Correctly processed, time-lapse volumes can provide quantitative estimates of dynamic reservoir properties, with associated uncertainty analyses. By integrating this information with other geoscience and engineering data, improved models, both static and dynamic, can be created. Reservoir management decisions are more informed with consequent benefits for the future performance of the asset.
The software technology used as the basis of FSI's 4TH WAVE IMAGING® 4D/time-lapse services is proprietary. It was originally developed by 4th Wave Imaging [4WI], a California-based start-up founded by several of the pioneers of the use of seismic data in reservoir monitoring. Acquired by Fugro in September 2007, 4WI's algorithms have been ported and embedded into UNISEIS, FSI's proprietary processing system. Principal modules cover simultaneous processing of base and monitor volumes, continuous cross-volume assessment, quantifications of differences and identification of possible causes and rectification/elimination of spurious (non-fluid related) differences.
In summary, FSI's 4TH WAVE IMAGING®4D/time-lapse workflows address a wide variety of reservoir management issues, including:
• Detection of by-passed hydrocarbons
• Monitoring waterflood & steam injection programs
• CO2 sequestration monitoring
• Detection of sub-surface compartmentalization
4TH WAVE IMAGING® 4D projects have been performed for fields in the Gulf of Mexico, Brazil, West Africa, the UK and Norwegian sectors of the North Sea and Australia. Studies have also been conducted over onshore assets in the US (Texas and California), Canada, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia.
4TH WAVE IMAGING® is a U.S. registered trademark of Fugro Seismic Imaging, Inc. for its data processing services and its acquisition, interpretation and analysis of geological, geophysical, and engineering data to render images of geological rock and fluid features.