Seismic Data Collation: Ringing the Bell of Oil

Philux Energy aims to be recognized as a responsible partner for our host communities and partners, and the protection of the marine environment is given utmost high priority when Philux Energy conducts its seismic acquisitions.

Seismic data from acoustic waves is one of our most important tools for discovering new oil and gas-bearing reservoirs hidden beneath the surface. Collecting geophysical information is based on the same principles as medical ultrasound, but on a hugely different scale.

High quality data from seismic analysis enhance the probability of exploration success and have been collected onshore and offshore worldwide for almost a century. Seismic vessels bounce sound waves off sub-surface rock structures, and pick up the “echo” using sophisticated microphones.

The data can then be used to identify geological structures and layers, locate potential traps, and sometimes directly predict the presence of hydrocarbons.

Seismic surveying is not only used to search for hydrocarbons, but it is also an important prospecting implement to monitor the drainage of reservoirs in order to increase recovery. Notably, there are different types of technologies used for acquisition, processing, imaging and interpretation.

However, seismic data cannot eliminate sub-surface risk—the data only show the potential for the rock holding oil and gas. To truly determine if it actually holds oil and gas, an exploration well has to be drilled.