Integration of 3D Seismic and Reservoir Simulation for Exploitation of Remaining Oil in a Heavy Oil Field–A Case Study

Abstract

Based on a full azimuth 3D seismic (cell size 6.25m x 6.25m and coverage area 14km2) and reservoir simulation on one well group (64 vertical wells and 5 horizontal wells in an area of 600m x 400m), integrated research on a SAGD (Steam Assisted Gravity Drainage) production is carried out in an oilfield in Northeast China. The results indicate that the configuration of steam chambers caused by steam flooding could be estimated from high precision 3D seismic data, and it is more accurate than the reservoir simulation model with locally varying descriptions of the chambers (the accuracy of the simulation model is influenced by density, porosity and permeability data). But with only seismic data, it is difficult to differentiate the influence of geological sedimentation or small sized fractures from the steam chambers, and further predicate the distribution of residual oil. Integrating the 3D seismic data with the reservoir simulation model (thus forming a 3.5D seismic method), we can predict the residual oil. This approach is free from many technical difficulties facing time-lapse applications such as no baseline survey and non-repeatable noise.