Application of Time Lapse (4D) Seismic for Petroleum Reservoir Monitoring and Management-A review

Abstract

Time lapse seismic also called 4D seismic is one of the recent techniques employed in petroleum production monitoring and management within the last two decades, it involves taking two or more 3D seismic at different calendar times over the same reservoir .Case study of 4D seismic in the USA, North sea, Indonesia and of course Nigeria have shown that the expenditure on 4D seismic is justified. Key benefits of 4D seismic include optimising injector profile management, optimising well placement, defining barriers to flow or compartments, assessing zones of undrained and bypassed oil, all of which leads to cost effective increase in oil and gas production. Onshore oil fields in Nigeria should also have 4D seismic and more publications from companies operating in Nigeria is encouraged.

Keywords: Seismic, petroleum, reservoir monitoring, 4D seismic, management