History matching using both production and 4D-4C seismic

Ali Al-Naamani and Colin MacBeth, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, UK discuss some refinements to history matching in 4D seismic analysis using PS time-lapse data. The purpose of time-lapse seismic measurement is to be able to monitor the reservoir during production or improved oil recovery by detecting induced changes in the seismic attributes. Within reservoir simulation, the aim is to develop a realistic reservoir model, which agrees with all available static and dynamic information from which we can make accurate future predictions about reservoir performance and plan further developments. Reservoir model history-matches are non-unique, more than one combination of reservoir model input parameters will match observed production. In most cases, we have an incomplete understanding of our reservoirs and how they will behave during production. However, issues such as connectivity, permeability pathways, and water encroachment will lead to large uncertainties. We often do not know how our reservoirs will behave until we flow them. This is why time-lapse seismic should be an integral part of any field development plans. Time-lapse seismic monitoring is a valuable asset to reservoir engineering, because it provides 3D dynamic data rather than the spatially limited well test and production data. Most seismic history matching studies are achieved by constraining the reservoir model with PP time-lapse data. The aim of this work is to judge the value of incorporating PS time-lapse data as an additional constraint in the process of performing a qualitative seismic history matching.