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Time-lapse crosswell seismic tomogram interpretation: Implications for heavy oil reservoir characterization, thermal recovery process monitoring, and tomographic imaging technology

Journal Article · · Geophysics
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1190/1.1443803· OSTI ID:87534
; ;  [1];  [2]; ;  [3]
  1. Mobil E and P Technical Center, Dallas, TX (United States)
  2. Amoco Production Research, Tulsa, OK (United States)
  3. Advanced Reservoir Technologies, Dallas, TX (United States)

Time-lapse crosswell seismic data acquired with a cemented receiver cable have been processed into P- and S-wave tomograms which image heavy oil sand lithofacies and changes as a result of steam injection. Twenty-seven crosswell surveys were acquired between two wells over a 3.5 month period before, during, and after a 34-day, 30 MBBL (4,770 m{sup 3}) steam injection cycle. Interpretation was based on correlations with reservoir data and models, observation well data, and engineering documentation of the production history and steam cycle. Interdisciplinary interpretation indicates that tomograms not only complement other borehole-derived reservoir characterization and temperature monitoring data but can be used to quantitatively characterize interwell reservoir properties and monitor changes as a result of the thermal recovery process. Monitoring results over 3.5 months confirms that stratification has controlled the flow of steam, in contrast to gravity override. This suggests that tomographic images of reservoir flow-units and gas-bearing high temperature zones should be useful for positioning wells and optimizing injection intervals, steam volumes, and producing well completions.

OSTI ID:
87534
Journal Information:
Geophysics, Journal Name: Geophysics Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 60; ISSN GPYSA7; ISSN 0016-8033
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English