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Which Borehole Seismic Geophone Should I Use?

Currently the major suppliers of geophones are Geochain, OYO Geospace, and Sercel. Each of these companies offer several different forms of tools which vary by coupling, number of instruments, wireline type, diameter, and geophone cartridge.

The OYO Geospace DS250 is the best geophone system I have worked with. The internal stacking, strong coupling arm, allowed for excellent signal detection.

The Sercel Slimwave is another good geophone system which allows for small borehole, uses a strong coupling arm and could be upgraded for internal stacking.

Geochain Avalon tools are designed for higher temperature operations, but are less impressive than the DS250 and should be used when operational temperatures exceed those of the Slimwave or the DS250.

OYO Geospace DS150. This is a very common tool that operations teams love. The squared standoffs make for a nice tool to be tractored down a wellbore (which often maintain orientation even after moving to the next location up the wellbore). When deployed in a vertical well, coupling is achieved either by magnets or the use of bowsprings.

So if you are in the Houston area and would like to discuss my opinions over coffee lets get together. My email is nivek.burns@gmail.com

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