Reservoir deformation monitoring to enhance reservoir characterization and management

Abstract

Fluid injection into or withdrawal from a reservoir causes the earth to deform. Tiltmeters are uniquely able to measure this deformation with high spatial and temporal resolution. Surface tiltmeters, along with the global positioning system (GPS), are being used to monitor movement due to reservoir deformation in real time. Real‐time data acquisition with automated analysis provides continuous feedback on the reservoir. Field results indicate that continuous tilt‐based reservoir deformation is a very useful tool for reservoir characterization and management. These methods have been used to monitor water, steam and waste injection as well as production in order to: • Generate accurate maps of field subsidence due to production or uplift due to injection; • Identify areas of potential wellbore instability; • Balance fluid production and injection; • Identify faults and natural fractures: • Identify occurrence of hydraulic fracturing and fracture geometry and • Calibrate reservoir simulation models to better predict field behavior.