Infrasonic Passive Differntial Spectroscopy (IPDS) for direct Detection of Hydrocarbons in Exploratory, Production and Depleted Fields

Abstract

Infrasonic Passive Differential Spectroscopy (IPDS) Technology was developed in 1995 for detection and monitoring of hydrocarbon deposits for the first time in the history of petroleum Industry. This technology is based on the principles of non linear behavior of fluid systems in porous media. Hydrocarbons in the pore system of reservoirs can be detected as a characteristic deformation of the natural, omnipresent earth noise spectra in the low frequency range between 0.2 and 10Hz. These low frequency seismic signals are recorded at the surface with ultra high sensitive seismometers. The signals are spectroscopically analysed to produce a unique spectral signature which is used as a direct hydrocarbon indicator. IPDS has been applied successfully in almost 100 survey campaigns in variety of geological and environmental situations. This is an illustrative tool with high value of information content because it directly indicates the presence of hydrocarbon. It identifies the locations for wild cat wells, delineation wells with greatest chance of success and drastically reduces the risk of drilling dry wells. This technology can be integrated into existing seismic data for a better understanding of a potential hydrocarbon accumulation. It is also used for delineation of hydrocarbon pools, identification of oil water contacts and flood fronts for development of a discovered oil field. In a producing field, IPDS is a unique monitoring tool because it can detect the presence of movable hydrocarbons, water coning areas and by pass zones. In abandoned fields or in noncommercial fields, this technology can identify the volume of * GeoDynamics India left over oil. This is particularly useful in assercertain the present oil content in old and depleted