Field appraisal and accurate resource estimation from 3D quantitative interpretation of seismic and CSEM data

Abstract

The key questions in field appraisal are: What is the hydrocarbon volume, and how are the hydrocarbons distributed in the field? The ability to answer these questions accurately is critical for deciding whether to produce a field and for developing a production plan. Wells drilled during the appraisal phase provide well and flow-test data, which are combined with structural knowledge from seismic surveys to map the extent of the field and generate a reservoir model. The cost for appraising an offshore field can exceed US $100 million, and it is desirable to obtain the information required with fewer wells if possible. Quantitative interpretation of surface geophysical data provides reservoir properties between well locations and can, therefore, significantly reduce appraisal costs. A quantitative analysis of seismic data using well-log information will typically determine reservoir rock porosity. Other important parameters are hydrocarbon saturation, permeability, and net-to-gross ratio. Quantitative interpretation of several reservoir properties using only the seismic data is associated with significant ambiguity. To determine several of these parameters accurately, complementary geophysical data sets with different sensitivity characteristics are needed. Controlled-source electromagnetic (CSEM) data are sensitive to the fluid type and can provide additional information to determine the hydrocarbon saturation more accurately. We have developed a new quantitative interpretation workflow integrating seismic and marine 3D CSEM data for estimating the hydrocarbon volume and obtaining 3D distributions of the hydrocarbon pore volume. A performance test of the workflow has been carried out on the Troll West Oil Province (TWOP) in the Norwegian North Sea (Figures 1 and 2). This article describes our methodology and presents encouraging results.