Integration of 4D Seismic in Steam-Assisted-Gravity-Drainage Reservoir Characterization

Abstract

Summary 4D seismic is one of the main sources of dynamic data for heavy-oil-reservoir monitoring and management. 4D seismic is significant because seismic attributes such as velocity and impedance depend on variations in reservoir-fluid content, temperature, and pressure distribution as a result of hydrocarbon production. Thus, the large-scale nature of fluid flow within the reservoir can be evaluated through information provided by 4D-seismic data. Such information may be described as anomalies in fluid flow that can be inferred from the unusual patterns in variations of a seismic attribute. During steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD), the steam-chamber propagation is fairly clear from 4D-seismic data mainly because of changes in reservoir conditions caused by steam injection and bitumen production. Anomalies in the propagation of the steam chamber reflect the quality of fluid flow within the reservoir. A practical methodology is implemented for integration of 4D seismic into SAGD reservoir characterization for the Surmont project.