Schlumberger Acquires Staag Imaging, L.P.
Schlumberger announced today that it has acquired Staag Imaging, L.P., a Houston-based provider of leading-edge depth imaging technologies for seismic data processing. Staag will become part of the Schlumberger WesternGeco business unit.
The company is one of the first providers of a commercial Full Waveform Inversion (FWI) technique, which promises to revolutionize the building of earth velocity models. Staag’s FWI is an automatic, data driven tool that uses the two-way wave equation method to build highly accurate velocity models of the subsurface, including complex geology formations such as salt bodies. This FWI technology can automate a large part of the velocity model building workflow. The accurate models it produces can then be used to exploit the power of WesternGeco’s complementary high-resolution Reverse Time Migration capability.
“Our customers’ need for rapid, but accurate, imaging of complex subsurface geology is increasing dramatically,” said Ginger Hildebrand, vice president, seismic data processing, WesternGeco. “The combination of Staag’s FWI with our full complement of existing algorithms will allow us to accelerate the delivery of superior images of even the most complex subsurface structures. This capability will unlock the full potential of our newest coil and wide-azimuth acquisition configurations as well as enhance the value of our extensive multiclient library.”
As the search for hydrocarbons continues to intensify, oil and gas companies are looking at increasingly complex geological environments, where depth imaging plays a key role in identifying potential resources. FWI can provide geoscientists with a timely indication of the subsurface while retaining high image quality.
Date 1st July 2008
Low-cost, flexible dive camera system for multiple applications from Kongsberg Maritime
Kongsberg Maritime showed for the first time its sophisticated Integrated Video Inspection System, the ivis-7080s at Seawork 2008 (stand: D7). This new rugged, compact underwater video inspection system integrates two cameras, an 8" TFT screen, depth and temperature sensors and digital video recording to flash memory in an easy to carry hard-case.
The ivis-7080s packs a lot of punch for such a compact system and is a flexible solution for a wide range of applications including: pre-dive site surveys, fish monitoring in fish farm cages and internal pipe inspections. Due to its low-cost and high portability it will also be suitable for almost any recreational water based activity, including leisure diving.
In order to ensure maximum availability of the cameras and in-built screen the ivis-7080s comes complete with high capacity rechargeable internal battery that offers in excess of 4 hours with all functions operating continuously and up to 7 hours with only the camera powered up. The system can also operate from a 100 to 240 VAC mains adaptor.
As a leading developer in the field Kongsberg Maritime commercial grade underwater cameras are renowned for their picture quality and innovative functionality. The ivis-7080s' high-definition horizontal viewing camera module features variable speed 360° automatic or manual rotate capability with a unique lens position indicator whilst the video from the high definition forward looking camera module can be toggled in and out as required, by use of the included remote control.
The depth and temperature sensors are incorporated in the camera head and their outputs, which can be toggled between imperial and metric, are displayed on video. Stabilizing fins are provided for easy attachment to the camera housing or alternatively, a tripod stainless steel leg assembly can be fitted. The underwater cable assembly is capable of supporting the full weight of the camera head assembly.
Date 14th June 2008
First In A New Generation Of Modular, High Precision Pressure Controller/Indicators From GE
The PACE 5000 pneumatic pressure controller/indicator is the first in a new generation of high precision modular instrumentation for rack-mounting or bench top applications from GE Sensing and Inspection Technologies. It employs full digital control to provide high control stability and high slew rate, while its unique modular concept allows users to enjoy quick and easy parts replacement and significantly reduced instrument downtime.
The PACE 5000 is based on the field-proven and highly reliable Druck DPI 520 platform but, incorporating the latest generation of piezo-resistive devices, it offers significant improvements in overall precision, long-term measurement stability and control performance. Designed primarily for 19 inch rack systems, it is equally at home as a bench top instrument and is ideal for integration into automated processes, where fast and accurate pressure control is required. Multiple units can be combined in the same system to provide a full range of pressure calibration capability from 70 mbar to 210 bar. It is available in a choice of two performance specifications, so that the correct instrument can be selected for each installation.
The unique modular design of the new controller/indicator allows users to enjoy quick and easy parts replacement and fast pressure range change-over. Furthermore, modularity introduces a flexibility, which has previously been impossible to achieve in the calibration laboratory as, with modularity, if a controller/indicator needs calibration, it is now only necessary to remove the modular component, rather than send away the complete instrument. At the same time, a replacement modular component can be fitted in the instrument so that downtime is significantly reduced. Modularity also means that calibration laboratories now need carry fewer instruments and instrument components, so reducing the cost of ownership.
A touch screen and a high-resolution ¼ VGA display ensure that the PACE 5000 is extremely easy to operate and read. A simple icon menu allows easy and intuitive set-up of controller parameters. It is Windows CE-driven, allowing comprehensive connectivity, via RS232, IEEE or CANbus. A USB communications port provides for easy PC and peripherals connection, the use of set-up software and diagnostics downloads for technical support. The functionality of the PACE 5000 includes many of those features associated with the Windows CE platform, including the ability to view pdfs, such as manuals and jpegs and to provide point-of-use help and applications support.
The PACE 5000 has been designed to communicate with the Druck Intecal software, which was specifically developed to provide support for both laboratory and field calibrations. This provides easy control in a fully integrated pressure loop, giving 100% automated calibration of pressure transducers and transmitters. The software has full documenting facilities to prepare reports and provide calibration certificates from its database, utilizing readout data from connected calibration equipment and test devices. In addition, the calibration and maintenance history of the PACE 5000, along with its configuration, is stored within the instrument. The calibration history is automatically updated each time a calibration is carried out to ensure that calibration records are always up-to-date to meet quality assurance standards.
The PACE 5000 comes with a range of accessories, including external CANbus and analogue output and operating and set-up menus can be provided in the major European languages, Russian, Chinese and Japanese as well as English, which is the default language. Additional languages can be downloaded via a PC utility.
Date 3rd June 2008
