Low Cost In-Situ NMR Technologies for Monitoring Biological and Geochemical Processes in the Subsurface

This proposal addresses the need to monitor and characterize subsurface biogeochemical and hydrogeologic properties in-situ. Specifically this sequential Phase IIB effort addresses the commercial need for instrumentation that can operate on standard four-conductor wireline logging cable, which will enable practical, low-cost monitoring and deployment. Vista Clara proposes to develop a small-diameter digital NMR tool that can operate on standard four conductor wireline cable. With this digital tool design, complete functionality is enabled using 4-conductor wireline. The system will incorporate all of the advancements in measurement precision and sensitivity developed as part of the Phase I&II program, with a wireline platform that dramatically expands the scope of applications and removes barriers to commercial adoption. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits The Phase II work has resulted in an extremely powerful, precise, and sensitive downhole NMR technology that can be used for a wide range of subsurface characterization and monitoring objectives. The Phase IIB work will deliver these powerful capabilities in a platform that is compatible with the industry-standard of geophysical logging platform. As such it will reduce the deployment cost, increase the depth range, and effectively transform the commercial viability of downhole NMR. In doing so, it will bring this valuable technology to bear on a vastly expanded scope of government and private-sector environmental projects. Downhole NMR that can be practically and cost effectively deployed will directly benefit any company or agency engaged in subsurface characterization and remediation projects by improving their ability to characterize and monitor hydrogeologic properties and biogeochemical changes associated with remediation and other environmental objectives. As a result, environmental and groundwater managers will be able to obtain successful, rapid, and cost-effective remediation outcomes.