Characterizing complex slope channel reservoirs applying extended elastic impedance, Saffron gas field, offshore Nile Delta, Egypt

Abstract

In a complex reservoir with a significant degree of heterogeneity, it is a challenge to characterize the reservoir using different seismic attributes based on available data within certain time constraints. Prestack seismic inversion and amplitude variation with offset are among the techniques that give excellent results, particularly for gas-bearing clastic reservoir delineation because of the remarkable contrast between the latter and the surrounding rocks. Challenges arise when a shortage of seismic or well data presents an obstacle in applying these techniques. A further challenge arises if it is necessary to predict water saturation (Sw) using the seismic data because of the independent nonlinear relationship between Sw and seismic attributes and inversion products. Prediction of Sw is necessary not only for characterizing pay from nonpay reservoirs but also for economic reasons. Therefore, extended elastic impedance has been performed to produce a 3D volume of Sw over the reservoir interval. Then, a 3D sweetness volume and spectral decomposition volumes were used to grasp the geometry of the sand bodies that have been charged with gas in addition to their connectivity. This could help illustrate the different stages in the evolution of the Saffron channel system and the sand bodies distribution, both vertically and spatially, and consequently increase production and decrease development risk.