A Workflow for High-Resolution Reservoir Characterization using Multiple 4D Seismic Datasets

Abstract

Summary The uncertainties and risks related to the complex environments of deepwater oil and gas reservoirs require interdisciplinary workflows and advanced reservoir monitoring techniques to surveil reservoir performance during production activities. An example of the latter is a Permanent Reservoir Monitoring (PRM) system, which provides 4D seismic data on demand. A challenge of such approach to reservoir monitoring is the rapid assimilation of frequently acquired high-quality 4D seismic data into fast-track information. Delays and limitations in the interpretation and integration of 4D seismic data reduce the benefits of such approach to impact the decision-making processes, despite obtaining data on demand. This work presents an integrated workflow of 4D seismic and reservoir engineering data to harvest hidden dynamic reservoir insights over short periods of time. This information provides novel inputs to update reservoir models to improve model-based reservoir management. Our workflow illustrates the importance of multiple 4D seismic datasets in the field management strategy. This study was carried out in a Brazilian deepwater turbidite field, where a PRM system recorded a baseline survey at the start of production in 2013 and 5 monitor surveys up to 2020. We obtain an enhancement in the interpretive capability of the dynamic reservoir behavior such as identifying regions of possible pushed oil by injectors and revealing a hidden channel of aquifer movement.