FAQ
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
QUESTION – 1
“Is Thermovision Tomography technology independent, or it requires previous seismic or other data?”
ANSWER
Thermovision Tomography technology is a stand-alone technology. Independent geophysical method based on the study of the thermal properties of the geological environment.
QUESTION – 2
What is TVT detecting and measuring?
ANSWER
Key information for understanding research using TVT:
-Thermovision Tomography of the Geological Environment - is a geophysical method using the potential field of the Earth.
-In the TVT method, it is possible to use approaches known in practice for obtaining information in the form of maps and sections.
-The main goal is to obtain the geometry of objects and their thermal properties (or their derivatives) along the depth.
-The algorithm for processing satellite images of LANDSAT and MODIS in the far IR range is based on the principle of recalculating the field into the lower half-space.
For a more detailed description of the TVT method, see the relevant section of this Website.
QUESTION – 3
“What results will I get with Thermovision Tomography?”
ANSWER
The end results of the study are the identification of promising areas, the delineation of mineral deposits and recommendations for drilling / mining. Applications: maps, vertical profiles, volumetric (2.5D) reservoir models and determination of its geometric volume, interpretation of geophysical data.
For more information, see the “Main Advantages of TVT Technology” section on this Website.
QUESTION – 4
“Can TVT technology be used offshore?”
ANSWER
Yes, Thermovision Tomography is equally effective both onshore and offshore.
QUESTION – 5
“How detailed is the analysis and the report?”
ANSWER
Level of detail is defined in geological assignment by agreement between service provider and client, and it depends on the Scale of TVT survey. For example, in Regional analysis (with scale up to 1:50 000) we locate prospective and not prospective zones, whereas after Detailed, full scale analysis (with scale up to 1:10 000) we can show exact point for drilling/digging with indication of its GPS coordinates and depths, give the results of migration study for oil & gas, genesis for minerals and Volumetric data of the reserve, etc.
QUESTION – 6
How does TVT attain accuracy given that satellite data for subsurface geology has always been extremely low resolution?
ANSWER
TVT accuracy is achieved by reducing the image pixel size and depends on the depth of examination.
QUESTION – 7
“Will Thermovision Tomography technology detect small accumulation around 1 sq.km?”
ANSWER
So far, we have not faced any limits for detection of accumulation with such size.
QUESTION – 8
“What is the resolution of Thermovision Tomography? What minimum oil/hydrocarbon column can you detect?”
ANSWER
It depends on a size of pixel of satellite image (our source data). In our regular calculations our resolution is up to 30 meters, but in general we can get the resolution up to 10 m. There is a possibility that the formation of a size less than 10 m and local geometric zones can't be “felt”. However, in our work, we identify a set of favorable conditions for the formation of hydrocarbons in a given area and, thus, we can determine the type and structure of an oil deposit. Accordingly, we inform the Client what he may encounter during its development, incl. the presence / absence of small geometric zones.
QUESTION – 9
The wave/force or other detected anomaly - how is it dispersed and travel through the various media required to go from miles below the surface to a satellite?
ANSWER
The endogenous thermal field of the Earth spreads from depth to the surface, forming regional and local anomalies. The magnitude of the anomalies of heat sources and heat flow depends on the physical state of the environment, which we can restore to a depth (using our own patented algorithms).
Figure – The shape of the thermal field vectors in a homogeneous space with an additional point source (a) and in a real natural environment (b).
QUESTION – 10
What is the impact of the surface temperature, surface emission pattern and long waves generated on the TVT?
ANSWER
The temperature of the Earth's surface, surface emission pattern, etc. can distort the thermal signal of deep heat sources. Therefore, we use various methodological techniques to level this influence. We use the range of near and medium wavelengths for classifying surface changes in the medium, for the purpose of processing and interpreting TVT we use only the far infrared wavelength range (8-14 microns), etc.
QUESTION – 11
“How do you conduct conversion from surface images to depth images without any geological info?”
ANSWER
We perform spatial filtering of the field using specially developed algorithms. The space imagery processing algorithm is based on the principle of field recalculation into the lower half-space. In total, there are 5 types of algorithms that we use in different combinations depending on the task.
QUESTION – 12
“What is the depth of investigation, is there a depth limit to the technology?”
ANSWER
We analyze the Earth's Crust up to a maximum depth of 100 km. To search for and evaluate hydrocarbon deposits, in most cases it is sufficient to study depths up to 8-10 km, for understand the tectonic structure. A detailed study of the geological environment is carried out for the sedimentary cover.
QUESTION – 13
“Can TVT technology determine layer location, their thickness, and conduct their volumetric analysis?"
ANSWER
Yes, this is exactly what we do in our survey. You can see examples of TVT volumetric models in the relevant sections of this Website, and in presentations of work performed, by type of minerals.
QUESTION – 14
“Can you differentiate layers in multilayer hydrocarbon deposits?”
ANSWER
YES, we have solved such tasks. It depends on type of section and on every particular situation. This kind of tasks is very delicate, thus we need to make more detailed study and interpretation. In other words, if this task occurs in “greenfield”, scientific team may need more time for detailed analysis.
QUESTION – 15
“There is a gold deposit, can you make the analysis and assessment and show detailed Ppm of Au (gold)? Or for example if there is copper deposit, can you say what type of Copper deposit it is (chalcopyrite, porphyry, sediment hosted, red bed, etc.)?”
ANSWER
YES, and we have experience. We can make such calculations provided that the Customer provides the necessary a priori information about the surveyed licensed area.
Actually, the TVT technology itself performs other tasks: zoning of large and small ore fields and ore bodies, identification of promising areas, delineation of deposits, assessment of the geometric volume of deposits and recommendations for the optimal location of wells / mines. To answer the above questions, additional on-groundwork, including litho-geochemical studies, will be required.
QUESTION – 16
“How long does it take to complete analysis of potential deposits, based on the site area?”
ANSWER
Timing of TVT survey for detailed, full-scale analysis:
Less than 5000 sq. km. – 4-8 months.
More than 5000 sq.km - 7-10 months.
The above are approximate dates. Firstly, we need to receive an Application from our Client with a detailed description of the geological problem and a specific task, it is necessary to determine the level of detail, the scale of TVT-works, as well as the need for a comprehensive interpretation of geophysical data. After that, we will be able to determine the timing of the work more accurately.
QUESTION – 17
“What is the minimum area required for TVT survey?"
ANSWER
Minimum area for TVT search for Hydrocarbons ~100 sq.Km.
Minimum area for TVT search for Solid Minerals ~30 sq.Km.
But in any case, the final decision requires a description of the problem in the licensed area and the setting of specific goals and objectives.
QUESTION – 18
“Can you differentiate oil vs. gas accumulation?”
ANSWER
YES, we can, and we have the experience.
Due to the insignificant difference between oil and gas in anomalous thermal fields the involvement of a priori information on the site helps to conditionally separate these zones.
QUESTION – 19
“If it can still be effective under a gas cloud/gas chimney then how can it detect gas?”
ANSWER
Identification of a particular type of hydrocarbon depends on a different set of signs, although the conditions of formation may be the same. We use different approaches and instruments for oil analysis and gas analysis. The thermal field is formed as follows: environment – water – oil & gas. According to the intensity of the thermal field, these components are separated, and we can register it in our research. Therefore, we have no problem, as per inquiry.
QUESTION – 20
“Can the TVT technology be effective under salt layers, hard rock layers like basalt or melange, where seismic survey is ineffective?”
ANSWER
Yes, TVT technology is effective in these cases.
QUESTION – 21
“Do you have statistics of its predictive effectiveness? If i have a technical positive with your technology, what sort of probability should I assume pre-drill? Or can I assume 100% probability?”
ANSWER
The results of the most studies executed, as well as the recommendations for subsequent pilot drilling - gave positive results. Up to date our success rate is up to 85%.
QUESTION – 22
“How do you differentiate ambiguity? For example, when small body has high thermal density or big body has low thermal density, how do you deal with it?”
ANSWER
In this kind of situations we calculate it with the use of specifically developed algorithms. Correctness of work of these algorithms was tested in theoretical models (solving direct and inverse problems), considering the various sources and their position, all the results up to date are good and accurate.
QUESTION – 23
“What if we have fractured basement reservoir of hydrocarbons?”
ANSWER
It is not a problem for Thermovision Tomography. Our technology allows to execute surveys surely in basements, terrigenous and carbonate rocks.
QUESTION – 24
Is there a case-study or your method can detect very shallow near surface features?
ANSWER
Until now, we have not directly dealt with such tasks (detection of hydrocarbon deposits in near-surface space of the Earth), there were no contracts. Although, in principle, the solution of this kind of geological problem using TVT is possible.
As an example of such possibility, we give one of the examples of TVT-search for ore fields and ore bodies in Indonesia (Figure below). The geometry of geological structures in the near-surface space and their fluid saturation, as well as the composition of rocks (with the use of reflectivity of the Earth's surface) was investigated.
We received effective TVT information at shallow depths, including the depths of 300-900 feet.
Figure. Models of the integral field of block-fault structures in the volumetric (a) and color (b) images,
gradient zones of the thermal field (c), by a fragment of TVT profile (Indonesian case).
Legend: 1 - location of known ore concentrations, 2 - recommended perspective ore deposits
QUESTION – 25
Can the method detect karst features in hard rocks?
ANSWER
Basically, YES. It all depends on the size of the karst zones. If the resolution of the TVT method in a particular situation allows, then it is possible to predict the geometric parameters of the object. At the same time, the solution of this problem is associated with the use of low-altitude aircraft (helicopters, airships, drones) when conducting TVT-survey. This approach in obtaining the initial data can significantly increase the resolution of the method. We have developed this technique and used it repeatedly in solving man-made problems in Russia.
QUESTION – 26
Have you done any comparison with available gravity and magnetic data?
What is the density uplift from conventional G&M / and / or seismic methods?
ANSWER
YES, when executing TVT contracts, we perform complex interpretation with available gravity, magnetic and seismic data, to both verify the TVT data and obtain additional information.
According to TVT, we observe a significant improvement in the values of the density characteristics of the medium compared to other geophysical methods.
Examples of such integration, the similarities and differences can be provided, if necessary. It has been established that the TVT method has a high resolution for the localization of geological bodies, highlights local blocks and faults both in plan and in depth.
The main similarity is the anomalous behavior of the isolines of the acoustic and thermal fields above the structural zone.
The main difference is a significant, higher differentiation of the environment according to the TVT data in comparison with the seismic ones, and seismic sections are in some cases smoothed and have a weak differentiation of reflections of intermediate horizons.
QUESTION – 27
“Do you require technical input like porosity, fluid saturation of rocks, etc. in the course of TVT survey ?”
ANSWER
It all depends on the specific goals and objectives of the work. Using TVT technology itself, it is possible to find and outline the oil-perspective structure and calculate its geometric volume. A priori data, such as the porosity of oil-bearing zones, oil density, fluid saturation of rocks, medium permeability, etc., are important for assessing commercial oil reserves. In such cases, when the Client needs information about the in-place hydrocarbon reserves in a discovered reservoir, we ask the Client to provide the necessary a priori information on the surveyed region.
QUESTION – 28
“What are the limitations of your technology?”
ANSWER
Based on our 15 years of field experience, we have not encountered any restrictions. We have enough algorithms and tools to solve most geological problems in mineral exploration, and some delicate tasks just take a little more time.
QUESTION – 29
“What is the difference between your technology and other technologies that also use satellites (in general)?”
ANSWER
The main difference – other technologies do not have a method of converting a field model to a depth. Thermovision Tomography technology has such an algorithm which allows us to build models of block-and-fault structure and homogeneity of the environment along the depth, to find location of thermal heat sources, etc.
QUESTION – 30
“Can you provide a list of Companies you have worked with?"
ANSWER
YES, you can find this information in the section "Geography of our works" on this Website.
QUESTION – 31
“Are your Geological Reports in line with Joint Ore Report Committee (JORC), which are recognized and endorsed by the committees?”
ANSWER
YES, they are in line.
QUESTION – 32
Just curious. There seem to be no papers or presentations in AAPG or WorldOil or similar. Any reason for that (?)
ANSWER
Regarding scientific publications / speeches at conferences on the TVT Technology:
- Monograph. In 2015, a monograph (Thermovision Tomography of the Geological Environment) was published in the system of the Academy of Sciences of the Russian Federation, the author is Professor Karimov. Today we are preparing the second, updated edition of this monograph with translations into English, Arabic and Spanish.
- Patents. 4 patents of the Russian Federation on Thermovision Tomography were successively registered.
- Dissertations. 3 PhD dissertations defended.
- International forums. The principles of TVT and the results of the work performed have been repeatedly reported at international thematic forums in Russia, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Mexico, Nigeria.
- Articles. More than a dozen scientific articles have been published in Russia on TVT in various specialized scientific magazines. In Indonesia - a series of popular science articles on TVT was published in a thematic magazine on the oil industry.
Work in this direction continues.