Sensor Technology Allows Better Visibility in Tracking Fluids

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, 218 billion barrels of bypassed oil remains in the continental U.S. states at depths of less than 5,000 feet.

System Acts as MRI for Measuring Field Properties

GroundMetrics’ systems can see in between and far beyond wellbores, providing multi-mile resistivity imaging. The company’s systems have a depth capability of more than 10,000 feet and a lateral range of over 2 miles from the boreholes.

On conventional oil fields, GroundMetric’s technology measures electric field properties, determining whether fluid is conductive – which indicates water – or oil, which is resistive. Eiskamp compares it to taking an MRI.

“We can increase a company’s drilling rate success by enabling them to identify fluid types,” said Eiskamp. “We can also show them oil and water barriers and movement so they can get the most production. That’s how we compare and contrast with normal seismic.”

GroundMetrics’ technology has been successfully tested on five oil fields, and has received positive reviews from independent parties. Last year, Chevron Corp. outlined in a public presentation the benefits the technology would have on hydraulic fracturing, with returns of 5 to 20 percent by optimizing frac fluid pumping. This doesn’t include savings realized from drilling fewer wells, which is a major cost saver.

By using this technology, Eiskamp estimates the industry could realize savings of more than $20 billion per year.

Eiskamp said GroundMetrics’ solution has great potential for hydraulic fracturing treatments, given the limitations of existing technology – microseismic, tilt, and tracer technology.


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