New Induced Seismicity Monitoring Network in the Duvernay Zone

Nanometrics has announced the July 1st start of a new frac-monitoring subscription network in the Duvernay zone near Fox Creek, Alberta. This induced seismicity monitoring (ISM) network uses the same highly sensitive and accurate technology used by regulators, putting subscribing operators and regulators on the same page, seeing the same seismic data, with a greater level of detail.

The Duvernay ISM network helps subscribing operators comply with AER Subsurface Order No 2: to monitor for seismic activity near frac operations by following a traffic-light protocol, and to alert operators of yellow-light conditions so they can prevent earthquakes of 4.0 ML or greater from occurring while fracking. The magnitude (ground motion) data from the ISM array also helps subscribers/operators understand the impact of induced seismicity on infrastructure, well sites and near-by communities. “It helps protect our customers from a shut-down order on a neighbouring lease, and helps them protect their investment already in place,” said David Shorey, vice president, Nanometrics Oil & Gas Division.

Nanometrics congratulates Athabasca Oil Corporation--the first operator to subscribe to the Duvernay ISM array. They, and other subscribing operators, benefit from real cost savings for real-time monitoring of seismic events during hydraulic fracturing operations. Each operator can view earthquake events and notifications through a private customized web portal. The data include magnitude estimates using Local Richter (Ml) magnitude scales with great accuracy; and event cross-references to regional and National Resources Canada (NRCan) event postings. Seismic data from regional networks is also captured and used.

"With the Duvernay ISM subscription, our customers can meet the regulatory mandate cost effectively, and with our equipment, they know it’s scientifically sound,” said Dario Baturan, Nanometrics’ director of technical operations. Nanometrics proprietary broadband seismometers can detect, identify and locate low frequency events, unlike typical geophones in use. The Duvernay ISM network is supported by Nanometrics data centre staffed 24/7 to provide analysis at a moment’s notice. Subscribing operators fully benefit from the company’s open approach to science, as Nanometrics experts will walk them through the science and processing steps and, upon request, review the data with the regulators.

Adapted from a press release by David Bizley

Read the article online at: https://www.oilfieldtechnology.com/drilling-and-production/17072015/new-induced-seismicity-monitoring-network-in-the-duvernay-zone/