Anadarko is a recognized leader in innovation. We safely leverage leading-edge technology to create pathways to new opportunities for energy development while preserving the environment.
Subsalt Exploration Expertise
Anadarko has successfully explored for hydrocarbon accumulations beneath salt layers in the subsurface for more than a decade. During this time, Anadarko's geoscientists have developed a subsalt exploration methodology that includes applying leading-edge technology to process and interpretation of geophysical data. The combination of expertise in technological applications and exploration experience has allowed Anadarko to establish a successful track record and skill set that is being applied to deepwater hydrocarbon basins worldwide.
Deepwater Spar Technology
Anadarko has a significant inventory of deepwater spars actively producing in the Gulf of Mexico. The spar production system offers a stable platform attached to a large cylindrical hull that can accommodate dry-tree wells and support workover and drilling operations. One of the major benefits of the floating spar facility is the ability to move it and drill additional wells under the spar. This allows for phased development of deepwater fields.
After years of use, at the end of a field’s productive life, a spar platform can be moved to a new location. We pioneered three generations of spar technology – the “classic,” “truss” and “cell” spars. Each has enhanced the company’s ability to economically develop smaller deepwater fields; ultimately recovering resources that otherwise might have been stranded.
Seismic Imaging
Anadarko pushes the boundaries of seismic technology to get clearer data faster and more cost effectively. In the deepwater Gulf of Mexico, Anadarko is applying a processing technology to seismic data that produces images of the subsurface in areas where standard industry techniques have failed. Applying this technology – reverse time migration – to one of Anadarko's discoveries has enabled us to develop a more accurate image of the hydrocarbon reservoirs and will be used to optimally locate future wells.
Field Simulation
Anadarko uses reservoir simulation on projects and has built extensive reservoir simulation expertise in miscible recovery efforts, including CO2 and water-alternating-gas enhanced oil recovery (EOR) projects. During the initial stage of a project, simulation tools provide performance projections for many possible development options. These performance projections are then combined with other engineering, geological, geophysical and commercial considerations to determine a field development plan that will optimize the project's value.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
Anadarko is tapping this commonly used tool for gathering spatial data about a region in uncommon ways. GIS provides us with a big-picture view of an area's roads and pipeline systems, terrain, populated areas and environmentally sensitive locations to better plan how we do business in a particular part of the world. By integrating operational and business data about an area with GIS-provided topography, population and environmental details, Anadarko can evaluate, plan and execute new venture opportunities with greater efficiency.
Petroleum Systems Analysis
Understanding a "petroleum system" involves studying the nature of the source rock; the timing of source rock maturation; migration pathways for the hydrocarbons; reservoir type, presence, distribution and quality; trapping mechanisms; and seal properties. Anadarko's geoscientists use this information to gain the best possible understanding of drilling opportunities and to maximize drilling success.
Sparse 3-D Seismic
Anadarko has significantly increased the contribution of seismic images to exploration by using Sparse 3-D surveying techniques that work within conventional 2-D budgets. A faster and less costly technology, Sparse 3-D fundamentally reduces the risks associated with drilling exploration and delineation wells by providing a complete structural picture of the subsurface, a result not possible with 2-D technology. Sparse 3-D also helps Anadarko reduce the amount of time it takes to reach production by up to one year by compressing the time needed for seismic projects.