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Exxon Production Research Company

Roy K Warren

W Barry Weaver

Jesse G Robison

Richard E Duren

A geophysical prospecting method and apparatus that utilizes the harmonics and sub harmonics waves induced into the earth by the electric power grid. The amplitude-frequency data are converted to amplitude-depth data and further converted to a differential curve. The resulting differential curve is compared to known patterns of the interested geological features, such as hydrocarbon reservoir, to identify whether the features exist and at what depth such geological features lie.

Electric power grid induced geophysical prospecting method and apparatus

An underground prospecting method and apparatus that utilizes the harmonics and fractional harmonic waves induced into the earth by the electric power grid. The data are converted to amplitude-depth and phase-depth data. The resulting data may be plotted and are compared to known patterns of the interested underground features, such as hydrocarbon, water, minerals and cavities, to identify whether the features exist and at what depth such underground features lie.

The present invention involves service induction techniques to produce two-dimensional spatially continuous imaging of subsurface conditions for interpreting and verifying three-dimensional, spatially continuous imaging of subsurface conditions or for planning a survey using three-dimensional, spatially continuous imaging. A transmitter coil is placed in the surface of the earth with the axis of the core perpendicular to the surface of the earth. A surface probe including a horizontal coil and a vertical coil is located along the surface of the earth at a fixed offset from the transmitter. Application of an alternating current to a transmitter coil generates a primary magnetic field adjacent to the transmitter. Should the lines of force in the primary magnetic field intercept an intervening layer or area of contrasting resistivity or conductivity, an electromagnetic force is produced within the area of contrasting resistivity causing the contrasting layer to generate a secondary magnetic field between the surface probe and the area of contrasting resistivity. Both the primary and secondary coils induce corresponding signals in the horizontal and vertical coils of the surface probe. The transmitter coil is placed in a multiplicity of positions on the surface of the area being investigated, with the induced signals being recorded for each transmitter coil location until the surface induction survey is completed. From the secondary induction signals, resistivity measurement is indicative of the resistivity of the contrasting layers of pollution within the survey area are computed. The resistives are then contoured, producing two dimensional displays of distributions of pollutants within the survey area. The survey induction techniques may be conducted along with vertical induction techniques in order to interpret and verify vertical induction data or may be conducted separately before vertical induction techniques in order to plan a vertical induction survey.

Method and apparatus for spacially continuous two-dimensional imaging of

Methods and apparatus for measuring pollutants contaminating earth formation. Specifically, the invention involves the three dimensional, spatially continuous imaging of sub surface conditions using electromagnetic induction techniques. The technique utilizes the resistivity of near surface volumes of earth formation in order to determine and graphically represent the magnitude and migration of pollutants. Included in the invention are the logging techniques and apparatus as well as the method of converting the captured data into a pseudo resistivity log suitable for a three dimensional imaging of sub surface conditions.

Method and apparatus for measuring pollutants contaminating earth

Radar is used to detect and map near-surface geochemical alteration of rock and soil. The radar waves penetrate a buildup of carbonate and silica on the earth surface above micro-seepage of hydrocarbons dissolved in water. The hydrocarbon source may be an oil or gas reservoir buried many thousands of feet, or it may be from near-surface, man-made features. The thickness and sensitivity of the buildup is related to the size of the underground source or reservoir. Radar echoes from the bottom of the buildup provide a reservoir detection and mapping tool.

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Houston, TX, United States of America

Roy K Warren