Rock physics modelling and analysis of time-lapse seismic response in the Pyrenees Field, offshore Western Australia
Stanislav Kuzmin A , Mauricio Florez A , Guy Duncan A and Konstantinos Kostas ABHP Billiton Petroleum.
The APPEA Journal 55(2) 470-470 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ14105
Published: 2015
Abstract
Rock physics modelling of the time-lapse seismic response of the Pyrenees Field was carried out to evaluate the feasibility of monitoring reservoir drainage and performance. Initially, the purpose of 4D seismic was to monitor the upward displacement of the oil-water contact. It was recognised that the likelihood of gas breakout imposed a significant risk to the feasibility of monitoring the oil-water contact. Models for different scenarios were used to assess this uncertainty and demonstrated that, in either case, an observable change in seismic properties would occur, providing technical support for 4D seismic acquisition.
The monitor seismic survey acquired in 2013, showed detectable changes in both interval velocity and reflectivity that was associated with gas coming out of solution in the reservoir, where depletion occurred below the bubble point. This agrees with pre-acquisition predictions based on rock physics modelling. Additional rock physics analysis was carried out to calibrate the observed 4D response to changes in both fluid saturation and effective stress.
Stanislav Kuzmin graduated from University of California, San Diego, in 2004 with a PhD in physics and worked on a variety of exploration and development projects in different basins. He primarily works in quantitative interpretation and rock physics. Stanislav’s responsibilities include support in terms of quantitative seismic interpretation for hydrocarbons exploration and production activities. |
Mauricio Florez has a BSc in geology from the National University of Colombia and a PhD in geophysics from Stanford University. He is now is a geophysicist at BHP Billiton Petroleum and manager of the QI Team. He worked as an exploration geologist in Colombia for about eight years, and after finishing his graduate studies in 2005, he has worked in reservoir characterisation (iReservoir), rock physics and AVO modelling (BP America) and, recently, quantitative seismic interpretation with BHP Billiton. |
Guy Duncan obtained his PhD in geophysics from Melbourne University. Early in his career he worked as a scientist at BHP ’s research laboratories in Newcastle, Australia. There he was involved in the development of seismic methods for resource exploration and production in the mining industry, such as cross-hole seismic tomography and in-seam seismic methods. Since 1995, he has been with BHP Billiton ’s petroleum division, working in various technical roles in a number of geographical locations. The main emphasis of his work has been in seismic imaging, quantitative interpretation, 4D seismic and development geophysics. Member: ASEG, SEG and PESA. |
Kon graduated from Curtin University in 1993 with a BSc in physics and geophysics. He has international experience in exploration and development in the oil and gas industry, a cross-disciplinary skill set and has been exposed to a variety of basins, from land to deep water, throughout Australia and Asia. Kon is now working for BHP as a development geophysicist for the Pyrenees Field Development, offshore WA, and is actively involved in 4D as part of a multi-disciplinary team. |
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