

Case Histories and Projects

One area in which FTG data is being used is the Gulf of Mexico.
This area is dominated by complex salt and subsalt structures that
complicate seismic interpretations. In one case history, FTG results
were compared with the original interpretation of a subsalt horizon
mapped from a 3D seismic dataset (see top figure). Another area
of potential applicability is the North Sea – where a second Bell
gradiometer is currently being mobilized. This area is characterized by
basalt sills that can degrade seismic data (see bottom figure).

Cross section showing geologic model and computed gravity and gradient responses in the
North Sea. The modeled Gravity shows a regional response while the two gradient components
respond to the basalt sill shape and thickness and Sub-basalt structure.

Top figure: Raw data prior to line leveling.

Bell Geospace uses Geosoft Oasis montaj™
to remove unwanted drift effects.
Bell Geospace
2 Northpoint Dr.
Suite 250
Houston, TX 77060

Phone: +1 (281) 591- 6900

Fax: +1 (281) 591-1985

www.bellgeo.com
Bottom figure: Leveled data. The result
is a dataset that has higher spatial frequency
and that yields better Imaging resolution.

Geosoft Inc. Geosoft Software & Solutions featured in this story.

+1 (416) 369-0111 Oasis montaj Earth Mapping Software
www.geosoft.com
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