3D Visualization for Oil and Gas Exploration
If a picture is worth a thousand words, a
three-dimensional image of the intricate nooks and crannies of an
underground rock formation that may contain an oil or natural gas
deposit is worth many times more. The U of C's Calgary Centre for Innovative
Technology provides geologists, engineers and other petrochemical
industry officials with a full-size facility, the Schlumberger iCentre, which transforms raw data into large three-dimensional images of
underground formations.
The technology, which melds three-dimensional
modeling software used for mapping and other applications with full-size
projection systems, gives full size views of structures and formations
that can reveal much to the trained eye.
The projection screen is mounted in a theatre that
can host large groups of people, as well as teleconferencing, enabling
collaboration and interpretation that can pinpoint specific attributes
of a potential or existing oil or gas deposit. The three-dimensional
visualization system is tied in with powerful computers so that a
variety of data can be integrated into a presentation.
For the analysis of the potential of oil or gas
reservoirs, researchers can view a three-dimensional spatially
integrated view of the reservoir by displaying well, geological,
seismic, reservoir, and production data. This integrated view speeds
interpretation of the data and can also limit errors before investment
decisions are made.
Oil industry production managers can also use the
three-dimensional imaging to plan their drilling and other field
operations, helping to maximize the recoverable resources from a
particular oil or gas reservoir.
iCentre: Reservoir Characterization for Secondary and
Tertiary Reserves Recovery
The Heritage Community Foundation is pleased to
present this feature article, courtesy of the Calgary Centre for
Innovative Technology.
The Petrochemical Industry in Alberta, across Canada,
and around the world has a new level of sophistication when it comes to
oil and gas exploration. The Schlumberger iCentre offers
three-dimensional imagery of potential reservoirs, and enhances the
ability of the oil industry officials to find such reservoirs.
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