Evaluating the Efficacy of 4D Seismic Feasibility Studies in Enhancing Oil and Gas Development Projects

Summary Employing robust rock physics models, the study assesses the potential to detect reservoir petrophysical properties alterations due to extraction processes by analysing variations in Acoustic Impedance (AI), Vp/Vs, Pressure and Saturation. The current study was targeted to evaluate vintage streamer seismic surveys of 2002 and 2010, in determining their applicability for 4D seismic ventures by considering an Ocean Bottom Node (OBN) acquisition as monitor survey. The proposed OBN monitor survey is designed to enhance imaging and establish a new monitoring standard, considering the intricacies of geological structures and operational constraints. This includes integrating long offsets and wide azimuths to improve velocity model accuracy and repeatability. The analysis substantiates the viability of detecting 4D seismic signals using both OBN on Towed Streamer (TS) and OBN on OBN approaches. Time-lapse monitoring across the two-decade span (2002–2023) shows notable promise, overcoming operational limitations that previously obscured clarity in specific reservoir sectors. The OBN survey’s alignment with historical towed streamer data brings forth unique processing challenges due to its distinct geometric configuration.