The atomic dielectric resonance (ADR) scanner identifies hydrocarbons and minerals from the ground surface to depths to 2.4 miles (4 km). It also benefits from being able to quantify oil or gas reserves, give an indication of the mix of sand and water, map geological structures to a higher resolution, and carry out scans of large remote areas. Once the system has been trained, it gives absolute answers that are not subject to interpretation by geologists.

Output data from the scanner provide results that are easy to understand and give a deterministic answer, not a probability, and can be imported into earth model databases including Petrel, Petris, and Kingdom.

Breakthrough
The technology, commercially launched in 2008, works by sending a narrow light beam of energy into the ground using

The system is portable and lightweight, making it easy to transport. (Photo courtesy of Adrok)

micro and radio waves. The beam is reflected by the various rock layers, and the energy is changed by the materials it has passed through. Reaching great depths, it learns how different substances, including hydrocarbons, interact with light waves passing through them and pinpoints their composition.

The system was developed by Adrok’s founder and science director, Dr. Colin Stove, who has been imaging from space for the UK government and other commercial organizations since the 1970s.

The new approach represents an advance in physics and an advantage for a range of industries, including oil and gas, minerals, water, life sciences, civil engineering, defense, security, and industrial quality control.

ADR at work
The ADR scanner sends a narrow beam of energy into the ground similar to that of a laser pointer. The beam is reflected by the rock layers, with the energy being changed by the materials it has connected with during the process. The microwave does not need to go directly into the ground and can pass through the surface at any angle.

Resonance of the rock (how it oscillates at different radio wave frequencies) is measured in addition to how much the rock reflects the light wave.

Equipment consists of two antennas that transmit and receive the energy wave and another two boxes of electronics, one that creates the wave and one that receives the signal. They can be fitted into small cases that can be carried on airplanes and stored easily.

The equipment needed to do a survey can be delivered to the site in a vehicle, and a strip of land approximately 330 ft (100 m) long is needed to do the full investigation. Individual site surveys typically last two hours, which means as many as five surveys can be carried out in one day. Results of the survey usually can be determined within three days.

Another feature is that the power levels transmitted are extremely small, some 3,000 times less than that from a mobile phone. As a result, no current signal transmission regulations are breached.

The ADR scanner already has been used by oil and gas companies during both onshore and offshore exploration activity. The system also is being tried for use during aerial surveillance. With a renewed interest in onshore production following the recent blowout in the Gulf of Mexico, the ADR scanner is generating interest.

Companies including BG Group, Caithness Petroleum, and IBD Group, in addition to international mining companies, have been using the technology, and exploration activity has been carried out in a range of environments ranging from deserts in Oman to the Canadian Arctic and offshore sites.

Adrok’s scientists and engineers have been researching and applying the technique for more than 10 years with a team of industry-specific professionals.

Prime business activities include licensing and technology transfer, consultancy services, scientific research and technology, and technology development.

Successes
Adrok’s technology recently helped an Oklahoma-based syndicate of oil investors find oil and gas in the state. They contacted Adrok to use the ADR scanner to pinpoint the location of hydrocarbons prior to drilling.

The scanner identified two areas where significant accumulations of oil and gas were located, allowing the consortium to complete drilling and production testing at the site. Testing confirmed the predictions, and an initial well has been completed and currently is producing 1.4 MMcf/d of gas and 22 b/d of oil. The scanner reduced the need for expensive and time-consuming exploratory drilling.

The Oklahoma company is one of six exploration companies that have used this technology in the field.

Adrok has signed a deal with Oman-based IBD Group, allowing it to expand its reach to the Middle East. The scanner technology is suited to the terrain in the region.

Challenges
One of the biggest challenges faced to date is calibration. To gain an understanding of the data gathered in the field, it is important that the team can interpret and understand the subtle differences between energy signatures, the energy each substance reflects.

Over the last few years, Adrok has focused on establishing its own far-reaching database of rock signatures by drawing on core stores and rock drilling. It now is close to being able to survey rocks with no prior knowledge to generate effective results.

Looking ahead
Opportunities exist for ADR technology to support exploration activity throughout the globe. Adrok is continuing to expand its onshore activity in regions including the US, Middle East, and Asia Pacific. The offshore oil and gas industry also is a key area for the company, both in shallow and deep water. Trials have proven the technology’s effectiveness with water depths between 98 and 245 ft (30 and 75 m).

For clients within the oil and gas industry, the system could prove most useful at the appraisal stage. It provides an alternative view of what is happening in the subsurface, which presents companies with additional information before they start drilling.

The scanner has the potential to change the way oil and gas companies conduct business, not only in new exploration activity but also in finding the oil or gas left behind. The technology will contribute to reducing oil or gas extraction costs, which could translate into overall savings.