Single-sensor technology – the experience in Kuwait

In early 2004, KOC conducted the first single-sensor onshore 3D seismic survey in the Gulf area because of the increasing need to image the complexity of the potential hydrocarbon traps. The motivation was also to understand the fracture and pressure regimes within multiple reservoirs, ranging from the Cretaceous down through the Jurassic to the potential new plays in the deep Permian formations. Detailed analysis of the 3D pilot study carried out over the Minagish oil field showed that the technique is capable of delivering accurate images and detailed reservoir properties. Since then, the company has acquired and processed several single-sensor 3D seismic surveys over its major oilfields and prospective areas in Kuwait. Recently, KOC designed the largest, high-resolution, full-azimuth, long-offset 3D seismic survey worldwide, which is currently being acquired with 210,000 channels in North Kuwait to achieve several challenging exploration and development objectives.