Visualization of Hydrocarbon Drainage using 4-D Seismic Techniques

Roger N. Anderson, Albert Boulanger, Wei Xu, and Liqing He

Within the Global Basins Research Network, we have developed 4-D volume processing and attribute analysis algorithms to identify significant seismic amplitude interconnectivity and changes over time that result from active fluid migration. To visualize this 4-D imaging, we have developed AVS-based software that uses multiple 3-D seismic surveys done several years apart over the same blocks. Normalization cross-correlation, and differencing produces images of drainage recorded in seismic attribute changes over time. We have applied these 4-D imaging techniques to the Eugene Island 330 Field of offshore Louisiana, central Gulf of Mexico. Three main producing reservoirs were examined, the JD, KE and particularly, the LF which is the most prolific oil producer in the field. D m-outs were detected where production replaced oil with water during the interval of investigation (1985-1992), and seismic amplitude increases were observed where gasioil ratios increased during production. These changes were then tested against time-dependent water saturation measurements made by pulsed-neutron logs through casing and production histories. Visualization of 4-D seismic monitoring utilizing repeated 3-D seismic surveys promises to identify missed hydrocarbon zones and provide enhanced production control in the future.

AAPG Search and Discover Article #91019©1996 AAPG Convention and Exhibition 19-22 May 1996, San Diego, California