Microseismic data acquisition, processing, and event characterization at the Illinois Basin – Decatur Project

Abstract

Microseismic monitoring at the Illinois Basin-Decatur Project (IBDP) is accomplished using a combination of commercially available components that are integrated to provide real-time analysis and remote processing capabilities by means of a purpose-built data management system and secure web portal. The processing workflow consists of real-time, remote access, and inhouse processing components, which provides a seamless path from in-field quality control to final locations with short turnaround times. Event location is performed using an adaptation of the Geiger method, which is designed to be robust for the sparse but localized observation sets typically encountered with injection monitoring. Observed microseismicity displayed distinct linear clustering and increased in distance from the injection well over time, presenting challenges for location accuracy of more distal events. The velocity model, a key component in event location and characterization, evolved through early stages of the project as new wells were drilled providing the opportunity for improved observation geometry and acquisition of additional controlled energy source points for model calibration. The experience gained at IBDP highlights the importance of field systems and processing flows that allow adaptation to evolving operational conditions and microseismic event activity.

A review of geochemical–mechanical impacts in geological carbon storage reservoirs

“…11 A detailed study of microseismicity was undertaken, for example, as part of the Illinois Basin-Decatur Project (IBDP), a U.S. Department of Energy-funded demonstration project. [12][13][14] IBDP is led by the Midwest Geological Storage Consortium, one of the seven U.S. Department of Energy Regional Carbon Storage Partnerships. 15,16 As part of this 1 million ton injection project, a significant number of microseismic events were recorded during and after the CO 2 injection operations.…”

“…A detailed study of microseismicity was undertaken, for example, as part of the Illinois Basin–Decatur Project (IBDP), a U.S. Department of Energy‐funded demonstration project . IBDP is led by the Midwest Geological Storage Consortium, one of the seven U.S. Department of Energy Regional Carbon Storage Partnerships .…”

Overview of microseismic response to CO2 injection into the Mt. Simon saline reservoir at the Illinois Basin-Decatur Project

“…These geophones are much shallower. There are 31 three-component geophones with 29 between the depths of 2045 and 3443 ft (623 and 1049 m), and two others at much shallower depths of 135 and 355 ft (41 and 108 m) (Will et al, 2016b). These data are also fed into the same recording system used by the passive seismic sensing system (Will et al, 2016b).…”

“…There are 31 three-component geophones with 29 between the depths of 2045 and 3443 ft (623 and 1049 m), and two others at much shallower depths of 135 and 355 ft (41 and 108 m) (Will et al, 2016b). These data are also fed into the same recording system used by the passive seismic sensing system (Will et al, 2016b). Both of these arrays were calibrated using drilling noise and perforation shots in borehole VW1, as described in Section 4.2.1 and in detail in Smith and Jaques (2016).…”

“…The lowermost zone at a depth of 7025-7050 ft (2141-2149 m) is accepting the vast majority of the CO 2 based on spinner surveys. This well also had three multicomponent geophone arrays installed; briefly described below in 4.1.1 and inWill et al (2016b).…”