Perm Polytechnic University has developed a method for online monitoring of the deformation of the earth during the extraction of hydrocarbons

25/05/2021

Perm Polytechnic University scientists have developed a method for online monitoring of earth deformation during oil and gas production. The technology will help to predict and prevent man-made accidents more effectively, as a result of which buildings and communications may collapse. According to the developers, it will save 2 times more money compared to classical methods.

The need to develop a new technology is associated with the limited capabilities of traditional monitoring, which relies on local systems and measurements using satellite navigation systems.

Such systems consist of observation points in the zone where deformations are possible, and reference points that are located behind it, but in close proximity. This approach works effectively when the deposits are located far from each other and the support points can be installed in a place without deformations. - says the project manager, senior lecturer of the Department of Surveying, Geodesy and Geoinformation Systems of Perm Polytechnic Evgeny Bogdanets. – But often deposits can be large, located close to each other or even overlap the "neighboring" zone. In this case, it is difficult to determine the location for the anchor points: the areas of deformation of the earth are adjacent or intersect.

According to scientists, this problem is relevant, for example, for the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug, where there are large gas fields.

Scientists of Perm Polytechnic University suggested using IGS-network points (International GNSS Service) as starting points. They are located all over the world, and their coordinates are determined with high accuracy. According to the researchers, there are no world analogues predicting the deformation of the earth using IGS network points yet.

- Now there is an active development of hydrocarbon resources of the Far North. With the increase in the number of deposits, it will become more difficult to use classical monitoring schemes. In this case, it is cost-effective to use IGS points," the researcher explains.

Now there are few of these points in Russia, and the distance between them is hundreds of kilometers. In order to "clarify" the readings of the instruments, scientists "separated" the influence of external factors that affect satellite systems from the causes associated with the development of deposits. They found out that the position of satellite systems is more influenced by solid-state tides. This indicator depends on the soil moisture in the area of the IGS points and the monitoring area itself. To a lesser extent, the placement object and the antenna mounting structure are affected by temperature. Taking into account the influence of external factors, the method allowed to increase the accuracy of readings up to 3 times.

The scientists' technology has already been applied at the regional geodynamic landfill of PJSC Surgutneftegaz, at the oil and gas condensate field named after Yuri Korchagin and at the Prirazlomnoye oil field (Arctic shelf of Russia). Now it is being implemented at the fields of LUKOIL-Western Siberia. The method can also be used to monitor offshore oil platforms, according to the developers.