UK Gravity Delve Project Explores Using Quantum Sensing for Borehole Applications

(Engineer.co.UK) The Innovate UK funded project, which brings together academics from the UK Quantum Technology Hub Sensors and Timing, which is led by the University of Birmingham and down-hole technology specialist Nemein Ltd, is developing borehole deployed equipment primarily focussed on energy harvesting and environmental sensing.
The new technology will enable the quantum sensor developed by the University of Birmingham to venture out of the lab and into the extremely harsh downhole environment.Gravity Delve, a UK led project aimed at harnessing the potential of quantum gravity sensing technology is exploring the use of the technology in harsh underground borehole environments.
Gravity Delve is investigating how a commercially relevant quantum device could replace or enhance current technology to optimise CCS reservoirs, minimise the environmental impact from hydrocarbon extraction and enhance the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy such as geothermal. This will lead to the first cost effective and efficient method deep borehole quantum sensor deployment.
Quantum gravity sensors based on atom interferometry are already being developed for use in the oil and gas sector. Indeed, Quantum cold-atom sensors designed to operate on the surface are expected to be able to detect and monitor objects beneath the ground better than any current technology.