Applicability of rock physics models in conjunction with seismic inverted data to characterize a low poro-perm gas-bearing sandstone reservoir for well location optimization, Bredasdorp Basin, SA
Master Thesis
2015
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University of Cape Town
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Abstract
The primary focus of this dissertation is to develop a predictive rock physics theory that establishes relations between rock properties and the observed seismic and to present the results of different seismic characterization techniques to interpret a tight gas sand reservoir off the south coast of South Africa using as input rock physics analysis and inverted seismic outcomes. To perform the aims and goals of this study a workflow that involves the execution of three main processes was implemented: (1) rock physics modelling, (2) a simultaneous seismic inversion, and (3) seismic reservoir characterization techniques. First, a rock physics model was generated as a bridge between the seismic observables (density, Vp and Vs) and reservoir parameters such as fluid content, porosity and mineralogy. In situ and perturbational log - derived forward modelling was performed. Both in situ and perturbational forward modelling were used to generate synthetic seismic gathers, which were used to study the AVA attribute responses. Overall, the effect of fluid fill on this tight gas sand seismically is modest compared with the effect of porosity changes. Second, there follows a detailed description of a workflow implemented to simultaneously invert P and S pre - stack seismic data. The derived elastic properties (acoustic impedance, Vp/Vs and density) were then used in combination with the rock physics analysis to characterize seismically the reservoir. The predicted acoustic impedance and Vp/Vs volumes show a good tie with the log data. However, the density outcome was of limited quality compared with the two mentioned above. Finally, using outcomes from rock physic s analysis and/or inverted data, four seismic techniques to characterize the reservoir were conducted. The techniques involved are: (1) AVO cross - plotting to generate a good facies property based on AVO attributes (intercept - gradient) and rock physics in the area of study , (2) rock physics templates (RPTs) to compute discrete rock property volumes (litho - Sw, litho - porosity) using a collection of curves that cover all possible "what if" lithology - fluid content - porosity scenarios for the reservoir and the inverted data, (3) a lithological classification to calculate litho - facies probability volumes based on a litho - facies classification using petrophysical cut - off s , multivariate probability functions (PDFs) and inverted data, and (4) an extended elastic impedance (EEI) inversion to derive rock property volumes (Vclay, porosity) based on AVO attributes (intercept, gradient). Despite differences in the input and theory behind each technique, all outcomes share parallels in the distribution of good and poor facies or reservoir and non - reservoir zones.
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Adrian, J. 2015. Applicability of rock physics models in conjunction with seismic inverted data to characterize a low poro-perm gas-bearing sandstone reservoir for well location optimization, Bredasdorp Basin, SA. University of Cape Town.