Applications
The MTU-RT is a connected broadband Magnetotellurics instrument. It permits applications not previously available with the MTU-5A because of the lack of connectivity.
With the increasing amount of MT measurements performed every year, instant access to the data and equipment status is very useful, with potentially significant cost savings.
This connectivity opens the door to new applications, such as new approaches to MT signal monitoring and more widespread use of permanent remote reference.
A magnetotellurics remote reference station is usually installed at least 20 km away from the survey area in an electromagnetic environment than has a different noise spectrum than the survey area. Remote reference data processing can dramatically improve results.
Remote reference processing is now standard for all MT applications: research, environmental, groundwater, mining, geothermal and hydrocarbons.
The MTU-RT is the perfect remote reference station alternative : it does not need to be serviced, it continuously acquires data, and always delivers data to camp.
Lower operating costs
Remote Reference for both AMT and MT with one station only
Can be installed tens to hundreds of kilometers away, on a different island, etc
Both conventional geothermal reservoirs (REFERENCE : Phoenix Japan project, 1999ff) and enhanced geothermal systems (EGS) (Reference: Peacock et al) have successfully used MT for mapping and time-lapse monitoring of fluid injection.
This 4D application requires repeated deployment (or a single long-term deployment) of an array of surface MT stations – for which the MTU-RT is ideal.
The MTU-RT can harvest all the data in real time; and, with solar power, there is no need for an operator to routinely visit the site – a significant cost saving.
Research is currently under way to determine the utility of MT for hydrocarbon frac monitoring.
Monitor effects of fluid injection
Add MT data to seismic and microseismic
Multiple time-lapse datasets available
Magnetotellurics measurements are extensively used for research applications that requires long term deployment and autonomous operations: Deep earth mapping with AUSLAMP, crustal and lithospheric observatories with US ARRAY, Integrated Plate Boundary Observatory in Chile etc…
The MTU-RT can be easily deployed for these types of operations and present additional features that were not available to the community before
Adds the 10,000Hz to 10 secondes band to regular MT observatories
Remotely inspect and process broadband data : no more “too short recordings”
Monitor EM effects of events related to volcanism , seismic activities, etc