Software and Service Solutions for 4D Acquisition & Reservoir Monitoring
Time-lapse, 4D imaging is a proven technology for unlocking enhanced production from oil & gas reservoirs. With over 50 projects successfully completed, Concept Systems is a leader in providing 4D software and service solutions to major oil & gas companies and acquisition contractors. Our software and service solutions cover the entire 4D cycle from feasibility through survey design and planning to acquisition and processing.
A 4D program is created to image subtle changes in the reservoir. The key to delivering these imaging objectives is to maximize repeatability. In marine streamer acquisition, the combination of the towed streamers and the differences in source/receiver positions between successive surveys is a major source of error that can adversely affect repeatability. In order to minimize these positional differences and ensure repeatability, it is necessary to measure them and understand what factors impact them.
In 2001, Concept Systems began a research project in partnership with Shell Expro to develop software to measure positional errors in 4D surveys and correlate them with the processed seismic data. The resulting repeatability technology was used successfully in Shell’s 2002 North Sea 4D program to QC/optimize the acquisition and to choose 4D infill.
In the design and planning phase of a 4D project, Concept Systems develops software to measure 4D repeatability and analyse multiple acquisition scenarios, providing insight on the best compromise between repeatability and acquisition costs. Used by our 4D services team, Concept Systems’ 4D repeatability software is the core tool in a range of in-house developed software technologies that provide our clients with a 4D solution to meet their needs. In the acquisition phase, Concept Systems offers consulting services and software for in-field 4D acquisition that optimizes the quality of repeatability and ensures smooth operation of the 4D acquisition.
For more information on our service solutions for 4D streamer surveys, please download our 4D Solutions data sheet.
Unlike towed streamer acquisition, seabed imaging allows for the full seismic wavefield to be sampled. Coupled with 4D imaging, the image quality greatly improves and you have an enhanced image of the subsurface over time.
For permanent OBC (POBC) 4D installations, such as that deployed at BP’s Valhall field, the challenges are different from streamer acquisition because geometric repeatability is less critical in the overall 4D quality. This environment provides opportunities to increase repeatability on non-geometric parameters and to streamline the acquisition and processing flow. For example, a suitable POBC Data Management system can increase repeatability by monitoring tidal height, background noise, water temperature and source directivity resulting in superior image quality. Concept Systems offers integrated IT solutions which provide command and control, navigation, automated seismic QC and full volume data management for Permanent OBC (POBC) projects. Our solutions are based on proven technology, Fast Track IT development, engineering consultancy and field support.
For more information on our IT solutions for POBC, please download this case study on the BP Valhall LoFS project.
For streamer or POBC 4D surveys, Concept Systems stands ready to deliver a customized 4D solution to meet your needs. If you are thinking about 4D, and have questions such as:
- Is my field suitable for 4D?
- What are the 4D imaging challenges?
- What technology is most appropriate?
- What is the impact of acquisition configuration on economics?
- Can I use my existing 3D as a baseline?
- How should I acquire my 4D baseline or monitor?
Then speak to the experts at Concept Systems!
