Integration of Seismic Data and a Triple Porosity Model for Interpretation of Tight Gas Formations in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin

Abstract

AbstractA method is presented that integrates a triple porosity model with sonic, density and resistivity logs for evaluation of tight gas formations. The interpretation takes into account results from petrographic work in the Western Canada Sedimentary Basin (WCSB), which indicates that tight rocks are comprised of different types of pores including (i) intergranular, (ii) slot + microfractures, and (iii) isolated non-effective porosities.Seismic data are powerful in the exploration and production domains but a method that integrates seismic velocities and the observed triple porosity petrographic characteristics of tight gas formations is not available. This paper provides the theoretical foundation and development of equations for this integration along with examples using real data from tight gas formations in the WCSB.The proposed method provides estimates of inter-well formation resistivity, porosity and water saturation to obtain estimates of original gas in place. The comparison between resistivity from seismic velocities and resistivity from well logs is good with a strong statistical effectiveness. Under favorable conditions, the partition between effective and non-effective porosity might be estimated.The proposed methodology has significant potential for application in tight gas formations of the WCSB. The method can probably be extended to other regions around the world, which possess tight gas formations with similar characteristics to the ones described in this work.