4D Seismic over the Pyrenees Fields

Abstract

In this paper we present a case study of 4D seismic acquired over the Pyrenees Fields, offshore Western Australia. The Pyrenees trend was discovered with the drilling of the West Muiron-5 discovery well in 1993 which found oil and gas within the Pyrenees member sandstones. Production at Pyrenees started in 2010. Before the start of production, a dedicated 4D baseline survey was recorded over the fields in 2006. A detailed modelling study concluded that a 4D monitor survey would provide useful information for reservoir surveillance and infill drilling decisions. The monitor survey was acquired in 2013, and the overall quality of the 4D was excellent with high 4D signal strength and low 4D noise. The 4D response at Pyrenees is broadly consistent with the modelling. The main response is softening of the reservoir caused by gas coming out of solution produced by a pressure drop within the reservoir. The 4D response to changes in oil saturation is small. Incorporating the 4D interpretation into field development is ongoing, and so far it has been useful for refining the stratigraphic model, determining fault seal integrity, and determining the sealing capacity of intra-field faults.