Seismic Location of Emission Centers (SLEC) – Directly determines the presence and nature of fluids in the subsurface. SLEC’s result is a video that shows the presence and movement of oil, gas and water within a given reservoir.  It is a passive seismic technology that enables the study of the 4D distribution of open fracture dynamics. SLEC’s process detects natural seismic emission (SE) waves generated during a cycle of opening and collapse of microfractures known to occur in the Earth’s subsurface. This process appears to be related to gravitational changes. SE waves are identified in the measured wave field by applying the proprietary Focusing Transformation Algorithm, which helps locate emission centers where open fractures are formed.  The behavior of SE is unique to oil, water or dry saturation in the respective horizon.  SLEC is a real time technology that allows the continuous measurement and processing of the seismic-wave-field to determine the fluid type/fluid saturation, hydrocarbons' distribution, oil-to-water-contact, fluid migration and reservoir dynamics for each horizon in a target area. With these capabilities, besides being useful for vertical wells, SLEC can also be applied to plan horizontal drilling/injection wells, monitor hydraulic fracturing and observe water advance in production.

Gaining information or confidence as to the presence of hydrocarbons prior to drilling is one of the greatest challenges in exploration today. While the interpretation of conventional seismic data yields valuable information on the structural components of the subsurface, it does not provide direct evidence of the presence of hydrocarbons in all but a small percentage of cases. Conversely, SLEC reliably indicates the presence of hydrocarbons (or lack thereof) in subject areas of study. SLEC also shows the distribution and dynamic movements of hydrocarbons and water in reservoirs. Moreover, it is not equipment or personnel intensive. In terms of sequence, SLEC is typically applied to confirm the presence of hydrocarbons after STeP, NAGS and SVSL have provided favorable indication for a viable hydrocarbon deposit. SLEC is also useful as an application to monitor production and develop a strategic plan for reservoir optimization.  Specifically, it helps to: (i) reliably visualize the entire fluid saturation picture at any depth in the subsurface, and (ii) demonstrate the fluid migration/reservoir dynamics, in continuous mode, caused by natural geodynamic processes, hydraulic fracturing, and production/water flooding.