An intensive research and development collaboration between Hydro and ffA has achieved a step change in the quality of subsurface images available to geoscientists, well planners and reservoir engineers.


SVI Pro 3-D blending (left) volumetric RGB blend of the seismic response at three frequencies shown with a vertical section of the SVI Pro Faulting volume. The change in color within the RGB blend demonstrates the differences in seismic character associated with individual fault blocks. (Image courtesy of Hydro)

A new software toolset known as Hydro AVI (for Advanced Volume Interpretation) enables rapid and detailed reconnaissance of large 3-D seismic data sets, delineation and measurement of potential reservoirs, and identification of hydrocarbon indicators with unprecedented speed and clarity.


Key to the success of the project was the development of tools for analyzing the information provided by examining multiple frequencies within the seismic data and blending this information into a single 3-D image. As a provider of 3-D image processing technology, ffA was able to meet the technical challenge and deliver a demanding Hydro specification by providing sophisticated background technology and image processing expertise. The resulting application has been tested and proven in Hydro's exploration and production (E&P) operations.


A number of the Hydro AVI tools are to be commercialized by ffA. They will be integrated into the January 2007 release of SVI Pro, ffA's flagship product for processing and analysis of 3-D seismic data.


Dr. Paul Spencer, principal geophysicist at Hydro, commented, “Hydro set up a collaboration with ffA in 2004 to improve on conventional subsurface information workflows by combining advanced 3-D image processing and analysis, visualisation and interpretation techniques. The resulting Hydro AVI software is being widely used within Hydro and is contributing to the achievement of significant gains in drilling success and other key E&P performance indicators. We are now working with ffA on other leading-edge developments with a particular focus on advanced structural imaging techniques.”