The geophone has a low natural frequency of 4.5 Hz, which, the company explains, benefits the comparison of shear (S) waves to compressional (P) waves in multicomponent studies relative to normal geophones.

The "Full Tilt" geophone operates in any orientation without distortion. A position sensor keeps the coil in its center position through a feedback arrangement. A fraction of the feedback current, proportional to the tilt, is added to the seismic signal. In this way, the Z-component of a three-axis arrangement can be automatically determined by vector rotation in a first processing step. The electronically gimballed geophone is based on a modified standard sized geophone. The electronics add only 10 mm to its standard length, which is negligible compared to mechanical gimbal arrangements.

According to SEND, the absence of gimbal mechanics, low power consumption and compact size of the new geophone make it particularly suitable for bottom-referenced and single-node seabed seismic systems. The company says that it can also overcome orientation problems in multicomponent seismic acquisition systems deployed in remote environments such as boreholes or deep water.

Model building made easy

Paradigm has upgraded its SolidGeo structural framework model building solution, taking the structural modeling process from the domain of expert users and putting it in the hands of generalist interpreters.

The latest release includes mature model-building technologies that enable interpreters to create solid models as quickly and easily as they build maps. As part of Paradigm's Epos 3 Second Edition product suite, the model can be built concurrently with interpretation and can be refined as the interpreter's insight progresses.

"For the intepreter, the ability to present a comprehensive 3-D model of the interpreted data greatly enhances the geological accuracy of the interpretation," said Phil Neri, vice president-technology - interpretation, earth modeling and drilling solutions. "It facilitates a unified and geometrically consistent approach for the integration of geological and geophysical data and helps reduce the risk of missing a drilling target or coming up with a dry hole."

For more information, visit www.paradigmgeo.com.

Improve drilling reports

Daily drilling reports provide a critical source of information to operating companies. Reports document rig operations, well status, safety and environmental issues and track operating costs. Managed correctly, this data provides long-term, detailed well history.

Collecting, disseminating and managing data has traditionally carried a significant overhead to the operator in terms of time and cost, requiring a larger technical support and information technology infrastructure.

WellEz offers a total solution approach to well information management that has improved with the release of WellEz.net, a web-based daily drilling reporting service.

WellEz.net eliminates the need to purchase, install and support software. A key design element is the use of simple customizable data entry forms, which require no training to use and can be completed offline. Data collaboration can be obtained seamlessly anywhere in the world.

"Map2Excel" allows the user to download data into an Excel environment for reporting or further analysis. Web services integrate data effectively into other applications such as accounting, engineering and in-house corporate databases. An automated e-mail distribution system keeps management and partners constantly updated.

For more information, please visit www.wellez.com.

Full speed ahead for X-Bow

Ulstein-Verft of Ulsteinvik, Norway, has announced that it will build two PX-105 platform supply vessels (PSV) designed with the new Ulstein X-Bow for Bourbon Offshore Norway, a subsidiary of the French company, Groupe Bourbon. The order represents the first time a PSV of this design has been built. Earlier, Bourbon ordered the first anchor handling vessel (AHV) with this type bow.

Designed for harsh environments, the X-Bow is characterized by its low entry angle, no bulb and a converted hull drawn right up to the wheelhouse. Benefits of this design include no slamming or spray on deck. Slamming is the destructive shock and subsequent vibration experienced when a vessel rides up a wave swell and slams back down into the trough. Since PSVs are almost continually in transit shuttling back and forth and must operate in all sorts of weather, the X-bow design is expected to deliver significant benefits to its owners. Key among these is its increased seaworthiness and stability that will improve crew and passenger safety as well as comfort. Fuel consumption will also be reduced, according to the company.

The new PSVs meet the Clean Design class requirements and have diesel-electric propulsion units. All oil-bearing tanks are inboard and engine exhaust is scrubbed to meet strict emission requirements. In addition, the vessels will be specially winterized so they can work in the far north. Delivery of the two new vessels is scheduled for October 2006 and February 2007, respectively.