Using autonomous underwater gliders for geochemical exploration surveys
Louise M. Russell-Cargill A , Bradley S. Craddock A , Ross B. Dinsdale A B , Jacqueline G. Doran A , Ben N. Hunt A and Ben Hollings AA Blue Ocean Monitoring Ltd, Suite 3, Churchill Court, 234 Churchill Avenue, Subiaco, WA 6008, Australia.
B Corresponding author. Email: RDinsdale@BlueOceanMonitoring.com
The APPEA Journal 58(1) 367-380 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ17079
Submitted: 19 December 2017 Accepted: 1 February 2018 Published: 28 May 2018
Abstract
Offshore exploration commonly uses geochemical sniffer technologies to detect hydrocarbon seepage. Advancements in sniffer technology have seen the development of submersible in-situ methane sensors. By integrating a Franatech laser methane sensor onto an autonomous underwater glider platform, geochemical survey durations can be increased, and associated exploration costs reduced. This paper analyses the effectiveness of methane detection using the integrated system and assesses its practical application to offshore hydrocarbon seep detection methods. Blue Ocean Monitoring surveyed the Yampi Shelf, an area with known oil and gas accumulations, and observed hydrocarbon seeps on the North West Shelf of Australia. Results from the survey showed a background dissolved methane concentration of 3 to 4 volumes per million (vpm). A distinct plume of methane between 30 to 84 vpm measured over 24 km2 was detected early in the survey. Three smaller plumes were also identified. Within a small plume, the highest concentration of methane was detected at 160 vpm. Methane above background levels was observed within 8 km of previously identified seeps; however, these seeps were unable to be pinpointed. Comparisons with data from previous surveys suggest similar oceanographic influences on the behaviour of the seeps, including tidal variations and the position of the thermocline. The results demonstrated that the integrated system may be used to effectively ground truth remote sensing interpretations and survey areas of interest over long durations, providing methane presence or absence results. To this effect, the integrated system may be implemented as a supporting technology for assessing the risks of further funding hydrocarbon detection surveys and focusing the area of interest before the deployment of vessel-based surveys.
Keywords: autonomous underwater gliders, autonomous underwater vehicles, autonomy, geochemical investigation, geochemical sniffers, glider integration, ground truthing, hydrocarbon seep, hydrocarbons, laser methane sensor, methane, natural seepage, oceanic methane layer, offshore technology, plumes, seep exploration surveys, Slocum Gliders, TDLAS, thermocline, tides, tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy, Yampi Shelf.
Louise Russell-Cargill completed her Bachelor of Science at the University of Western Australia, majoring in geology and marine science. Since graduating, Louise has gained field and research experience in offshore and onshore geology. She currently works concurrently for Blue Ocean Monitoring as a project support officer, and at CSIRO as a research technician. |
Bradley Craddock is a systems engineer and data analyst currently working at Blue Ocean Monitoring. He holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Curtin University and has over 10 years’ experience as a business owner/manager, specialising in the design and development of prototype mechanical systems. He is also currently undertaking a master’s degree in data science at the University of Western Australia. |
Ross Dinsdale is the Asia Pacific General Manager for Blue Ocean Monitoring. Formerly, Ross was the Business Development Manager for an oil and gas exploration and production company, and he has also held investment banking and investment research roles in Australia and internationally covering the oil and gas sector. Ross is a Chartered Financial Analyst and holds a Bachelor of Commerce (UWA) and Graduate Diploma in Applied Finance (FINSIA). |
Jacqui Doran has completed a Bachelor of Environmental Engineering, majoring in ocean systems engineering, and is currently pursuing her Master of Professional Engineering (Civil Engineering). Jacqui works for Blue Ocean Monitoring as a marine systems engineer, and has over four years’ experience as an oceanographer. |
Ben Hunt, the Chief Operations Officer at Blue Ocean Monitoring, obtained his bachelor’s degree (with honours) in ocean science from the University of Plymouth. Ben has over 13 years’ experience managing and leading team projects in various industries, including oil and gas, coastal engineering, mining and defence. He has extensive knowledge in geophysical, geotechnical, geochemical, environmental and metocean survey techniques. He has strong interests in physical oceanography, building of unmanned monitoring systems and deployment of disruptive technologies. |
Ben Hollings finished his Bachelor of Engineering (and Commerce) in 2004, specialising in applied ocean science at the University of Western Australia. Ben is recognised globally as an expert in autonomous system development and implementation and operation of various vehicle types, and has been involved in various academic papers utilising AUVs. He has 10 years’ experience working in remote ocean data collection using autonomous platforms including Sea Gliders and Slocum Gliders. He is currently the Group Chief Technical Officer at Blue Ocean monitoring, a leader in utilising autonomous underwater vehicles for ocean data collection. |
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