Time-lapse seismic monitoring, also known as 4D seismic monitoring, has matured into a dependable technology after almost thirty years since its inception. Finally, the method has proven to be a reliable and effective reservoir management tool.Applications to monitor fluid movement and distinguish between the drained and undrained regions of a reservoir, particularly beneath clastic rocks offshore, have most clearly demonstrated its benefits. However, new technologies promise to combine time-separated, accurate acoustic pictures with predictive computer simulations of changes in reservoir drainage.
The Marlim field, operated by Petrobras, is one of the best instances of how 4D seismic technology may be used to inform reservoir management choices today. It is located in the Campos basin off the coast of Brazil. Utilizing WesternGeco's 4D imaging capabilities on the job site improved dynamic and static modeling, allowing for more accurate monitoring of the flow of water, gas, and oil through reservoirs as well as more reliable reservoir behavior predictions in the future.
ExxonMobil, ConocoPhillips, Chevron, and Total are additional industry participants in addition to Petrobras, with StatoilHydro, Shell, and BP being the three main players in 4D. The market leader StatoilHydro has initiated the transition from qualitative to quantitative imaging, moving beyond simply detecting the drained areas of a reservoir to providing saturation maps. StatoilHydro has acquired more than twenty 4D streamer surveys in 2006 alone.Reservoir Imaging, situated in Edinburgh, has received significant contracts from Shell UK and BP for North Sea projects in 2008.In terms of seismic survey spending, the North Sea currently represents more than 80% of the global 4D market. But if everything goes on as it is, it might eventually serve as the showcase required to promote broader adoption of 4D technology in the upcoming years.
The future of 4D will be shaped by three key factors, according to maritime geo-consultant Mike Herning. Reliability, quantitative advantages, and a combination of technologies The market might be enormous if the sector can resolve those issues, which are undoubtedly connected.Repeatability has already made strides because of the use of GIS, improved processing, permanent seismic installations, and steerable streamers, which enable 4D acquisition with great accuracy.The 4D industry's ability to meet the challenge and how quickly quantitative results follow qualitative success will determine if the technology is adopted more widely and becomes a universal tool. For training programs in the Oil and Gas Sector, you can find many in our Oil and Gas Section, and select the best course that fits your needs