Microseismic monitoring of shallow, thermally-driven projects, such as steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD), creates special monitoring challenges. The overburden and reservoir sediments are less consolidated, thus having lower seismic velocities and higher signal attenuation. Furthermore, steam is typically injected at lower pressures, resulting in smaller-magnitude microseismic events. The result is that the monitoring array’s effective radius of observation is significantly reduced and complete monitoring coverage of the area of interest becomes more difficult to achieve.

HEMMS™ (Horizontally-Engineered Microseismic Monitoring Solution) is an innovative concept that integrates state-of-the-art horizontal directional drilling (HDD) technologies with our ResMap™ monitoring system.

HEMMS™ permits monitoring arrays to be installed in long, horizontal wells set at the optimum observation distance from the zone of interest. The result is significantly improved monitoring coverage at lower deployment costs.

HEMMS™ is ideal for monitoring:

• SAGD operations
• Inter-pad buffer zones
• Simultaneous multi-well fracture operations
• Inter-Lease boundaries (seismic picket fence)

HEMMS™ delivers:

• Improved monitoring data at lower cost
• Reduced surface footprint and lower site preparation costs
• Extended coverage—up to 4 kilometers (2.4) miles per horizontal monitoring array
• Optimal placement of arrays from production laterals.