Fine Particle Volume of Geological Facies is an Eye-Opening Tool for Seismic Data Inversion and Interpretation

Abstract

Summary The objective of this study is to predict sub-seismic geological facies away from wells using seismic data and rock physics measurements, where FPV (Fine Particle Volume) is used as a key tool in seismic inversion. This study focuses a multi-scale data integration workflow with various data resolutions from the reservoir (micrometer level) to the seismic scale (meters to kilometer level). A multi-scale database of a heterogeneous complex heavy oil reservoir in the McMurray Formation of Northern Alberta, Canada is included in the study. A new method of interpretation with FPV is developed by introducing a customized work flow, which combined well-known principles with a novel method of interpretation. The main challenge is to find an effective technique in establishing a relationship between geological facies and the reservoir elastic properties for interpreting the high resolution (sub-seismic scale) facies distribution in the seismic volume. Implementation of this unique technique in reservoir evaluation will help to achieve maximum extraction of the existing resources and reduce uncertainties when dealing with field development and new appraisal projects.