Innovative and unique in Europe – 3D seismological exploration for OMV

DMT has been exploring natural gas and mineral oil reserves and geothermal energy potential on behalf of OMV and WienEnergie in Austria.

 

 

This is one of the biggest 3D seismology projects in Central Europe – since December 2017, on an area of 780 km², DMT has been exploring natural gas and mineral oil reserves and geothermal energy potential on behalf of OMV and WienEnergie in Austria. The project is currently in its second phase.

In September 2018, DMT received the follow-up contract for the second phase of exploration of natural gas and mineral oil reserves and geothermal energy potential in Austria. Head of Segment, Thorsten Müller, sees it as a sign of how satisfied the clients, OMV and WienEnergie, have been with DMT’s performance to date. Between autumn 2018 and spring 2019, an additional 23,000 excitation points in Schönkirchen and Donaustadt will be explored.

As in the first contract, DMT will be using the innovative slip-sweep technology – instead of working with only three or four vibration vehicles, as is the convention, several groups of vibration vehicles are currently in use at the same time in Austria. At intervals of 20 seconds, a total of four groups of three vehicles excite seismic signals in parallel, with an overlap in terms of time.

“With this technology, we receive the measurement results four times as fast as with conventional methods,” reports Rüdiger Misiek, head of the project. “And yet we can achieve this with a minimal ecological footprint and highly precise data.” Mr Misiek believes slip-sweep technology represents a quantum leap for seismic exploration technology: “Our clients appreciate the use of this highly productive excitation technology. And not only because of the increased cost efficiency, but also because of the further reduction in environmental impact and health risks for individuals.”

In addition to slip-sweep technology, wireless seismology is also in use for this contract, something that was previously mainly used for assignments in the desert. This method uses wireless geophones to permit the use of large numbers of signal sensors.

The method perfectly complements slip-sweep technology. OMV and WienEnergie are currently planning a third phase of the project.