Flexibility
UniQ is a highly flexible point-receiver system. From fast-moving, low-density exploration surveys to wide-azimuth, broad bandwidth, point-source/point-receiver reservoir surveys, the UniQ system delivers. UniQ can operate from the hottest deserts to freezing arctic conditions and is fully integrated with WesternGeco advanced source technologies such as the DX-80 vibrator, MD Sweep and SHARP.
The UniQ system has been designed to optimize productivity and minimize technical downtime. UniQ is a true continuous acquisition system that eliminates dead-time between acquisition records and enables use of simultaneous source techniques. Utilizing GPS time for recording and source synchronization, time-stamped shot records can be separated out either in the recording truck or in base camp, offering increased flexibility. On-the-fly script loading means no lost time during swath changes.
Fault Tolerance
Built-in redundancies include multiple fiber-optic alternate data pathways as standard, automated data rerouting, and double-ended sensor strings that continue to stream data and provide power-paths even after a cable cut. The UniQ spread can sustain multiple simultaneous line breaks and cable cuts without the loss of a single channel of data. Automatic alarms immediately alert the operator to the damaged section, enabling prompt repair while acquisition continues.
Sensors
The proven Q-Land geophone accelerometer (GAC) has been refined and improved for UniQ. Sensor Units are "plug and play", automatically powering up and self-testing upon connection. UniQ raw sensor measurements (RSM) are transmitted to the central system in a self-describing data format. Planned and final coordinates, test results and environmental data are all sent back to the recording truck along with the RSM, where they are combined with similar information from the sources and written directly into the trace headers. This enables fast, error-free data processing.
Integrated planning and processing
The WesternGeco Q-Land system pioneered the approach of integrated acquisition and processing. UniQ continues this trend. iManage planning software enables intelligent equipment planning as well as source and recording system parameterization. The Integrated Source Controller provides support for explosive and vibroseis acquisition, including all modern advanced vibrator techniques. A range of innovative features help to reduce non-productive up time. Real-time quality control in the recording truck includes automated QC, flagging bad shots for rejection, or suspect shots for further investigation. Infield data processing facilities that rival many fixed-site processing centers allow the immense measurement volumes produced to be processed on-crew through fit-for-purpose Digital Group Forming (DGF) workflows, while maintaining industry-leading turn-around time.