FASTER MAGNETIC MAPPING TECHNIQUE DEVELOPED
What is being called a major breakthrough in magnetic basement mapping is being offered to energy and minerals companies.
Texaco Inc. said it received a U.S. patent for the Starmag technique developed since 1988 by its western region and Pearson, deRidder and Johnson Inc., both of Denver. Texaco granted Pearson an exclusive, worldwide license.
Starmag uses neural net-worth artificial intelligence to expedite magnetic interpretation and provides greater accuracy in mapping basement features. Key to the technique is a large reduction in time spent for mapping and interpretation.
The tool will significantly reduce the need for seismic data acquisition, particularly in frontier exploration areas, said Jack Weiner, a Texaco geologist and member of the development team.
The neural network system has proved to be a fast, accurate, and objective method for recognition of magnetic structural anomalies even in the presence of noise and intrabasement signals, said William C. Pearson, a principal and technical manager at Pearson, deridder and Johnson.
He said its application is appropriate wherever basement structure has an influence on hydrocarbons or minerals accumulations. The technology automates and builds on conventional analog and digital magnetic interpretation techniques, Texaco said.
Copyright 1993 Oil & Gas Journal. All Rights Reserved.