Edinburgh, 4 November, 2006: Statoil is working with UK company Reservoir Imaging Ltd (RIL) on the development of a pioneering programme to improve the quality and consistency of its 4D seismic acquisition projects. The aim is to maximize the value of 4D seismic as a tool for monitoring the performance of oil and gas reservoirs, which in turn could potentially lead to the production of untapped reserves worth millions or even billions of dollars in additional revenues.
RIL, based in Edinburgh, Scotland has just completed an initial project to QC and analyse all the 4D seismic surveys commissioned by Statoil in 2006. Data from 19 legacy 4D surveys carried out in previous years were also included in the analysis. The 10 projects from Statoil's 2006 4D campaign involved many different geological and environmental conditions and a variety of seismic acquisition methods.
One of the key goals was to provide consistent quality control across all the surveys so that Statoil could compare the outcomes of each project and highlight where adjustments were required. During the 2006 surveys, navigation data from the operating vessels was transmitted from the field to the shore at regular intervals so that RIL could process the data and generate a standard set of 4D attributes.
A major element of RIL's approach was to develop what is believed to be the only comprehensive GIS database that isolates all the contributing elements of a 4D seismic survey in sufficient detail to allow accurate statistical analysis and comparison of surveys. Information on such factors as the acquisition technology, survey geometry, steering and feathering of towed streamers, etc can all be crucial parameters in the planning and execution of 4D surveys to ensure they can be repeated as exactly as possible over time.
Keith Watt, managing director, RIL, said: 'The final database and subsequent analysis are providing Statoil with the tools to understand the issues associated with 4D seismic acquisition as the method evolves. It also helps to provide the company with a benchmark for the design, planning, and specifications of Statoil's 2007 programme going forward.'