Area 1 3D Seismic Survey
RPS provided Al Yasat Petroleum Operating Company with a full range of QC/ QA and audit services during this major high-production, high-fold 3D desert seismic survey in a remote region of Abu Dhabi.
Key details
Project name
Area 1 3D Seismic Survey
Client
Al Yasat Petroleum Operating Company
Location
Area1, Abu Dhabi
Services provided
Seismic QC Supervision
HSE Supervision
Geodetic Supervision
In-Field Processing Supervision
Technical Audit
Ad Hoc UXO / ERW Advice
Start date: December 2017
Key milestones:
- Completion of major project with no HSE incidents
- Completion of project within budget and with good data quality
Completion date: August 2018
Challenge
This was a detailed 3D study covering a variety of desert terrains including sand dunes and subkhat (salt) strip. There was also the added challenge of a wilderness reserve and a military firing range.
Summer-time temperatures regularly exceeded the mid-40s Cº so management of heat-related stress was essential for all field workers.
The aim was to acquire a high quality full azimuth dataset at a reasonable cost to merge with previously acquired 3D data in adjacent areas.
Solution
The programme used modern high production techniques to acquire the seismic data. This included the use of up to 14 seismic vibrators operating independently in “slip sweep” mode in order to maximise production. In a subsequent phase of the programme the crew started night-time operations to further increase production rates.