HEWLETT Packard and Shell are collaborating in the development of a wireless sensing system to acquire extremely high-resolution seismic data on land.
The duo are targeting delivery of a means of acquiring high-quality seismic data to accurately assess exploration prospects for commercial viability and to effectively monitor producing reservoirs.
By delivering a much higher channel count and a broader sensor frequency range than are currently available, the new system promises to vastly improve the quality of seismic data.
HP said it and Shell would use their complementary knowledge and experience to produce a ground-breaking solution to sense, collect and store geophysical data.
The system is designed to integrate seamlessly with Shell’s high-performance computing and seismic imaging environment and to be deployed safely and more cost-effectively than current systems.
“We think this will represent a leap forward in seismic data quality that will provide Shell with a competitive advantage in exploring difficult oil and gas reservoirs, such as sub-salt plays in the Middle East or unconventional gas in North America,” said Gerald Schotman, VP of innovation/research and development at Shell.
“As a result of this exciting collaboration, we expect to fully realise the potential of Shell’s processing and imaging technology on land.”
The new system will be delivered by HP Enterprise Services and includes a recent breakthrough in high-performance sensing technology from HP Labs, the company’s central research arm – and the company’s imaging and printing group.
Additionally, the system uses HP ProCurve networking products along with HP storage, computation and software products.
“These advances in technology to discover energy resources could transform the ability to pinpoint abundant new oil and gas reserves,” said Joe Eazor, senior vice-president and general manager, HP Enterprise Services.