Page 59: of Offshore Engineer Magazine (May/Jun 2014)

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Geology & Geophysics and previously unavailable Vs values. This has resulted in meaningful measurement of Poisson’s Ratio and other rock properties within the range of the PROD probes. As analysis techniques are re? ned the measurement of velocities, pore and fracture pressures below the maximum penetration level of the drillstring will remove uncertainty in dif? cult drilling conditions. In the future Vertical Seismic Pro? ling will extend the depth of analysis and surface wave techniques have the potential to expand the lateral coverage using the seabed seismic probe.

In Arctic areas comes a challenge of permafrost and gas hydrates therefore measurement of temperatures with cone penetrometers is a key. As the reach of these remote sensing systems allows more integration of geotechnical results with geophysical, data the reach of geophysical data to enable

Lights, camera, action in a port at night. Photo from Benthic.

engineering-quality assessment is increasing. This removes the need for drilling open hole to ever increasing depths and Following the production of the new units the original PROD1 allowing riser or dual gradient mud systems more accurate will relocate to Houston as part of a new development and pressure control. In preparation, Benthic is already building a training centre, with courses running internally and externally new generation of launch and recovery systems to cope with to introduce seabed drilling to the GoM and industry-wide.

increasing depths and weather conditions, and will build the Recently extensive activity in deep-water mineral mining in next generation PROD4 with an extended the water depth the Paci? c since 2009 has pointed to a wider scope for seabed capability of 3500m. These systems will work in conjunction sampling. Benthic sees a growing opportunity in other envi- with AUV and other seabed acquired data to allow earlier and ronments, where the PROD equipment can offer some distinct more comprehensive site assessments. advantages over more conventional equipment in some of the

Benthic is investing heavily in the next generation of engi- most challenging environments around the world. neers “We have a graduate training program in Benthic taking With an emphasis on working in challenging environments on six graduates across several disciplines,” commented CEO and using a readily adaptable system on a range of vessels sea-

Stephen Pywell. In 2014 Benthic will take on a further six, bed systems can ? t schedules and budgets where permanently both geo-sciences professionals and engineering professionals. deployed rigs are absent.

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