Why does the microseismic sounding method attract special attention at all?
As it turned out, in the course of many years of field research using this method, it is quite inexpensive to "see" such geological objects, which by any other geophysical methods either differ only at the level of suspicion and guesswork, or the cost of such visualisation is excessively high. Such objects are deep tectonic faults and fracture zones, which are usually fluid-conducting or magma channels. This circumstance is of particular importance in geological exploration and prospecting operations.
What is the essence of the technology?
Geological structures in the depths of a mountain range reflect and refract the seismic waves passing through them in a certain way. Microseisms are also seismic waves. Passing through the studied geological structures, microseisms undergo delays in the run and amplitude changes that can be recorded on the Earth's surface. In the microseismic sounding method, these amplitude changes are analyzed, and the geometry and properties of geological objects in depth are estimated from these changes.
In what areas does your method apply?
The application of the method has shown its effectiveness in three areas: 1) exploration of ore bodies (in problems of the exploration and the search of copper, gold, diamonds, uranium, etc.); 2) exploration and evaluation of hydrocarbons; 2) complex engineering problems in the design and construction of complex engineering structures (dams, culverts, tunnels, hydro and nuclear power plants), in the field of security (monitoring of landslides, clusters, faults)
Does your technology pose a risk to the environment?
The measurements are non-invasive, the maximum depth of the sensors location is 30 cm.
What is your technology differs from other related methods of passive seismic survey?
The Main difference from most methods of passive seismic survey is informative signal, which is used in the method, namely, micro-seismic sensing is used, the amplitude variation of the initial microseismic field formed deep geological structures, and most other methods of passive seismic survey used the time between two spatial points.
What is the difference between MSM and traditional SMT?
SMT is an active industrial seismic survey method that uses artificial sources of seismic waves, microseismic sounding is a passive method that uses a natural background microseismic field as a sounding signal.
What kind of equipment do you use?
Standard equipment is used, which is manufactured in Canada, France, Russia and China.
How long does the survey take?
Obtaining a 2D or 3D model containing 500 points in the network for a depth range from 0 to 20 km with a spatial step of 200-300 meters, including the preparation of a technical report, will take 2 months. Reducing the depth of research does not reduce the time, but reducing the spatial step between measurement points can increase the total project time by 1.5 times or more.
How quickly can you get to the site?
The mobilisation can be carried out within one to two weeks, depending on the complexity of the site and the work plans.
How do you process the information you receive?
To get an image of geological objects in the study area, a network or measurement profiles are split above them. We measure spectra of the microseismic field at points on the network with broadband seismometers. Based on the measured spectra, maps of the distribution of the amplitude perturbations of the initial microseismic field for each frequency in the signal spectrum are constructed over the entire measurement network. Then these maps are recalculated in the variations of the seismic wave velocities in plan and depth, and a 3D or 2D model of the geological object is obtained in the parameters of the seismic wave velocities.
How accurately can you show the location for exploratory drilling?
Since 2007, more than 30 wells with a depth of 1.5 km or more have been projected for drilling, as well as 3 adits. There was not a single case when drilling did not confirm the forecast for the MSM.
What benefits will the customer receive when using your technology?
A 50% reduction in the volume of exploration drilling, a minimum 20% reduction in the number of dry wells, and a minimum 3-4 times gain in time.
Where has your technology already been used?
Gazprom's facilities in Astrakhan and Krasnodar. Kimberlite deposits in Botswana and Arkhangelsk. Gold mine in Kyrgyzstan. Copper mine in Russia. Uranium mine in Russia.
How long has the company been around?
We have gone from scientific experiments to industrial applications during the period of 20 years.
Q: What is the scientific basis of your technology?
More than 70 articles have been published in the world's leading geophysical journals, the technology has been patented, and the results of MSM application have been discussed at international scientific conferences.
How is the technology developing now?
The company has its own R&D center for technology and software development.
Where does your technology work most effectively in the field of hydrocarbon production?
In conditions of complex natural terrain (mountains, slopes, rugged terrain), permafrost, in protected areas, as well as in conditions of intensively developed infrastructure.
Under what conditions is your technology not applicable?
Our technology can not be used for offshore deposits, for alluvial gold deposits.
What is the depth range and accuracy?
0-30 km in hydrocarbon problems, 0-6 km in ore body problems; 0-700 m in engineering problems. From our experience, it is known that at a depth of 1 km, the MSM has a spatial determination error of 50 meters. And proportionately.
Who chooses the profiles?
Geologist of the customer's company, if the customer is not a professional company, then in addition, the cost of work includes payment for the work of their own geologist Terravox