Time-lapse seismic performance of a sparse permanent array: Experience from the Aquistore CO2 storage site

Geophysics ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 80 (2) ◽  
pp. WA35-WA48 ◽  
Author(s):  
Don J. White ◽  
Lisa A. N. Roach ◽  
Brian Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Co2 Storage ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
Seismic Monitoring ◽  
Storage Site ◽  
Raw Data ◽  
Seismic Surveys ◽  
Monitoring Effort ◽  
Overall Performance ◽  
4D Seismic

A sparse areal permanent array of buried geophones was deployed at the Aquistore [Formula: see text] storage site in Saskatchewan, Canada. The purpose of this array is to facilitate 4D seismic monitoring of [Formula: see text] that is to be injected to the deep subsurface. Use of a sparse buried array is designed to improve the repeatability of time-lapse data and to economize the monitoring effort. Prior to the start of [Formula: see text] injection, two 3D dynamite seismic surveys were acquired in March 2012 and May 2013 using the permanent array. The objective of acquiring these data was to allow an assessment of the data repeatability and overall performance of the permanent array. A comparison of the raw data from these surveys and with a conventional high-resolution 3D vibroseis survey demonstrated that (1) the signal-to-noise ratio for the buried geophones was increased by 6–7 dB relative to surface-deployed geophones and by an additional 20 dB for dynamite relative to a vibroseis source, (2) the use of buried sensors and sources at this site did not appear to be significantly degraded by the effects of ghosting, (3) repeatability for the permanent array data was excellent with a mean normalized root-mean-square (nrms) value of 57% for the raw baseline-monitor difference, (4) the variance of nrms values was higher for shot gathers (18%) compared with receiver gathers (7%), and (5) the raw data repeatability was a factor of three improved over that of comparable surface-geophone data acquired at a nearby location. The use of a sparse buried permanent array at the Aquistore site has demonstrably achieved a reduction in ambient noise levels and overall enhanced data repeatability, both of which are keys to successful 4D seismic monitoring.

Assessment of 4D seismic repeatability and CO2 detection limits using a sparse permanent land array at the Aquistore CO2 storage site

Geophysics ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 80 (2) ◽  
pp. WA1-WA13 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lisa A. N. Roach ◽  
Donald J. White ◽  
Brian Roberts
Keyword(s):  
Co2 Storage ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
Data Sets ◽  
Storage Site ◽  
Processing Sequence ◽  
Time Migration ◽  
Receiver Array ◽  
Co2 Detection ◽  
4D Seismic ◽  
The Impact

Two 3D time-lapse seismic surveys were acquired in 2012 and 2013 at the Aquistore [Formula: see text] storage site prior to the start of [Formula: see text] injection. Using these surveys, we determined the background time-lapse noise at the site and assessed the feasibility of using a sparse areal permanent receiver array as a monitoring tool. Applying a standard processing sequence to these data, we adequately imaged the reservoir at 3150–3350 m depth. Evaluation of the impact of each processing step on the repeatability revealed a general monotonic increase in similarity between the data sets as a function of processing. The prestack processing sequence reduced the normalized root mean squared difference (nrms) from 1.13 between the raw stacks to 0.13 after poststack time migration. The postmigration cross-equalization sequence further reduced the global nrms to 0.07. A simulation of the changes in seismic response due to a range of [Formula: see text] injection scenarios suggested that [Formula: see text] was detectable within the reservoir at the Aquistore site provided that zones of greater thickness than 6–13 m have reached [Formula: see text] saturations of greater than 5%.

Combination of seismic reflection and constrained resistivity inversion with an application to 4D imaging of the CO2 storage site, Ketzin, Germany

Geophysics ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 79 (2) ◽  
pp. B37-B50 ◽  
Author(s):  
P. Bergmann ◽  
M. Ivandic ◽  
B. Norden ◽  
C. Rücker ◽  
D. Kiessling ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Co2 Storage ◽  
Real Data ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
Storage Site ◽  
Structural Constraints ◽  
Local Regularization ◽  
4D Imaging ◽  
Northerly Direction ◽  
Resistivity Inversion ◽  
4D Seismic

A combination of seismic and geoelectric processing was studied by means of a structurally constrained inversion approach. Structural constraints were interpreted from the seismic data and integrated into the geoelectric inversion through a local regularization, which allowed inverted resistivities to behave discontinuously across defined boundaries. This arranged seismic processing and constrained resistivity inversion in a sequential workflow, making the generic assumption that the petrophysical parameters of both methods change across common lithostructural boundaries. We evaluated the approach using a numerical example and a real data example from the Ketzin [Formula: see text] pilot storage site, Germany. The latter demonstrated the efficiency of this approach for combining 4D seismic and surface-downhole geoelectric data. In consistence with the synthetic example, the constrained resistivity inversions produced clearer delineated images along the boundary between caprock and reservoir formation. Near the [Formula: see text]-flooded reservoir, the seismic and geoelectric time-lapse anomalies correlated well. At some distance to the downhole electrodes, however, the geoelectric images conveyed a notably lower resolution in comparison to the corresponding seismic images. Both methods confirm a northwesterly trend for the [Formula: see text] migration at the Ketzin site, although a rather northerly direction was initially expected. The results demonstrate the relevance of the presented approach for the combination of both methods for integrated geophysical [Formula: see text] storage monitoring.

The problem of using normalized rms in a sliding window to compare seismic tracesDISCUSSIONOn: “Imaging the Aquistore reservoir after 36 kilotonnes of CO2 injection using distributed acoustic sensing.” Harris, K., White, D.J., Samson, C., 2017. Geophysics 82 (6), M81–M96and “Initial 4D seismic results after CO2 injection start-up at the Aquistore storage site.” Roach, L.A.N., White, D.J., Roberts, B., Angus, D., 2017. Geophysics 82 (3), B95–B107.

Geophysics ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 1-9
Author(s):  
Balazs Nemeth ◽  
Christian Escalante
Keyword(s):  
Sliding Window ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
Co2 Injection ◽  
Storage Site ◽  
Seismic Surveys ◽  
Start Up ◽  
Distributed Acoustic Sensing ◽  
Difference Calculation ◽  
Difference Volume ◽  
4D Seismic

Two papers published in Geophysics use the normalized rms (NRMS) calculation in a sliding window to compare traces and to create a ‘difference nrms’ volume. The authors use the derived difference volume to show the presence of apparent time-lapse anomaly between two seismic surveys. In this discussion we point out that the used methodology does not allow a robust comparison of seismic traces. We recommend the use of simple amplitude difference calculation between volumes to show the presence of time-lapse anomalies, instead of the used methodology.

7 years of 4D seismic monitoring at the Aquistore CO2 storage site, Saskatchewan, Canada

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donald White ◽  
Kyle Harris ◽  
Lisa A.N. Roach ◽  
Michelle Robertson
Keyword(s):  
Co2 Storage ◽  
Seismic Monitoring ◽  
Storage Site ◽  
4D Seismic

3D DAS-VSP Illumination Modeling for CO2 Plume Migration Monitoring in Offshore Sarawak, Malaysia

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pankaj Kumar Tiwari ◽  
Zoann Low ◽  
Parimal Arjun Patil ◽  
Debasis Priyadarshan Das ◽  
Prasanna Chidambaram ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dynamic Simulation ◽  
Seismic Velocity ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
Carbonate Reservoir ◽  
Fiber Optic Sensor ◽  
Co2 Injection ◽  
Storage Site ◽  
Plume Migration ◽  
Co2 Plume ◽  
4D Seismic

Abstract Monitoring of CO2 plume migration in a depleted carbonate reservoir is challenging and demand comprehensive and trailblazing monitoring technologies. 4D time-lapse seismic exhibits the migration of CO2 plume within geological storage but in the area affected by gas chimney due to poor signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), uncertainty in identifying and interpretation of CO2 plume gets exaggerated. High resolution 3D vertical seismic profile (VSP) survey using distributed acoustic sensor (DAS) technology fulfil the objective of obtaining the detailed subsurface image which include CO2 plume migration, reservoir architecture, sub-seismic faults and fracture networks as well as the caprock. Integration of quantitative geophysics and dynamic simulation with illumination modelling dignify the capabilities of 3D DAS-VSP for CO2 plume migration monitoring. The storage site has been studied in detailed and an integrated coupled dynamic simulation were performed and results were integrated with seismic forward modeling to demonstrate the CO2 plume migration with in reservoir and its impact on seismic amplitude. 3D VSP illumination modelling was carried out by integrating reservoir and overburden interpretations, acoustic logs and seismic velocity to illustrate the subsurface coverage area at top of reservoir. Several acquisition survey geometries were simulated based on different source carpet size for effective surface source contribution for subsurface illumination and results were analyzed to design the 3D VSP survey for early CO2 plume migration monitoring. The illumination simulation was integrated with dynamic simulation for fullfield CO2 plume migration monitoring with 3D DAS-VSP by incorporating Pseudo wells illumination analysis. Results of integrated coupled dynamic simulation and 4D seismic feasibility were analyzed for selection of best well location to deploy the multi fiber optic sensor system (M-FOSS) technology. Amplitude response of synthetic AVO (amplitude vs offsets) gathers at the top of carbonate reservoir were analyzed for near, mid and far angle stacks with respect to pre-production as well as pre-injection reservoir conditions. Observed promising results of distinguishable 25-30% of CO2 saturation in depleted reservoir from 4D time-lapse seismic envisage the application of 3D DAS-VSP acquisition. The source patch analysis of 3D VSP illumination modelling results indicate that a source carpet of 6km×6km would be cos-effectively sufficient to produce a maximum of approximately 2km in diameter subsurface illumination at the top of the reservoir. The Pseudo wells illumination analysis results show that current planned injection wells would probably able to monitor early CO2 injection but for the fullfield monitoring additional monitoring wells or a hybrid survey of VSP and surface seismic would be required. The integrated modeling approach ensures that 4D Seismic in subsurface CO2 plume monitoring is robust. Monitoring pressure build-ups from 3D DAS-VSP will reduce the associated risks.

Geological Factors Influencing Time-lapse Seismic Monitoring of Subsurface CO2 Storage

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Cairns ◽  
H. Jakubowicz ◽  
L. Lonergan ◽  
A. Muggeridge
Keyword(s):  
Co2 Storage ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
Seismic Monitoring ◽  
Factors Influencing ◽  
Geological Factors

ROCK PHYSICS—APPLICATION TO GEOLOGICAL STORAGE OF CO2

2003 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 567 ◽  
Author(s):  
J.J. McKenna ◽  
B. Gurevich ◽  
M. Urosevic ◽  
B.J. Evans
Keyword(s):  
Elastic Moduli ◽  
Co2 Storage ◽  
Rock Physics ◽  
Sedimentary Basins ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
Seismic Monitoring ◽  
Potential Contribution ◽  
Underground Brine ◽  
Shear Moduli ◽  
Borehole Seismic

Sequestration of anthropogenic CO2 into underground brine-saturated reservoirs is an immediate option for Australia to reduce CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. Many sites for CO2 storage have been defined within many Australian sedimentary basins. It is anticipated that seismic technology will form the foundation for monitoring CO2 storage within the subsurface, although it is recognised that several other technologies will also be used in support of seismic or in situations where seismic recording is not suitable. The success of seismic monitoring will be determined by the magnitude of the change in the elastic properties of the reservoir during the lifecycle of CO2 storage. In the short-term, there will be a strong contrast in density and compressibility between free CO2 and brine. The contrast between these fluids is greater at shallower depth and higher temperature where CO2 resembles a vapour. The significant change in the elastic moduli of the reservoir will enable time-lapse seismic methods to readily monitor structural or hydrodynamic trapping of CO2 below an impermeable seal. Because the acoustic contrast between brine saturated with CO2 and brine containing no dissolved CO2 is very slight, however, dissolved CO2 is unlikely to be detected by any seismic technology, including high-resolution borehole seismic. The detection of increases in porosity, associated with dissolution of susceptible minerals within the reservoir may provide a means for qualitative monitoring of CO2 dissolution. Conversion of aqueous CO2 into carbonate minerals should cause a detectable rise in the elastic moduli of the rock frame, especially the shear moduli. The magnitude of this rise increases with depth and demonstrates the potential contribution that can be made from repeated shear-wave and multi-component seismic measurements. Forward modelling suggests that the optimal reservoir depth for seismic monitoring of CO2 storage within an unconsolidated reservoir is between 1,000 and 2,500 m. Higher reservoir temperature is also preferred so that free CO2 will resemble a vapour.

Making seismic monitoring work in a complex desert environment — 4D processing

2019 ◽  
Vol 38 (8) ◽  
pp. 637-645 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert Smith ◽  
Emad Hemyari ◽  
Andrey Bakulin ◽  
Abdullah Alramadhan
Keyword(s):  
Survey Design ◽  
Signal To Noise Ratio ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
Seismic Monitoring ◽  
Carbonate Reservoir ◽  
Acquisition System ◽  
Desert Environment ◽  
Near Surface ◽  
Different Seasons ◽  
Processing Techniques

Seismic monitoring of an onshore carbonate reservoir in a desert environment has been achieved for the first time. Optimizing data repeatability was key to detecting the weak 4D (time-lapse) signal resulting from a fluid-injection program, which was achieved through a combination of specialized survey design, careful acquisition, and dedicated 4D processing. The hybrid acquisition system utilized buried geophones, which significantly reduced 4D noise caused by variability in the near-surface environment. Despite the extensive acquisition efforts, time-lapse processing is an essential component of achieving highly repeatable data. A fit-for-purpose workflow was developed to reduce the remaining 4D noise using a combination of parallel and simultaneous processing. Processing steps leading to the largest improvement in reflection signal-to-noise ratio, such as noise attenuation, amplitude balancing, and supergrouping, produced the largest reduction in 4D noise. Outstanding final migrated data repeatability has been achieved, comparable to levels reported for the more favorable permanent marine systems. However, the need to use surface sources results in a seasonal imprint on data repeatability, which hinders the interpretation of surveys acquired during different seasons. In the absence of a fully buried acquisition system, advanced processing techniques such as surface-consistent matching filters may be required to resolve these variations.

Fluid dynamics at the base of hydrate-bearing sediments at the Vestnesa Ridge inferred from 5 years of high-resolution 4D seismic surveying

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Malin Waage ◽  
Stefan Bünz ◽  
Kate Waghorn ◽  
Sunny Singhorha ◽  
Pavel Serov
Keyword(s):  
High Resolution ◽  
Gas Hydrate ◽  
Seismic Data ◽  
Time Lapse ◽  
Stability Zone ◽  
Seismic Surveys ◽  
Free Gas ◽  
4D Seismic ◽  
Hydrate Bearing Sediments ◽  
Hydrate Stability

<p>The transition from gas hydrate to gas-bearing sediments at the base of the hydrate stability zone (BHSZ) is commonly identified on seismic data as a bottom-simulating reflection (BSR). At this boundary, phase transitions driven by thermal effects, pressure alternations, and gas and water flux exist. Sedimentation, erosion, subsidence, uplift, variations in bottom water temperature or heat flow cause changes in marine gas hydrate stability leading to expansion or reduction of gas hydrate accumulations and associated free gas accumulations. Pressure build-up in gas accumulations trapped beneath the hydrate layer may eventually lead to fracturing of hydrate-bearing sediments that enables advection of fluids into the hydrate layer and potentially seabed seepage. Depletion of gas along zones of weakness creates hydraulic gradients in the free gas zone where gas is forced to migrate along the lower hydrate boundary towards these weakness zones. However, due to lack of “real time” data, the magnitude and timescales of processes at the gas hydrate – gas contact zone remains largely unknown. Here we show results of high resolution 4D seismic surveys at a prominent Arctic gas hydrate accumulation – Vestnesa ridge - capturing dynamics of the gas hydrate and free gas accumulations over 5 years. The 4D time-lapse seismic method has the potential to identify and monitor fluid movement in the subsurface over certain time intervals. Although conventional 4D seismic has a long history of application to monitor fluid changes in petroleum reservoirs, high-resolution seismic data (20-300 Hz) as a tool for 4D fluid monitoring of natural geological processes has been recently identified.<br><br>Our 4D data set consists of four high-resolution P-Cable 3D seismic surveys acquired between 2012 and 2017 in the eastern segment of Vestnesa Ridge. Vestnesa Ridge has an active fluid and gas hydrate system in a contourite drift setting near the Knipovich Ridge offshore W-Svalbard. Large gas flares, ~800 m tall rise from seafloor pockmarks (~700 m diameter) at the ridge axis. Beneath the pockmarks, gas chimneys pierce the hydrate stability zone, and a strong, widespread BSR occurs at depth of 160-180 m bsf. 4D seismic datasets reveal changes in subsurface fluid distribution near the BHSZ on Vestnesa Ridge. In particular, the amplitude along the BSR reflection appears to change across surveys. Disappearance of bright reflections suggest that gas-rich fluids have escaped the free gas zone and possibly migrated into the hydrate stability zone and contributed to a gas hydrate accumulation, or alternatively, migrated laterally along the BSR. Appearance of bright reflection might also indicate lateral migration, ongoing microbial or thermogenic gas supply or be related to other phase transitions. We document that faults, chimneys and lithology constrain these anomalies imposing yet another control on vertical and lateral gas migration and accumulation. These time-lapse differences suggest that (1) we can resolve fluid changes on a year-year timescale in this natural seepage system using high-resolution P-Cable data and (2) that fluids accumulate at, migrate to and migrate from the BHSZ over the same time scale.</p>

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