News and media releases

UK DTI funds laser development for oil and gas prospecting

16/01/2007

A cross-disciplinary team, including experts from Shell Global Solutions, is to develop an advanced laser detection system for use in a novel hydrocarbon exploration technique.

A consortium of businesses – Shell Global Solutions, Compound Semiconductor Technologies Global and Cascade Technologies – and the universities of Sheffield and Glasgow has been awarded funding by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) towards the £2-million project under its UK technology programme.

The QCSense project will develop and incorporate a novel type of microchip light source, called a quantum cascade laser, into a spectroscopic detection system that will measure traces of gases naturally escaping from hydrocarbon reservoirs into the atmosphere. The group aims to produce the world’s most sensitive laser hydrocarbon detector and evaluate its use for exploration in large remote areas.

Wyn Meredith, project lead, Compound Semiconductor Technologies, says, “We are aiming to develop a centre of excellence in the UK for this exciting new technology, including semiconductor laser development and gas-sensing application knowledge. Baseline expertise is already present in the UK, and funding for the technology programme will facilitate the development driven by real applications. There are countless applications in health care, safety and security.”

LightTouch‡ is a Shell proprietary exploration tool that uses ultra-sensitive laser spectroscopic techniques to measure gas concentrations in the atmosphere. Used in combination with wind velocity data, it helps to reveal natural seepages that might be associated with underlying hydrocarbon reservoirs. The extreme sensitivity of the gas detectors means that such sources can be detected from a range of many kilometres.

Quantum cascade laser technology has the potential to dramatically enhance the LightTouch technique currently being used for rapidly screening large areas for signs of oil and gas. In this way, exploration activity can be prioritised and resources can be focused to better effect, thus helping Shell to meet the energy challenge.

‡LightTouch is a Shell Group trademark.