Consultation can take the form of consultation/interpretation services or Turnkey Projects where Petro-Find provides consultation, hands-on experience and transfer of technology. Transfer of technology and Turnkey projects are expected to be put into place in the latter part of 2007.
In general, companies are in the market for any new technology or ideas that can lower the cost of exploration. While geochemical exploration is one of those technologies, companies simply do not have the multidisciplinary expertise to adopt this new approach and would be looking for outside assistance. Geochemical exploration requires expertise in engineering, chemistry, soil science, geology, GPS, GIS and subjective interpretation. The geochemical expertise provided must be closely coordinated with geologists/geophysicists teams for cost effective exploration.
PETRO-FIND GEOCHEM LTD, a company based in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, provides geochemical consulting and unique exploration services and products to the oil and gas exploration industry in Western Canada. The President is Paul Lafleur P.Eng., who is a graduate of the Colorado School of Mines in Geology and Engineering and a Registered Engineer in Saskatchewan and Alberta. He has four years of experience as a consultant in geochemical surveys for hydrocarbons and years of experience in managing mineral exploration projects in Canada and the USA. The Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Saskatchewan has granted Paul Lafleur a License for Permission to Consult in the field of “Geological Engineering: mineral and energy economics; application of trace hydrocarbon and fixed gas analysis of soil gas to identify and characterize the presence of hydrocarbons and minerals.”
Services can take the form of professional advice on choice of technology/service providers for new programs, interpretation of previous data, assessment of previously conducted geochemical programs, and advice on the installation of in-house technology. The latter could be followed by contracts for Turnkey projects
In general, geochemical exploration by a number of direct and indirect methods has not reached its potential because of various factors including: application of inappropriate technology, unscientific methodology, high cost, and misinterpretation of data. For example, the approach by some oil and gas companies to have surveys conducted over established fields/pools “to see if it works or not” (i.e. analog studies) can lead to conflicting results if the data is not interpreted correctly.
Oil and gas exploration companies look to the experience of consultants and geochemical service companies for their geochemical expertise. However, the best evidence of surface geochemistry as a predictive tool comes from the experience of the majors as well as some smaller companies who have followed up their geochemical programs with drilling. Unfortunately, published reports are few because of the commercial sensitivity of this information. Some geochemical service companies also have achieved great results but are limited to what information they can release because of confidentiality provisions.
The interpretation of data generated by surveys are somewhat different for gas and oil. This is because of major differences in the configuration, chemical composition and areal extent of oil and gas anomalies. Also, with oil exploration, ratios of light hydrocarbons are used extensively for characterization.
PETRO-FIND GEOCHEM LTD will be offering in early 2008 turnkey services and transfer of technology to oil and gas companies wanting in-house geochemical expertise to enhance their exploration capability.
This service is to meet the concerns of oil and gas companies about leaks of information that could undermine their exploration programs. It should be noted that some companies are so concerned about the results of geochemical exploration that they request only data, no maps or reports. Confidentiality is especially important where anomalies extend to adjacent properties that is either open for lease or already leased. Knowledge by their competitors of these trends could raise the bid prices or negate farm-ins at a reasonable price.
While the terms and conditions of each Turnkey Project can be highly variable, Projects would comprise at minimum the following five components:
Field Training Component.This would involve the training of client personnel at two field locations (one for gas and one for oil). The personnel would become adept in the use of GPS, probe and analytical equipment.
Mapping Component. Field work will be followed by training of office personnel in the creation of output maps showing data as either contours or bubble maps.
Interpretation Component.Company personnel will be trained in interpreting the maps. This could be correlated with any available geophysical and geological data.
Transfer of Technology Component. PETRO-FIND will provide all the requisite technologies to the client. Companies entering into contracts for Turnkey projects will be required to maintain confidentiality about the technology.
Follow-up Component.The client has the option to retain PETRO-FIND for a specifiic time period so that high standards are maintained in their geochemical exploration programs. PETRO-FIND can also provide consultation on the interpretation of data for new projects.
The fees for consulting and interpretation services are negotiated directly with the client. Contracts may be tied to individual projects or can be on a retainer basis.
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PETRO-FIND GEOCHEM LTD
INNOVATION PLACE
L004-410 Downey Road
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada S7N 4N1
Phone: (306)931-3156 Fax: (306)931-9773
E-Mail: plafleur@sasktel.net