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U.S. Department of Energy
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The effects of azimuthal anisotropy in P-wave 3-D seismic

Conference ·
OSTI ID:542901
The objective of this work is to determine optimum seismic technologies for detecting and characterizing fractures in tight gas reservoirs. The project is funded by the Dept. of Energy, Morgantown Energy Technology Center, with additional in-kind contributions from the industry partner. For testing and evaluating the seismic technologies, a gas field in the Wind River Basin in central Wyoming was selected. In the field, gas is produced from naturally fractured reservoirs from 5,000 ft to 20,000 ft depths. The target of this project is the Lower Fort Union, from 5,000 to 10,000 ft depths. Initial work has been performed on the industry partner`s 3D P-wave seismic survey: P-wave azimuthal anomalies have been identified and interpreted to be associated with high fracture density with potential commercial gas pay. These anomalies will be re-surveyed using 3-D-3C acquisition in order to record the mode-converted shear wave arrivals. Shear-waves have been shown to carry more diagnostic information than P-waves concerning the fracture density and fracture orientation: however, multicomponent seismic data can cost 50% to 500% more to acquire and process than P-wave (conventional) seismic data. Upon completion of the seismic investigation, the industry partner will drill to test a seismic data. Upon completion of the seismic investigation, the industry partner will drill to test a seismic anomaly. The project therefore aims to link properly acquired and properly processed 3D P-wave data, through the shear wave data, to fracturing associated with commercial pay. Ultimately, the industry will be better able to apply seismic technology for drilling producers.
OSTI ID:
542901
Report Number(s):
CONF-951013--
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English