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ASC Merges With Itasca

51This news article is devoted entirely to the following announcement from Professor R. Paul Young, Founder and Scientific Director of Applied Seismology Consultants.


Dear Friends, Colleagues, and Clients,

For more than a decade, Itasca International Inc. (Itasca) and Applied Seismology Consultants (ASC) have developed a growing partnership that extends to project work across a range of fields, from petroleum extraction to waste isolation to mining. In addition, the collaborations between the personnel of both companies over that period have been extensive. So it is my pleasure and privilege to announce to you today, with agreement on both sides, the merger between Itasca and ASC. As of 1st of May 2009, ASC is an Itasca International company. ASC's leading-edge capabilities in microseismic monitoring added to Itasca's unmatched expertise in numerical modelling results in truly unique opportunities that we are eager to explore with our clients. But first, a few words about Itasca by way of introduction.


Introducing ITASCA

Itasca is an independent, international engineering consulting and software development firm that provides integrated solutions to geomechanics- and hydrogeology-related problems for clients in the engineering, energy and environmental industries. Founded in 1981, Itasca has thirteen offices around the world. The company employs leading engineers in the fields of rock mechanics, hydrology, hydrogeology, geochemistry, mining engineering, civil engineering and software engineering. Itasca's clients are drawn from a worldwide spectrum that includes mining companies of all sizes (both surface and underground), petroleum companies, civil design and construction firms, government agencies, research universities and other consulting firms.

At the heart of Itasca's business is the dynamic interchange between its consulting work and the development of numerical modeling tools used principally (but not exclusively) to conduct that work. As a result, Itasca has developed a global reputation for expertise in the application of numerical analysis to engineering problems and, in conjunction, has created some of the most advanced numerical modeling codes in the world for that purpose.

Example of the integrated approach using Itasca’s models and ASC’s microseismic processing for the understanding of the mechanics of deep cave mining.


Fracture Network Engineering

In recent years, ASC and Itasca have developed advanced, groundbreaking techniques for correlating microseismic field observations with simulated microseismicity from Itasca's models. On the one hand, data acquisition and microseismic processing are used to map a disturbed or enlarging fracture network in space, magnitude and evolution using techniques developed by ASC for signal processing and interpretation. The feedback provides "first order" information to engineers, potentially in real time, so that decisions on project design can be made and revised effectively and efficiently. On the other hand, a Synthetic Rock Mass (SRM) numerical model is developed. The SRM is enhanced and updated by the information provided by the microseismic information. SRM models employ Itasca's PFC2D/PFC3D codes to create an assembly of bonded particles that represent the rock mass on a large scale (e.g. 10-100m). A Discrete Fracture Network is embedded within the bonded assembly to represent joints, faults or other pre-existing fractures as smooth, frictional (or cohesive) planar features. SRM samples that are subjected to the same mechanical or fluid disturbance expected in the field produce synthetic seismicity that can be compared directly with microseismic data collected in the field. This approach can effectively monitor the rock mass disturbance as it is developed on site and has two principal objectives:
         A.    to use the models to better interpret the causal effects of the microseismicity by analysing the micromechanics occurring within the numerical model framework (recognising that in the model we observe all activity within the configured boundary conditions, whereas field observations record only a portion of the activity depending on the sensitivity of the monitoring system);
         B.    to use the observed microseismicity to feed back into the development of the models, and so validate their results, in order to develop robust predictive models for engineering the fracture network (both for the project in hand or for future projects).

The image below illustrates how this technique, which we term Fracture Network Engineering, is used in a hydraulic fracturing campaign to provide results and interpretations that feed back into the design and operation of the project.



Both ASC and Itasca have been aggressively pursuing the expansion and growth of Fracture Network Engineering. We define this new discipline as the design, analysis, modelling and monitoring of in-field activities that enhance or inhibit permeability and/or promote disintegration of rock masses through fluid injection, blasting or excavation. The validation of predictive models resulting from the SRM technique makes it possible to develop robust guidelines for engineering fracture networks based on in situ conditions, rock mass properties and operational controls. We believe the opportunities inherent in this discipline are of great benefit in any field where the behaviour of in situ rock masses subject to fracturing can have critical impact on the design, efficiency and success of industrial operations: hydraulic fracturing for petroleum extraction in oil reservoirs, stimulation of rock at depth for extraction of geothermal energy, examination of rock mass behaviour around underground excavations (tunnels, caverns, storage facilities) and blast design, to name a few. And the potential applicability only extends from there.


Next Steps

In the coming months, ASC and Itasca will be completing the integration of ASC into the international family of Itasca companies. We will keep our existing clients appraised of our progress and remain ready to respond to all inquiries and requests for information. We are excited about the new directions, new energies and new possibilities this move will provide. The dynamic energy, talent, experience and innovation Itasca will bring to its collaborations with ASC will be of immediate value to our clients. We look forward to having further opportunities to communicate with you about this exciting development, and welcome any occasion to hear your thoughts, questions, and responses.

Sincerely,

Professor R. Paul Young, Founder and Scientific Director

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