Extended High Resolution (XHR) Seismikk for Kartlegging og Monitorering av CO₂ reservoarer.

Background and purpose of the project
The project is driven by the Applicant’s belief that by refocusing seismic technology and expertise, it is possible to offer seismic imaging solutions that can cost-effectively meet the requirements of the growing CCS industry both in Norway and worldwide. The applicant has developed a technology for seismic mapping and monitoring of CO₂ reservoirs, called Extended High-Resolution (XHR), with the requirements for cost-effectiveness and better imaging in focus. The system enables detailed imaging of the rocks located above the reservoirs (overburden) in both the 3D and 4D sense, as well as monitoring of CO₂ gas front movements in the reservoir.

With a key role in the CCS development in Norway and Europe, Equinor has shown interest in the CCS application of the XHR technology. This has led to a collaboration between Applicant and Equinor in 2020 and 2021 where they have conducted a small-scale concept testing of the XHR technology over Sleipner. These small-scale tests yielded promising results and encouraged Equinor to further collaborate with the Applicant for a test of the full-scale XHR system in 2022.

Project description summary
The Applicant and Equinor plan to collaborate on acquiring, processing and analyzing a full-scale test of the XHR technology over Sleipner and the associated Knappen area. The fieldwork for this project will be carried out over the CO₂ reservoir on Sleipner. In addition, it is planned to collect data over a smaller block belonging to the Knappen area. Mobilization, demobilization and operational support for the test will be led from Magseis’ operational base at Tananger. Technical support will be provided from Magseis’ offices in Oslo. Geophysical and geology professionals are based in Magseis’ offices in Oslo and Equinor’s research and technology group in Trondheim. Data processing will be carried out from Equinor’s offices in Stavanger.

The project’s potential
The proposed project and its deliverables will confirm that XHR provides improved geophysical imaging of CO₂ reservoirs and overlying rocks. XHR technology makes it possible for all necessary seismic data to be acquired in a single acquisition without compromising monitoring requirements. This has the potential to reduce the costs associated with seismic monitoring of CO₂ reservoirs and at the same time reduce the operational environmental footprint. In addition, if successful, the project will commercialize the use of XHR technology for CCS applications, offering the potential to:
1) Improve image quality in overlying rocks that confirm storage integrity;
2) Improve reservoir level imaging to accurately monitor CO₂ movement.
3) Provide a cost-effective seismic solution for CO₂ monitoring;
4) Reduce environmental impact;
5) Improve the utilization of local vessels and equipment

Project Objectives (specific and measurable)
The project’s goal is to show that XHR provides improved imaging of CO₂ injection reservoirs and overlying rocks, in addition to being a cost-effective CO₂ monitoring solution with a smaller carbon footprint. The project could lead to the technology being qualified as a CCS tool for Equinor and the technology being qualified as a CCS tool for potential other national and international operators for CO₂ storage. The parameters that will be used to confirm the results include: 1)Test and optimize. 2) Compare XHR seismic image with conventional data to demonstrate higher resolution; 3) Successful project execution and demonstration offshore.

Test planning
– Optimize test location
– Focus on the area of injected CO₂
– Datasets for comparing already existing technology
– Operation planning
– Permits
– Schedule simultaneous operations in the area
– Define parameter tests
– Define success criteria

Mobilization (Magseis Operations Base in Stavanger)
– Initial testing of the system on land
– Installation of XHR equipment on the vessel
– Vessel transit to the test site

Initial offshore XHR system test
– Operational
– Technical

Acquisition of data for parameter optimization

Acquisition of 3D and 4D XHR data over planned polygons
– Sleipner
– Knappen

Quality control of acquired raw data

Demobilize equipment and personnel to Stavanger

Process XHR raw data

Interpret, compare and analyze XHR data
– Existing technologies
– Criteria for successful attempt

Develop internal and external scientific publications related to the project

What has the project done in terms of activities?

Activities related to Test planning, Mobilization, Initial XHR system test at sea, Acquisition of data for parameter optimization, Acquisition of 3D and 4D data, Quality control of acquired raw data and Demobilization of equipment and personnel have been carried out as of 5 September 2022.

Were the goals of the project achieved?

With somewhat minor change from the original test plan, all the goals have so far been achieved.

Future plans?

We are now continuing to work with Processing, Interpretation, Comparison and Analysis and Development of internal and external publications related to the project.