Exploring Desert Reservoirs With Terahertz Frequencies

Abstract

To locate oil in the desert, precise, nondestructive, and cost-effective exploration is necessary; unfortunately, current technology is incapable of providing direct and noninvasive detection. Terahertz (THz) prospecting was designed to extract sands from the surface of an oilfield in a desert and to determine the distribution of the reservoir. Currently, the accuracy of THz prospecting exceeds 80%. Generally used for reservoir appraisal, THz spectroscopy can detect trace organic chemicals flowing from a subsurface reservoir to surface sands. Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and a thermogravimetric analytical method, The authenticity of aromatic compounds, nitro organics, and long-chain alkanes has been independently verified. When trace organics were dissolved, the sands exhibited a THz response comparable to other sands. In dry conditions, the THz spectroscopy-based petroleum prospecting method is effective for improving and optimising the geophysical exploration system.