ABSTRACT: Tomographic Imaging as a Tool for Reservoir Surveillance and Developmental Geology

J. H. Justice, A. A. Vassiliou, M. E. Mathisen, J. R. Bulau, S. Singh

Tomographic image reconstruction techniques are being successfully extended for use in high resolution imaging of hydrocarbon reservoirs. Important applications of this technology include monitoring the movement of fluids in enhanced oil recovery (EOR) projects and analysis of reservoir structure, lithology, and mechanics. Typically, data is acquired between boreholes (cross-borehole tomography) or between borehole and surface [tomographic vertical seismic profile (VSP) and inverted VSP]. By recording multiple components of the wave field, shear, and compressional wave velocity, tomograms can be reconstructed. From these images, additional tomograms of various elastic moduli of the reservoir rock can also be reconstructed, including bulk modulus (incompressibility), shear modulus, and Poisson's ratio. These tomograms carry information about lateral and vertical variations in reservoir lithology, fluid content, pressure, and temperature. Attention is now being focused on the interpretation of tomograms and the relationship between rock properties and geophysical measurements. The successful application of this technology to reservoir surveillance should result in improved field development and more efficient EOR programs.

AAPG Search and Discovery Article #91003©1990 AAPG Annual Convention, San Francisco, California, June 3-6, 1990