Exploration Derisking with Induced Polarization (IP) Measurements

The Differentially Normalized Method of Electrical Prospecting (DNME) was initially developed by the Russian company SGRPC and deployed commercially already in 2002. It uses a towed controlled electromagnetic source and a towed receiver cable for hydrocarbon detection, by recording and analyzing the Induced Polarization (IP) effects at relatively shallow depths. It differs fundamentally from conventional CSEM. While CSEM targets resistivity changes in the reservoir and overburden, IP measures mineralogical changes that are normally high above the reservoir. These smaller depths of investigation allow for a cost-efficient, towed system to be applied. The IP measurements can even be deployed simultaneous with seismic reflection data acquisition. Our geoelectric methods have been successfully applied both onshore and offshore for derisking hydrocarbon prospects.