3D PluraView

The 3D PluraView monitors are ideally suited to display 3D subsurface reservoir models stereoscopically in 3D, together with detailed surface datasets. With two high-resolution screens, the stereoscopic image pairs for the left and the right eye are combined by the so-called ‘beam splitter’, a specially coated, transflective mirror, to form a very bright and highcontrast holographic stereo image. Due to the different polarization angle of the PluraView glasses, both stereo channels are separated for the left and the right eye, resulting in a perfect 3D-stereo display for the professional desktop.

The stereoscopic visualization is an essential part for the industry’s geology software, such as Schlumberger Petrel, Halliburton GeoProbe, Baker Hughes JewelSuite, the Dassault GEOVIA Modules or MapInfo Discover. As the global market leader in the GIS sector, Esri has implemented with ArcGIS Pro a fully stereoscopic 3D GIS environment. ArcGIS Pro enables also the mapping of stratigraphic and tectonic subsurface structures with 3D voxel elements.

The visualization and especially the editing of spatial structures in a 3D-stereo environment is definitely a key function. With a stereoscopic display, real spatial relationships can be understood immediately and intuitively and can be captured with great precision, compared to regular screens which can only display a flat 2D-perspective view, without any depth information.

Modern software environments for exploration and production are always three-dimensional and volumetric. Due to the high costs and risks involved, they must be as efficient as possible, reliable and optimized in terms of data processing. The ensuing field activities must meet all HSE standards and therefore the entire process chain must verifiably and fully correspond to the current state of the art and ‘best practice’.

A comprehensive and accurate understanding of the available 3D geological and geophysical data is required to comprehend the stratigraphic and tectonic structures, as well as the rock properties of oil and gas reservoirs in relation to their production potential. Among other things, seismic 3D profiles are recorded for this assessment, to identify reflective horizons, structures and faults. Together with results from other data sources, such as existing well logs, aeromagnetics and electrical resistivity tomography, all information is merged to create the most competent 3D reservoir model possible. If the evaluation is positive, this preliminary model will then be expanded by additional geo-datasets to support justifiable decisions about the future number, positioning, direction and depth of additional exploration boreholes, or the drilling of the first production wells.

The representation of the reservoirs in “real” 3D is also ideal for creating comprehensive static and especially dynamic models in 4D time-lapse series for clearly simulating pressure drop and flow changes under various production scenarios. The best-possible combination, evaluation and interpretation of various 3D features is essential for the closest digital representation of the reservoir. This includes all major tectonic structures such as sealing or non-sealing faults and the modeling of stratigraphic layers. In particular, it includes as much information as possible about the source-, reservoir- and cap rock layers. Highly relevant are the accurate depth and structure of reflection horizons from geophysical exploration, combined with all physically present rock material from drill cuttings and core samples within the investigation area, as well as the determination of further petrophysical rock parameters by geophysical downhole probes. A “good” subsurface model shows the spatial relationships and properties of relevant features in sufficient detail and can therefore be used with acceptable accuracy to estimate the future behavior of an oil and gas reservoir under different production scenarios.

With the stereoscopic visualization technology from Schneider Digital, it is possible to perfectly visualize the correct spatial relationships of reservoir structures and their properties.

This allows oil and gas engineers to evaluate potential reservoirs, estimate reserves, and predict reservoir properties and production behavior. It enables them to further optimize production setup, complete projects on time and on budget, and ultimately increase the company’s competitiveness and profitability.

Especially at the transition point from exploration to production activities and associated surface installations, not only economic aspects are relevant, but strict environmental protection measures also have to be taken into account. Meeting associated requirements for official approval procedures are critical project milestone issues. Geospatial datasets that have been prepared on the desktop on 3D PluraView systems can be visualized just the same on large-format, stereoscopic projection systems and LED walls for larger groups of viewers, for instance for the company decision makers and public officials and thus presented in a much more easily understandable way.

The 3D PluraView monitors are the key element for geologists, geophysicists and engineers to create, visualize, analyze and understand complex 3D subsurface datasets, increasing confidence and leading to better-informed management processes throughout the project.