Petro-electric modeling for CSEM reservoir characterization and monitoring

Geophysics ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 77 (1) ◽  
pp. E9-E20 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alireza Shahin ◽  
Kerry Key ◽  
Paul Stoffa ◽  
Robert Tatham
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Resistivity ◽  
Water Saturation ◽  
Fluid Pressure ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
Petroleum Exploration ◽  
Water Flooding ◽  
Algorithm Analysis ◽  
Production Time ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Fluid Saturation

The controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) method has been successfully applied to petroleum exploration; however, less effort has been made to highlight the applicability of this technique for reservoir monitoring. This work appraises the ability of time-lapse CSEM data to detect the changes in fluid saturation during water flooding into an oil reservoir. We simulated a poorly consolidated shaly sandstone reservoir based on a prograding near-shore depositional environment. Starting with an effective porosity model simulated by Gaussian geostatistics, dispersed clay and dual water models were efficiently combined with other well-known theoretical and experimental petrophysical correlations to consistently simulate reservoir properties. The constructed reservoir model was subjected to numerical simulation of multiphase fluid flow to predict the spatial distributions of fluid pressure and saturation. A geologically consistent rock physics model and a modified Archie’s equation for shaly sandstones were then used to simulate the electrical resistivity, showing up to 60% decreases in electrical resistivity due to changes in water saturation during 10 years of production. Time-lapse CSEM data were simulated at three production time steps (zero, five, and ten years) using a 2.5D parallel adaptive finite element algorithm. Analysis of the time-lapse signal in the simulated multicomponent and multifrequency data set demonstrates that a detectable time-lapse signal after five years and a strong time-lapse signal after ten years of water flooding are attainable using current CSEM technology.

Stochastic inversion of pressure and saturation changes from time-lapse AVO data

Geophysics ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 71 (5) ◽  
pp. C81-C92 ◽  
Author(s):  
Helene Hafslund Veire ◽  
Hilde Grude Borgos ◽  
Martin Landrø
Keyword(s):  
Stochastic Model ◽  
Seismic Data ◽  
Synthetic Data ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
Bayesian Framework ◽  
Reservoir Modeling ◽  
Data Set ◽  
The North ◽  
Fluid Saturation ◽  
Likelihood Model

Effects of pressure and fluid saturation can have the same degree of impact on seismic amplitudes and differential traveltimes in the reservoir interval; thus, they are often inseparable by analysis of a single stacked seismic data set. In such cases, time-lapse AVO analysis offers an opportunity to discriminate between the two effects. We quantify the uncertainty in estimations to utilize information about pressure- and saturation-related changes in reservoir modeling and simulation. One way of analyzing uncertainties is to formulate the problem in a Bayesian framework. Here, the solution of the problem will be represented by a probability density function (PDF), providing estimations of uncertainties as well as direct estimations of the properties. A stochastic model for estimation of pressure and saturation changes from time-lapse seismic AVO data is investigated within a Bayesian framework. Well-known rock physical relationships are used to set up a prior stochastic model. PP reflection coefficient differences are used to establish a likelihood model for linking reservoir variables and time-lapse seismic data. The methodology incorporates correlation between different variables of the model as well as spatial dependencies for each of the variables. In addition, information about possible bottlenecks causing large uncertainties in the estimations can be identified through sensitivity analysis of the system. The method has been tested on 1D synthetic data and on field time-lapse seismic AVO data from the Gullfaks Field in the North Sea.

A practical workflow using quantitative interpretation of seismic amplitudes to derisk infill wells in deepwater Gulf of Mexico: The Auger example

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (10) ◽  
pp. 754-761 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liqin Sang ◽  
Uwe Klein-Helmkamp ◽  
Andrew Cook ◽  
Juan R. Jimenez
Keyword(s):  
Gulf Of Mexico ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
Quantitative Interpretation ◽  
Efficient Manner ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Seismic Amplitude ◽  
Imperfect Data ◽  
Avo Inversion ◽  
Fluid Saturation ◽  
Single Well

Seismic direct hydrocarbon indicators (DHIs) are routinely used in the identification of hydrocarbon reservoirs and in the positioning of drilling targets. Understanding seismic amplitude reliability and character, including amplitude variation with offset (AVO), is key to correct interpretation of the DHI and to enable confident assessment of the commercial viability of the reservoir targets. In many cases, our interpretation is impeded by limited availability of data that are often less than perfect. Here, we present a seismic quantitative interpretation (QI) workflow that made the best out of imperfect data and managed to successfully derisk a multiwell drilling campaign in the Auger and Andros basins in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico. Data challenges included azimuthal illumination effects caused by the presence of the Auger salt dome, sand thickness below tuning, and long-term production effects that are hard to quantify without dedicated time-lapse seismic. In addition, seismic vintages with varying acquisition geometries led to different QI predictions that further complicated the interpretation story. Given these challenges, we implemented an amplitude derisking workflow that combined ray-based illumination assessments and prestack data observations to guide selection of the optimal seismic data set(s) for QI analysis. This was followed by forward modeling to quantify the fluid saturation and sand thickness effects on seismic amplitude. Combined with structural geology analysis of the well targets, this workflow succeeded in significantly reducing the risk of the proposed opportunities. The work also highlighted potential pitfalls in AVO interpretation, including AVO inversion for the characterization of reservoirs near salt, while providing a workflow for prestack amplitude quality control prior to inversion. The workflow is adaptable to specific target conditions and can be executed in a time-efficient manner. It has been applied to multiple infill well opportunities, but for simplicity reasons here, we demonstrate the application on a single well target.

Quantitative comparison of processes of oil- and water-based mud-filtrate invasion and corresponding effects on borehole resistivity measurements

Geophysics ◽  
2009 ◽  
Vol 74 (1) ◽  
pp. E57-E73 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jesús M. Salazar ◽  
Carlos Torres-Verdín
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Resistivity ◽  
Flow Rate ◽  
Water Saturation ◽  
Base Case ◽  
Petrophysical Properties ◽  
Resistivity Measurements ◽  
Fluid Saturation ◽  
Mud Cake ◽  
Water Based ◽  
Mud Filtrate

Some laboratory and qualitative studies have documented the influence of water-based mud(WBM)-filtrate invasion on borehole resistivity measurements. Negligible work, however, has been devoted to studying the effects of oil-based mud(OBM)-filtrate invasion on well logs and the corresponding impact on the estimation of petrophysical properties. We quantitatively compare the effects of WBM- and OBM-filtrate invasion on borehole resistivity measurements. We simulate the process of mud-filtrate invasion into a porous and permeable rock formation assuming 1D radial distributions of fluid saturation and fluid properties while other petrophysical properties remain constant. To simulate the process of mud-filtrate invasion, we calculate a time-dependent flow rate of OBM-filtrate invasion by adapting the available formulation of the physics of WBM-filtrate invasion. This approach includes the dynamically coupled effects of mud-cake growth and multiphase filtrate invasion. Simulations are performed with a commercial adaptive-implicit compositional formulation that enables the quantification of effects caused by additional components of mud-filtrate and native fluids. The formation under analysis is 100% water saturated (base case) andis invaded with a single-component OBM. Subsequently, we perform simulations of WBM filtrate invading the same formation assuming that it is hydrocarbon bearing, and compare the results to those obtained in the presence of OBM. At the end of this process, we invoke Archie’s equation to calculate the radial distribution of electrical resistivity from the simulated radial distributions of water saturation and salt concentration and compare the effects of invasion on borehole resistivity measurements acquired in the presence of OBM and WBM. Simulations confirm that the flow rate of OBM-filtrate invasion remains controlled by the initial mud-cake permeability and formation petrophysical properties, specifically capillary pressure and relative permeability. Moreover, WBM causes radial lengths of invasion 15%–40% larger than those associated with OBM as observed on the radial distributions of electrical resistivity. It is found also that, in general, flow rates of WBM-filtrate invasion are higher than those of OBM-filtrate invasion caused by viscosity contrasts between OBM filtrate and native fluids, which slow down the process of invasion. Such a conclusion is validated by the marginal variability of array-induction resistivity measurements observed in simulations of OBM invasion compared with those of WBM invasion.

Low Resistivity Reservoir Pay Evaluation, New Opportunity for Further Development, Case Study On Gumai Formation Of B Field, Jambi Sub Basin, South Sumatera Basin

2021 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Oil And Gas ◽  
Water Saturation ◽  
Neutron Density ◽  
Gas Field ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Volume Calculation ◽  
Low Resistivity ◽  
Shale Volume ◽  
Fluid Saturation ◽  
Further Development

The understanding of low resistivity reservoir zone is one of the most challenging cases for further development in order to optimize the remaining oil and gas field productions. In the Intra-Gumai Formation “B” Field where marine clastic reservoirs are deposited, a low resistivity reservoir is being developed as a new perforation and workover target. This study discusses how to identify the cause of low resistivity case and evaluate the proper petrophysical parameters to unlock the potential reservoir pay zones. The data set consists of petrographic, X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Cation Exchange Capacity (CEC), routine core, Drill Stem Test ((DST) and wireline logs data. Petrographic, XRD, CEC and routine analysis were performed to recognize the low resistivity causes characterized by the presence of framework grain (quartz, K-feldspar and glaucony, calcite and kaolinite) observed in intergranular pore and also quartz overgrowth developed prior to kaolinite precipitation. Petrophysical analysis defines the reservoir property parameters by comparing some equations also validated with routine core and DST result. Based on the quantitative analysis carried out, namely the evaluation of the distribution of shale volume, calculation of porosity, and determination of water saturation, it is recommended to use the Stieber method for the distribution of shale volume in the reservoir and its properties, the neutron density porosity method to calculate porosity model, and the Waxman Smits method to determine the final fluid saturation model. Finally, by using the hydrocarbon saturation results in the current study, this interval was improved as pay zone. This method will be applied to other wells and other structures that have a similar depositional environment to increase hydrocarbon reserves in the same field.

Monitoring managed aquifer recharge with electrical resistivity probes

2014 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. T155-T166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa Nenna ◽  
Adam Pidlisecky ◽  
Rosemary Knight
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Resistivity ◽  
Pore Pressure ◽  
Water Saturation ◽  
Groundwater Resources ◽  
Early Time ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
Managed Aquifer Recharge ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Aquifer Recharge ◽  
Hydraulic Gradients

The use of managed aquifer recharge (MAR) to supplement groundwater resources can mitigate the risks to an aquifer in overdraft. However, limited information on subsurface properties and processes that control groundwater flow may lead to low levels of recapture of infiltrated water, reducing the efficacy of MAR operations. We used long 1D electrical resistivity probes to monitor the subsurface response over one diversion season at five locations beneath an operating recharge pond in northern California. The experiment demonstrated the benefits of integrating geophysical and standard hydrologic measurements. The water table response interpreted from time-lapse electrical resistivity images was in good agreement with traditional pore-pressure transducer measurements at coincident locations. Moreover, the electrical resistivity measurements were able to identify vertical variations in water saturation that would not have appeared in pore-pressure data alone. Changes in saturation estimated from electrical resistivity models indicated large hydraulic gradients at early time and suggested the presence of highly permeable conduits and baffles between the surface and the screened interval of recovery wells. The interpreted structure of these conduits and baffles would contribute to the movement of a large amount of infiltrated water beyond the capture zone of recovery wells before pumping begins, accounting in part for the low recovery rates.

Fluid-pressure discrimination in anisotropic reservoir rocks — A sensitivity study

Geophysics ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 70 (3) ◽  
pp. O1-O11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alexey Stovas ◽  
Martin Landrø
Keyword(s):  
Pore Pressure ◽  
Seismic Data ◽  
Seismic Anisotropy ◽  
Fluid Pressure ◽  
Rock Physics ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
Reservoir Rock ◽  
Sand Layer ◽  
Weak Anisotropy ◽  
Fluid Saturation

We investigate how seismic anisotropy influences our ability to distinguish between various production-related effects from time-lapse seismic data. Based on rock physics models and ultrasonic core measurements, we estimate variations in PP and PS reflectivity at the top reservoir interface for fluid saturation and pore pressure changes. The tested scenarios include isotropic shale, weak anisotropic shale, and highly anisotropic shale layers overlaying either an isotropic reservoir sand layer or a weak anisotropic sand layer. We find that, for transverse isotropic media with a vertical symmetry axis (TIV), the effect of weak anisotropy in the cap rock does not lead to significant errors in, for instance, the simultaneous determination of pore-pressure and fluid-saturation changes. On the other hand, changes in seismic anisotropy within the reservoir rock (caused by, for instance, increased fracturing) might be detectable from time-lapse seismic data. A new method using exact expressions for PP and PS reflectivity, including TIV anisotropy, is used to determine pressure and saturation changes over production time. This method is assumed to be more accurate than previous methods.

Discrimination between pressure and fluid saturation changes from marine multicomponent time‐lapse seismic data

Geophysics ◽  
2003 ◽  
Vol 68 (5) ◽  
pp. 1592-1599 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Landrø ◽  
Helene Hafslund Veire ◽  
Kenneth Duffaut ◽  
Nazih Najjar
Keyword(s):  
Pore Pressure ◽  
Seismic Data ◽  
Water Saturation ◽  
Synthetic Data ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
Seismic Survey ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Amplitude Variation With Offset ◽  
Fluid Saturation ◽  
Pressure Changes

Explicit expressions for computation of saturation and pressure‐related changes from marine multicomponent time‐lapse seismic data are presented. Necessary input is PP and PS stacked data for the baseline seismic survey and the repeat survey. Compared to earlier methods based on PP data only, this method is expected to be more robust since two independent measurements are used in the computation. Due to a lack of real marine multicomponent time‐lapse seismic data sets, the methodology is tested on synthetic data sets, illustrating strengths and weaknesses of the proposed technique. Testing ten scenarios for various changes in pore pressure and fluid saturation, we find that it is more robust for most cases to use the proposed 4D PP/PS technique instead of a 4D PP amplitude variation with offset (AVO) technique. The fit between estimated and “real” changes in water saturation and pore pressure were good for most cases. On the average, we find that the deviation in estimated saturation changes is 8% and 0.3 MPa for the estimated pore pressure changes. For PP AVO, we find that the corresponding average errors are 9% and 1.0 MPa. In the present method, only 4D PP and PS amplitude changes are used in the calculations. It is straightforward to include use of 4D traveltime shifts in the algorithm and, if reliable time shifts can be measured, this will most likely further stabilize the presented method.

Prediction of residual oil saturation by using the ratio of amplitude attributes of time-lapse seismic data

Geophysics ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 82 (1) ◽  
pp. IM1-IM12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Meng Li ◽  
Zhen Liu ◽  
Minzhu Liu ◽  
Huilai Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Data ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
Seismic Interpretation ◽  
Impedance Change ◽  
Residual Oil ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Oil Saturation ◽  
Residual Oil Saturation ◽  
Amplitude Difference ◽  
Fluid Saturation

Subtraction of baseline and monitoring seismic data is a common step in highlighting reservoir changes in time-lapse seismic interpretation. However, ambiguity exists in the interpretation of the amplitude difference, which is controlled by fluid change and reservoir thickness. To estimate the residual oil saturation quantitatively, we have developed a time-lapse seismic interpretation method that uses the ratio of amplitude attributes extracted from the baseline and monitoring seismic data. The relationship between impedance change and the ratio of the baseline and monitoring amplitude attributes is determined to avoid the influence of reservoir thickness. Subsequently, the fluid saturation is calculated from the impedance change by using a proper petrophysical relationship. We have tested our new method on a real time-lapse seismic data set from a water-flooded reservoir in the deepwater area of West Africa. The water-flooded area determined from the amplitude difference does not completely match the production logs because of the influence of variations in the reservoir thickness. However, the residual oil distribution calculated with the proposed method matches the production logs well. The connectivity of sandstone bodies is also evaluated based on an integrated interpretation of estimated oil saturation. With its simple principles and easy accessibility, our method improves the accuracy of time-lapse seismic data interpretation in water-flooded oil reservoirs. Furthermore, the quantitative interpretation of fluid change enables the time-lapse seismic technology to guide reservoir development directly.

Discrimination between pressure and fluid saturation changes from time‐lapse seismic data

Geophysics ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 66 (3) ◽  
pp. 836-844 ◽  
Author(s):  
Martin Landrø
Keyword(s):  
Seismic Data ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
Seismic Survey ◽  
Baseline Survey ◽  
Water Contact ◽  
Data Set ◽  
Seismic Surveys ◽  
Fluid Saturation ◽  
Oil Water ◽  
Pressure Changes

Explicit expressions for computing saturation‐ and pressure‐related changes from time‐lapse seismic data have been derived and tested on a real time‐lapse seismic data set. Necessary input is near‐and far‐offset stacks for the baseline seismic survey and the repeat survey. The method has been tested successfully in a segment where pressure measurements in two wells verify a pore‐pressure increase of 5 to 6 MPa between the baseline survey and the monitor survey. Estimated pressure changes using the proposed relationships fit very well with observations. Between the baseline and monitor seismic surveys, 27% of the estimated recoverable hydrocarbon reserves were produced from this segment. The estimated saturation changes also agree well with observed changes, apart from some areas in the water zone that are mapped as being exposed to saturation changes (which is unlikely). Saturation changes in other segments close to the original oil‐water contact and the top reservoir interface are also estimated and confirmed by observations in various wells.

scholarly journals The Dependence of Electrical Resistivity-Saturation Relationships on Multiphase Flow Instability

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zoulin Liu ◽  
Stephen M. J. Moysey
Keyword(s):  
Electrical Resistivity ◽  
Multiphase Flow ◽  
Light Transmission ◽  
Flow Instability ◽  
Water Saturation ◽  
Bond Number ◽  
Smooth Transition ◽  
Transmission Method ◽  
Archie’S Law ◽  
Fluid Saturation

We investigate the relationship between apparent electrical resistivity and water saturation during unstable multiphase flow. We conducted experiments in a thin, two-dimensional tank packed with glass beads, where Nigrosine dyed water was injected uniformly along one edge to displace mineral oil. The resulting patterns of fluid saturation in the tank were captured on video using the light transmission method, while the apparent resistivity of the tank was continuously measured. Different experiments were performed by varying the water application rate and orientation of the tank to control the generalized Bond number, which describes the balance between viscous, capillary, and gravity forces that affect flow instability. We observed the resistivity index to gradually decrease as water saturation increases in the tank, but sharp drops occurred as individual fingers bridged the tank. The magnitude of this effect decreased as the displacement became increasingly unstable until a smooth transition occurred for highly unstable flows. By analyzing the dynamic data using Archie’s law, we found that the apparent saturation exponent increases linearly between approximately 1 and 2 as a function of generalized Bond number, after which it remained constant for unstable flows with a generalized Bond number less than −0.106.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document