A Landmark Shale Gas Project
In November 2020, a major 3D exploration project for shale gas began in Sichuan, utilizing an impressive 26,000 channels of SmartSolo seismic nodes. This extensive operation spans three cities and nine districts, covering a region known for its complex terrain. The challenging environment, featuring numerous road and river crossings, has made SmartSolo seismic sensor nodes the preferred choice over traditional cable systems.
SmartSolo: Built for Tough Conditions
SmartSolo’s IGU-16 seismic nodes are engineered for reliability in the harshest environments. Their advanced features include:
- IP68 Protection: Ensures complete resistance to water immersion and dust ingress.
- Durability: Proven resilience to electromagnetic and radio interference makes them ideal for urban and rural seismic recording.
- Low Maintenance: Rugged design minimizes operational disruptions, even in demanding conditions.
These qualities allow SmartSolo to thrive in dynamic and high-stress applications, such as shale gas exploration in Sichuan.
Project Scope and Execution
The Sichuan project employs both dynamite and vibroseis as energy sources for data acquisition. Divided into two phases, this project highlights SmartSolo’s ability to adapt to large-scale operations and traverse varied terrains efficiently.
Shale Gas Exploration: A Growing Opportunity
Shale gas exploration is a relatively new initiative in China, but it is already yielding significant results. Early studies have identified numerous basins with favorable reservoir conditions, making Sichuan a hub for this energy resource.
Promising Production Figures:
- Southern Sichuan Annual Production: Estimated at 10 billion cubic meters of shale gas.
- Expansion Potential: Strong interest is driving further exploration, supported by advanced geophysical technologies like SmartSolo.
Conclusion: Powering Shale Gas Exploration with SmartSolo
SmartSolo’s seismic nodes are enabling efficient, reliable, and high-quality data acquisition in one of China’s most promising shale gas regions. With their rugged design and proven performance, SmartSolo is helping pave the way for expanding natural resource exploration in Sichuan and beyond.
As China continues to invest in shale gas, SmartSolo will remain a trusted partner in advancing geophysical research and resource development.