CTI Technical Expertise
Exploration
Exploration
- Surface Geochemical Exploration, SGE
CTI is a recognized leader in the development and application of surface geochemical exploration for oil and gas (What is SGE). Several years of R&D with industry cooperation have resulted in a highly sophisticated surface exploration technique (called GEL) using advanced numerical analysis for micro-seep detection and seep rate quantification. When used in conjunction with conventional exploration tools, the exploration success rate is significantly increased (GEL Track Record). For more information on GEL we refer to our GEL in-depth online seminar.
The staff of CTI has more practical experience at hand in a large variety of SGE methods than any other service company or oil company. This hand's on experience has been condensed into an extensive SGE seminar (Education) covering theory, concepts, applications, case histories, limitations, pitfalls, fraud cases, and the scientific non-sense sometimes associated with SGE proposals. There is also additional information in SGE Literature and SGE FAQs.
CTI/CTE continue R&D efforts to further enhance its in-house technology. BEL is presently a research project with U of AC (RWTH Aachen), Germany.
- Subsurface Geochemical Exploration, SSGE
There is widespread proof that geochemical prospect appraisal incorporated into drilling assessment and drilling risk in exploration areas has a significant impact on exploration success. With SSGE technology (SSGE Basics), questions such as those listed below can be addressed:
- Were hydrocarbons (HC) generated in the basin or subbasin?
- Did the trap receive HC?
- What kind and how much HC were generated?
- What is/was the migration direction?
- Can we get some conformation on our geologic assumptions on HC migration and HC reservoir filling from actual data?
- Could biodegradation be a problem?
- Were there multiple phases of HC generation and migration?
- What were the conditions for HC generation/migration and how do these relate to geologic basin evolution?
The "classical" exploration geochemistry focuses on these questions by examining potential source rock candidates and their quality/quantity and regional distribution. Geochemical lab experiments allow predictive calculations from immature source beds in outcrops or shallow basin parts on HC type and HC volume in HC kitchens deep in the basin with no access. Geochemical fingerprinting techniques allow the trained geochemist to relate seeps and oils back to their source(s), and to trace the migration of oil throughout the basin. Geochemical procedures can predict oil or gas charge, and the quality of the HC; and the geochemist advices exploration on opportunities and risks that remain otherwise unknown when the focus is limited on trap style or trap size.
Finally, CTI is focusing on a unique way of geochemical exploration by using existing reservoir compositional data to identify new geochemical subsurface fairways from proximity modeling.
- Reservoir Geochemistry, RG
Reservoir Geochemistry is a tool using detailed, high resolution geochemical data procedures to obtain specific and detailed parameters that provide answers to questions such:
- Is the reservoir body continuous or compartmentalized?
- Do modeling results on watering out predictions hold up with actual situations?
- Are the reservoir fluids of mixed origin?
- Are sections of the reservoir affected from biodegradation or water washing?
- In case of multiple production horizons: What HC is produced from what zone?
- Petroleum System Analysis and Basin Modeling, PSA
Petroleum System Analysis is an integrative approach using geochemical, geologic, and hydraulic data in a basin to conceptually model and simulate basin development from early basin formation, subsidence, structural and tectonic events, hydrocarbon generation, migration and emplacement through geologic time. PSA and basin modeling are tools that constrains the explorationist to a few working models and to reject assumptions that turn out to be impossible or less likely. PSA and basin modeling answer the question of HC being available in a basin before, at, or after trap formation. PSA helps to minimize exploration risk by assessing exploration areas in a basin with maximum and least potential to find reservoir hydrocarbons.
- Geochemistry of Carbonates and Sulfur and Sulfate Reduction Systems, C&SG
Sulfur and Sulfate are common constituents of many carbonate sedimentary regimes. Both biological and thermal reactions in the subsurface involving sulfur species and reservoir hydrocarbons can lead to significant reservoir degradation up to complete destruction of hydrocarbons or severe degradation of hydrocarbon quality. Detailed analysis of geological, hydrogeological and geochemical data can predict critical areas or depth horizons with reservoirs of potential for sulfate reduction and extensive sulfur reactions ahead of expensive drilling.
- Exploration for and Development of Coal Bed Methane, CBM
The personnel at CTI have participated in a number of CBM projects with the goal to identify areas of CBM potential and to test CBM wells. Studies and field work include a large scale study on CBM in the Ruhr-District in Germany, numerous studies and degasification experiments for Canadian Hunter, and, more recently, initial assessments of CBM in the interior Rocky Mountains of B.C., and Northern Ontario, Canada. Coal bed methane will be a significant contributor for gas production in the future on a global scale.
Environmental
- Environmental (Forensic) Geochemistry & Biotechnology (EGB)
Many procedures routinely used in surface and subsurface geochemistry can also be applied – directly or indirectly – in environmental studies. Here, rather than following strict guidelines set by EPA or the equivalent "recipes" of other countries, environmental geochemistry and biotechnology use the approach of specifically designed geochemical procedures to answer specific questions (What is EGB). These questions are usually related to origin, timing and pathway of contamination processes that cannot be answered from standard, routine procedures requested by law or regulations. In essence, environmental Forensic Geochemistry / Biotechnology attempts to reconstruct contamination processes through time and space according to the "Polluter Pay Principle". An array of forensic-geochemical, biotechnical (i.e. ForGeo HC, ForGeo MKW, ForGeo CHC, ForGeo CKW, ForGeo SM, ForGeo FS,) and numerical methods (NSA, NQA) may be used to decipher contaminant sources and timing of critical events.
Since polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) are of particular interest in environmental protection programs.
Environmental biotechnology assists in the effort to clarify such contamination processes and assesses the potential for bioremediation and natural attenuation. Many questions of environmental concern circle around biodegradation and in-situ pathways to accomplish such degradation of spilled dangerous compounds and goods. Furthermore, biotechnical approaches such as Genetic Coding are used to trace and identify a number of goods in international transit for insurance purposes and potential criminal investigation later.
CTI/CTE has conducted numerous EGB projects: ReferenceBRD
For further information you may also Contact Us or refer to Education.
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