At International Petroleum Week 2010, HP and Shell today announced a collaboration to develop a wireless sensing system to acquire extremely high-resolution seismic data on land.

The oil and gas industry requires high-quality seismic data to accurately assess exploration prospects for commercial viability and to effectively monitor producing reservoirs. By delivering a much higher channel count and a broader sensor frequency range than are currently available, the new system promises to vastly improve the quality of seismic data.

HP and Shell will use their complementary knowledge and experience to produce a groundbreaking solution to sense, collect and store geophysical data. The system is designed to integrate seamlessly with Shell’s high-performance computing and seismic imaging environment and to be deployed safely and more cost-effectively than current systems.

“We think this will represent a leap forward in seismic data quality that will provide Shell with a competitive advantage in exploring difficult oil and gas reservoirs, such as sub-salt plays in the Middle East or unconventional gas in North America,” said Gerald Schotman, executive vice president, Innovation/Research and Development, Shell. “As a result of this exciting collaboration, we expect to fully realize the potential of Shell’s processing and imaging technology on land.”

The new system reflects the breadth of HP’s portfolio. It will be delivered by HP Enterprise Services and includes a recent breakthrough in high-performance sensing technology from HP Labs – the company’s central research arm – and the company’s Imaging and Printing Group. Additionally, the system uses HP ProCurve networking products along with HP storage, computation and software products.

“These advances in technology to discover energy resources could transform the ability to pinpoint abundant new oil and gas reserves,” said Joe Eazor, senior vice president and general manager, HP Enterprise Services. “HP is uniquely positioned to offer Shell a complete sensor system that delivers innovation to address key technical seismic challenges.”

This strategic relationship with Shell is a cornerstone in HP’s blueprint for an information ecosystem that empowers people to make better, faster decisions to improve safety, security and environmental sustainability while transforming business economics. Sensing solutions are positioned to provide a new level of awareness through a network of sensors, data storage, and analysis tools that monitor the environment, assets, and health and safety.