GEL in a Nutshell
GEL is one of several SGE methods offered to aid oil and gas exploration. The initial development of the GEL system dates back to the former Gulf Oil approach of Dr. Victor Jones' group at former Gulf Oil, collecting a free soil gas sample at depth away from intense biogenic soil activity and quantifying the HC gas volumes in these samples.
Subsequent work at CTI confirmed the frequent claim of a seep response over many fields and prospects as recognized in these surface HC gases, however, the variable noise level and false signal response in these data required a substantial improvement to increase the diagnostic value of surface gas data.
This improvement was achieved from numerical data processing similar to seismic data processing to enhance the S/N ratio in these surface gas data. Based on high quality, state of the art chromatography lab data, the numerical process involves the systematic search for a seep fingerprint signal and numerical identification and quantification of noise- and signal sources. This entire field sampling / analytical / numerical data processing / data evaluation system is termed GEL, Geochemical Exploration Lead.
The GEL recording system is the most advanced and most sensitive micro-seep system available today. It is based on rigid, systematic, and logical scientific approach that the user can follow step by step and fully comprehend.
In essence, the GEL procedure systematically reduces inherent and abundant noise data wherever and whenever possible. The system is specifically designed to search and detect a defined seep signal, thus, any requirements for templates or "learning data sets" are not required (and, in fact, not desirable!).
What are the key advantages of the incorporation of GEL surface data into conventional exploration programs?
- GEL is a low cost, high information value adjunct tool for oil & gas exploration.
- GEL can be used to evaluate prospects or exploration fairways.
- GEL can be applied for prospect ranking purposes.
- GEL can be applied in a reconnaissance mode to screen large acreages for their exploration potential. Thus, GEL data maximize exploration dollars for acreage/block biding.
- GEL seep signals predict subsurface oil or gas.
- The lack of a surface GEL seep signal is associated with substantial drilling risk.
- The presence of a GEL surface seep signal translates into substantial exploration success when positive GEL surface indications are combined with positive subsurface information. In fact the core aspect of the GEL system is the presence or absence of a GEL seep response at the surface.
- GEL can be applied in almost any environment, from offshore to onshore.
- GEL field sampling is environmentally friendly; no site or track disturbances.
- GEL surveys can be applied for prospects from 50m depths up to 5000m.
- GEL is an extremely powerful exploration tool for shallow gas plays.
- GEL data can be used to confirm basin modeling results.
- GEL surveys can be applied in environmental issues involving oil contamination in soils and groundwater.
- GEL is not a substitute for dedicated subsurface data evaluation and assessment.
- GEL is not an absolute guarantee for exploration success (see GEL Track Record).
- GEL cannot predict the target depth.
- GEL cannot predict reservoir economics.
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