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Enhanced oil production in a mature field assisted by spectral attenuation analysis

Luis C Ramírez-Cruz1, Raúl del Valle-García1 and Jaime Urrutia Fucugauchi2

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Seismic attenuation analysis is used to distinguish changes in the spectral and amplitude characteristics of the seismic signal with the purpose of identifying the presence of fluids and fractures within the rock system. The analysis of such changes can be used as a tool for characterizing rock properties and for understanding the behaviour of wave propagation in a complex environment comprised by pores and cracks containing fluids. The study is carried out using high-resolution reflection data obtained from a mature fractured carbonate reservoir near the northeast coast of Mexico. Production from this reservoir is declining considerably. For this reason, a horizontal drilling programme is being considered. The results obtained from in situ measurements indicate that spectral changes and attenuation anomalies are related to the presence of hydrocarbons in the fractured reservoir rocks; however, such anomalies are also related to wave scattering in highly fractured areas. The seismic attenuation patterns associated with the productive zones have helped to identify new potential areas and horizontal drilling targets.


PACS

93.85.Rt Seismic methods

91.60.Ba Elasticity, fracture, and flow

93.30.Hf North America

91.30.Fn Surface and body waves

Subjects

Instrumentation and measurement

Environmental and Earth science

Dates

Issue 1 (March 2005)

Received 20 January 2005, accepted for publication 17 February 2005

Published 10 March 2005



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