The acoustic MP-FWI imaging implementation has demonstrated significant uplifts. (Image source: DUG)

Technological advancements in geoscience are often incremental—small steps that help refine our ability to understand the subsurface. But occasionally, we witness a genuine leap. DUG Technology’s Chief Geophysicist, Tom Rayment, considers the impact of elastic MP-FWI imaging and asks, "Is traditional seismic processing finally a thing of the past?"

For the past century, seismic data has been an invaluable tool for detecting hydrocarbons. Although methods have become more sophisticated, the fundamental workflow for turning acquired data into interpretable products largely remains the same. The advent of elastic multi-parameter full waveform inversion (MP-FWI) imaging represents a significant shift away from the traditional approach.

The acoustic MP-FWI imaging implementation has demonstrated significant uplifts without needing conventional time-processing, model-building, or depth-migration techniques. Elastic MP-FWI imaging is a further step-change, also deriving rock properties and effectively rendering the amplitude variation with angle (AVA) inversion workflow redundant. The approach will soon make conventional workflows obsolete, if it hasn't already.

Despite this monumental leap, the technology is still young, with ample room for more progress. Most FWI implementations use a single component of the acquired data (hydrophone for marine, vertical geophone/accelerometer for land). However, additional components offer complementary information that can further constrain results. Recent developments show that two-component towed streamer and ocean-bottom seismic MP-FWI imaging can further improve results and accelerate convergence.

The logical next step is to include horizontal components. Shear waves provide valuable subsurface information, especially in areas of strong P-wave absorption like gas bodies. Recent DUG projects are already demonstrating that the benefits of converted-wave processing can be realised with elastic MP-FWI imaging. Furthermore, on land, exploiting shear waves in the form of ground roll is now viable. What was once noise is now a useful signal, inverted via elastic FWI to provide high-resolution shear-wave-velocity models. Capturing near-surface complexity is crucial for successfully illuminating deeper targets.

Another benefit is the seamless integration of expertise. Processing, imaging, and quantitative interpretation geophysicists can now work simultaneously on a project, abandoning the siloed conventional workflows. Closer collaboration fosters better understanding, which translates to optimal results. This will soon extend beyond AVA inversion into reservoir characterisation and modelling. Elastic MP-FWI imaging will produce a suite of outputs, providing a rich model space for reservoir engineers to make probabilistic predictions that honour both seismic and well data.

This technological leap was first conceived by the FWI pioneers in the 1980s. Its reality today is thanks to the skills of research and development teams and modern high performance computing. This essential work continues in earnest at DUG; as the technology evolves, it will continue to extend what is possible with seismic data, ultimately allowing the industry to make better, faster decisions.

The tool ensures consistency for sizing across regions. (Image source: WEG)

Manufacturing company, WEG, has introduced a digital tool called Gear ProSelect, that will simplify and standardise the selection, configuration and documentation of gearboxes and gearmotors

Developed as a single global solution, the tool ensures consistency for sizing across regions while reducing the time typically required for manual calculations or engineering support. 

As the gearbox market expands alongside industrial automation, it can shoot up to US$33.4bn this year. To match the market dynamism, clients require standardised and digitally-driven selection methods.

With this thought, WEG has developed Gear ProSelect (GPS) which lets users size and configure gearboxes directly through a web-based platform using application-specific data. By entering parameters such as mass, speed and inertia, users receive product recommendations supported by integrated mechanical and thermal validation.

The thermal validation feature represents a unique differentiator in the market. Thermal validation analyses heat generation and dissipation under defined operating conditions, ensuring the selected gearbox can operate within acceptable temperature limits and reducing the risk of overheating or premature wear.

“Gear ProSelect represents a major step forward in WEG’s digital transformation strategy,” said Marcio Yoshikazu Ematsu, European marketing manager at WEG. “By combining intelligent validation, real-time visualisation and global standardisation, we are providing customers with greater autonomy while strengthening operational efficiency across our worldwide network.”

The contract will advance in-country value. (Image source: SLB)

SLB has signed two five-year contracts by Petroleum Development Oman (PDO) to deliver wellheads and artificial lift technologies for operations in Block-6, which is known to be Oman’s largest oil and gas concession

To enhance recovery rates and ensure maximum productivity from the Block 6 assets, SLB will be providing low-pressure, high-pressure, and thermal wellheads, as well as electric submersible pumps (ESPs) and progressive cavity pumps (PCPs). The contract also has scope to advance in-country value (ICV) by supporting the expansion of local manufacturing capabilities and introducing made-in-Oman gate valve production within six months of commencement.

“These awards reflect our deep commitment to Oman’s energy future and advancing in-country value through local manufacturing and talent development,” said Jesus Lamas, president, Middle East and North Africa, SLB. “By producing more equipment in country and investing in Omani expertise, we are ensuring that PDO’s strategic goals are met with sustainable, locally driven approaches. Our focus is on delivering innovative wellhead and artificial lift solutions that drive production efficiency and maximize recovery. Through our ongoing investment in advanced technologies and tailored services, we support our customers’ production and recovery goals with capabilities designed to meet their evolving operational needs.”

SLB will be producing the wellheads at SLB’s Rusayl production centre, and ESPs will be assembled at its Nizwa assembly, repair, and testing centre, generating significant local employment. SLB's advanced technologies such as the 15k SOLIDrill modular compact wellhead system, ESP surveillance systems, and ESP permanent magnet motors will be deployed to reduce power consumption and enhance sustainability. 

The new OpreX pressure transmitter EJX S series

Yokogawa Electric Corporation has launched OpreX Pressure Transmitter EJX S Series as the successor to its core EJX A lineup of differential pressure and pressure transmitters in its OpreX field instruments family

Building on Yokogawa's proven silicon resonant sensor technology, the EJX S Series offers enhancements in accuracy, long-term stability, and durability that ensure stable plant operations and improve maintenance efficiency. Yokogawa will continue to add new models with enhanced capabilities to the EJX S lineup, according to market needs.

Main features of the OpreX pressure transmitter EJX S Series

1. Improved performance and reliability that contribute to stable plant operation

Leveraging Yokogawa’s silicon resonant sensor technology, the EJX S Series features improved accuracy, long-term stability, and rangeability.

Main specifications:
- Accuracy: ±0.025% (with optional specification code /HAC)
- Long-term stability: ±0.1% per 20 years
- Rangeability: Up to 400:1
- Support for the HART and PROFINET communication protocols

With an IP68 dustproof and waterproof rating, compliance with SIL2 requirements, and enhanced noise immunity, the EJX S Series is even more reliable and robust. In addition, a new colour backlit graphic display significantly improves visibility of process variables and device status information.

2. Streamlined specifications that reduce maintenance and operating costs

Compliance with a variety of explosion-proof standards, support for dual power connections, and advanced diagnostic functions are all provided as standard features with the EJX S Series, allowing these devices to cover a wider range of applications and reducing the need for the ordering of products with specific model and suffix codes. Furthermore, a modular design allows parts replacement and maintenance work to be carried out easily and efficiently. Together, these characteristics help to improve maintenance efficiency and reduce inventory costs.

In addition, the LCD colour display supports NAMUR NE107-compliant alert indications, enabling intuitive recognition of device status even from a distance. This facilitates faster on-site inspections.

3. Reduction of environmental impact through product design

The OpreX Pressure Transmitter EJX S Series pressure transmitters were designed to reduce environmental impact over the entire product lifecycle. CO2 emissions have been significantly reduced during the production process, helping customers reduce their Scope 3 emissions. Furthermore, the adoption of a modular design that allows for easy disassembly and disposal contributes to the optimization of customers' maintenance parts and inventory, as well as a reduction in environmental impact after use.

Major target markets are oil & gas, LNG, downstream, chemicals, power, renewable energy, food & pharma, pulp & paper, iron & steel, mining & metal, water & wastewater.

Major applications are measurement of liquid level, flow rate, pressure, etc. of liquid, gas, and steam in tanks and pipes.

OpreX is the comprehensive brand for Yokogawa's industrial automation and control business. OpreX Measurement delivers highly reliable technology for the implementation of value-enhancing operational technology and information technology integration.