Physicists from MIPT developed innovative model and seismometers to prevent accidents during offshore drilling

Scientists from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology have developed a physical and mathematical model and seismometers that will help prevent disasters when drilling oil and gas wells offshore.

The study was published in the Journal of Marine Science and Engineering. The main task of the project was to predict areas of abnormally high reservoir pressure (AVPD), which pose a serious danger during drilling. In such areas, gas can be released to the surface, which leads to accidents and environmental disasters. The development is related to the design of a seismic exploration system on the shelf, implemented by MIPT with the support of the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation and partnership with TNG-Group.

During the research, scientists have clarified the parameters of these seismic receivers, which are capable of detecting AVPD zones. The model created at MIPT makes it possible to assess the change in these zones over time, which is especially important when drilling at depths up to 60 meters. In addition, scientists have developed a technique for observing and inverting seismic data, which makes it possible to identify dangerous areas.

The results of the research have already been used for safe drilling of wells in the Black Sea. Nikolay Dubinya, Deputy Head of the Department of Applied Geophysics at MIPT, noted that this model helps not only to assess current risks, but also to predict environmental changes for years to come, which significantly increases the safety of drilling operations.

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