Revitalizing seismic data with new imaging solutions to positively impact field development

Abstract

Evaluating, planning, and forecasting are integral parts of asset development and continue throughout the life cycle of a producing field. The right decisions are required to lower risk and maximize economic recovery in challenging environments. The Claymore Complex is located in the North Sea and was discovered in 1977. A number of geologic challenges affect the imaging and hence field development including a system of shallow interweaving Quaternary channels, numerous high-contrast layers of varying composition, overburden structural complexity, and a sequence of tilted fault blocks containing the main reservoir systems. Historically, seismic processing over the area has not fully solved these challenges, resulting in significant imaging uncertainty. The Claymore Complex has an abundance of data including a large population of well information and interpretation. As part of a data revitalization process, geostatistical integration of these auxiliary data into a velocity model building sequence using full-waveform inversion and wavelet shift tomography enabled the generation of an accurate high-resolution velocity model. Access to a recent 3D survey acquired obliquely to existing data improved subsurface illumination for both the model building and imaging phases. Near-surface imaging effects and their impact on reservoir positioning and clarity were improved using the upgraded velocity model and dual-azimuth data. Shallow imaging challenges were mitigated by utilizing the additional illumination and angular diversity contained within the multiple reverberations. The revitalization of the Claymore area seismic data has challenged the current understanding of the geologic framework. Confidence has been improved by solving depth conversion problems and increasing the understanding of fault positioning and reservoir connectivity, which are invaluable for future field development.