Bahrain-based provider of non-destructive ground investigation, GeoServices, is gearing up for major contracts throughout the Gulf, according to a company official.

''Things are really starting to take off for non-destructive techniques in the Gulf region,'' said director Kevin Sayers, a well-known personality among the major oil companies of the region.

''Non-destructive techniques offer a number of competitive advantages for the user, including major cost benefits which come from being able to forward plan the design and implementation of project construction,'' explained Sayers. ''In other words, the design is correct first time, meaning that projects are completed on schedule and within budget.

''We are a well-resourced Bahraini company providing leading edge geophysical technology, with financial and logistical back-up from the US,'' said Sayers.

GeoServices consists of three divisions - Geophysical, Surveying and Environmental - though it is the Geophysical division which is likely to provide the mainstay of business for the foreseeable future, according to Sayers.

From seismic refraction, resistivity and conductivity techniques to ground penetrating radar (GPR), VLF, magnetics, gravity and acoustic, GeoServices can give critical ground information to oil and gas companies, utilities and engineers for pipe and cable location; cavity mapping; bedrock profiling; rockhead rippability; cathodic protection and a host of other near-surface requirements.

A range of in-house GPR and EM Conductivity systems produce images of the subsurface in cross-section and plan respectively. The GPR is interfaced with a Global Positioning System (GPS) which provides an accurate map of subsurface utilities in a CAD format. In addition to location, information is provided on the rockhead, giving indications of fractured, solid or unconsolidated ground conditions.

In addition, an accurate borehole program can be initiated with seismic refraction used to determine the rippability of the bedrock, enabling the client to set accurate budgets and tenders for pipeline installation on a lump sum basis, negating costly legal claims for unforeseen rock removal.

The Conductivity systems rapidly map large areas down to approximately three metres, with output provided with coordinates through GPS integration and inclusion in CAD drawings. Microgravity surveys are used to map subsurface cavities in plan view with resistivity imaging providing cross-sections for depth confirmation.

All information is interfaced to the company's Geographical Interface System (GIS) database. Pipeline location and depth information is highlighted and a CAD drawing will be given to the ancilliary survey teams or engineers as a template for their work plan.

GeoServices has successfully applied its geophysical expertise on a number of projects in the Gulf. For Saudi Aramco, GPR has been used at Shaybah downstream facilities; cavity mapping has been carried out at Uthmaniyah water supply station and the new hospital site at Hofuf.

Numerous surveys for utility mapping and avoidance have been conducted in Saudi Aramco facilities, which has proven to give a 60 per cent saving compared to conventional methods.

The company has also provided a wide range of other services for clients in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi and Oman.

GeoServices is also positioning itself to take advantage of increasing environmental awareness and legislation in the Gulf through a range of Environmental Solutions products and services. Advanced technology is available to obtain background data on the physical, chemical and biological parameters of sites contaminated by hydrocarbons and chemicals, and the company is able to then provide remediation.

The company will be providing crucial vibration monitoring services to a key client in the Eastern province of Saudi Arabia, and this, according to Sayers, is likely to be a major thrust for the company in the near future.

GeoServices are first-time exhibitors at MEOS and will be presenting their full range of services at Stand No 605.