Title: On the stress change in overburden resulting from reservoir compaction: Observations from two computer models and implications for 4D seismic
Abstract: Production-induced depletion of hydrocarbon reservoirs leads to deformation, compaction, displacements, and stress change in the reservoir as well as in the surrounding rock. Such stress changes affect the acoustic-wave velocity and bulk density. This has two implications. It changes the contrast in acoustic impedance between reservoir and overburden, resulting in seismic amplitude changes at the top of the compacting reservoir. Secondly, it changes the traveltime of seismic reflection waves, leading to arrival-time delays (time shifts) of seismic data gathered in the repeat survey compared to data gathered in the base survey (Hatchell et al, 2004; Kenter et al, 2004; Stammeijer et al, 2004). Maps of time shifts can then indicate the areal distribution of reservoir compaction, and thus reveal the areal distribution of depletion. This could help to locate bypassed oil in undrained compartments, identify drilling targets and sidetracks, and avoid expensive infill wells. These interesting geophysical applica...
Publication Year: 2007
Publication Date: 2007-05-01
Language: en
Type: article
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 6
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