The integrity and quality of recorded seismic data is critical to the success of a seismic acquisition program. In order to achieve the best quality seismic data, recording instrumentation and seismic sources should perform as per manufacturer’s specifications. This will ensure that all controllable aspects of the acquisition process are functioning as best possible and thus obtain the best response from less controllable aspects such as ground and subsurface conditions. It is therefore very important to check this technical functionality and correct any issues before the survey starts.
Seismic recording instruments have built in diagnostic software to check system integrity and run a suite of tests to check the status of the ground equipment. The instrumentation is also capable of monitoring Vibroseis and explosive source attributes to ensure the quality of the generated seismic signal meets client and industry standards. However, this is not the whole story and it is highly recommended that an independent assessment of instrumentation and source performance is done to verify and comply with manufacturers’ specifications and thus provide the client or customer with the necessary added assurance.
GEO Resources offers a Technical Audit service for land seismic specifically for this purpose to independently check the seismic equipment in the field meets the technical specifications. Alternatively, if travel conditions dictate otherwise and auditor field presence is not possible, technical audit data can be acquired by the seismic contractor and sent to a GEO Resources engineer for independent processing, evaluation and feedback. All GEO Resources engineers are very experienced and knowledgeable and thus capable of quickly identifying any issues and deficiencies that would need to be rectified by the seismic contractor before the survey could start.
Technical audits are primarily carried out pre-survey startup but can also be useful post-survey and mid-survey on long term projects to confirm technical compliance throughout the period of a survey as equipment problems can occur anytime.
The GEO Resources land technical audit can be utilized for all types of recording systems (conventional, nodal, etc.) and all types of seismic energy sources (Vibroseis, explosive, etc.). Nodal recording systems in particular are at the forefront of new technology for land acquisition and the methodology of nodal system functionality can lead to a false sense of security. Recording is in effect “blind” with no real time data QC possible so it is vital that all nodes are fully charged and functioning correctly pre-deployment. As part of the technical audit process the node parameter setup, firmware consistency, and self-test compliance and schedule will all be checked and confirmed by the GEO Resources engineer. Post-deployment checks on the nodes will also be carried out before the start of acquisition is permitted.
The GEO Resources engineer will provide all the necessary equipment including a Sandwich Box vibrator tester to complete the audit and will be equipped with industry leading Seismatters software to process all the data acquired during the audit. At the end of the field visit the engineer will discuss the results with Contractor and Company representatives and generate a summary report for the Company. This will be followed within 14 days by a full audit report.
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The technical audit scope of work shall include, but not be limited to:
• Recording system: accuracy, acceptance and full set of instrument tests.
• Vibroseis source: full sets of tests to determine the performance of the vibrators using an independent vibrator test system (Sandwich box); vibrator visual inspection and critical operating system checks; GPS positioning verification, accuracy and repeatability.
• Explosive source: full set of tests to determine the performance of the shooting (detonation) systems and timing accuracy.
• Geophones: visual inspection and full set of tests on a representative sample of geophones using a Sensor geophone tester.
• Nodes: parameter setup and firmware confirmation, self-test checks and schedule setup, data management and charging system review, metadata output as per client requirements, deployment methods and ground coupling checks, etc.
• Other equipment as required e.g. refraction/uphole recording systems.
• Survey equipment (available if requested): review of equipment checks, calibration tests on GPS receivers, and GPS static control networks.
• HSE is a primary concern on all seismic field crews and as a matter of course all GRC Int’l engineers are experienced in all aspects of HSE management systems applicable to seismic operations. They will observe and report/advise on any HSE awareness issues or concerns observed during the audit.
Why use GEO Resources for technical audits?
• Comprehensive independent analysis of equipment performance.
• Quick identification of equipment deficiencies allowing timely rectification of issues.
• Carried out by highly experienced and knowledgeable engineers.
• Technical data processed and analysed using leading edge Seismatters software.
• Provides the client and customer with guaranteed technical assurance of the systems being used.
• All our engineers have worked extensively with the latest in-field technology.
• All our engineers will produce a confidential report that can be used for implementing improvements.
• The overall aim of the audit is to work alongside the contractor’s personnel to improve data quality, and suggest improvements for the long-term benefit of the crew and client.
It is GEO Resources’ aim to work with and not against the contractor to achieve the best possible outcome for the client in terms of crew efficiency and seismic data quality. The purpose of a technical audit is to identify and rectify any equipment deficiencies in order to maximize a crew’s technical performance.
The GEO Resources engineer will also evaluate the competency of the crew key personnel and review maintenance and quality control procedures. Advice will be provided and recommendations made where possible to improve best practices and overall crew productivity.