Oslo, Norway: Petroleum Geo Services (PGS) plans to accelerate the roll out of its GeoStreamer technology.
The GeoStreamer contains two sets of sensors; in addition to conventional hydrophones, it also contains velocity sensors. By combining the two sensors, the sea surface reflection can be removed, thus allowing the streamers to be towed at any depth without compromising the low or the high frequencies in the reflected signals.
The GeoStreamers are towed significantly deeper than conventional streamers, yielding data with higher quality and less noise, as the effects of the sea surface waves become negligible. The deeper towing also means that the weather window can be extended.
Furthermore, since the sea-surface reflection is removed, the broader bandwidth yields data with much higher resolution, and the ability to see considerably deeper than normal.
After viewing the results of the new streamer, the company has decided to convert half of its 3D fleet to GeoStreamer technology by the end of 2010.
The new product offers improved data quality, broader bandwidth, reduced noise, wider weather window and great operational efficiency around thte world.
During 2010, three of PGS' Ramform-class vessels will operate with the GeoStreamer, bringing the 3D GeoStreamer fleet to four vessels and adding to the current four 2D vessels. Another 3D vessel will be upgraded in 2011.
The first vessel is due for upgrade next month.