Utilizing 4D-3C Seismic to Monitor the THAI Production Process

The compressional and shear velocities of bitumen sand decrease dramatically with increasing temperature. The THAI process can be monitored using timelapse seismic and the results indicate that the combustion front is moving primarily from the toe area of the producing wells towards the heel area. We have also observed a rogue anomaly that suggests some of the upgraded oil has been pushed down into the bottom water system and is being swept away due to hydrodynamic forces. Multidimensional interpolation can be used to dramatically reduce the bin size and hence increase the trace count of coarsely sampled 3Ds. The integrity of the interpolated data is sufficient for monitoring THAI combustion-style production using time-delay 4D methods. The implications for production monitoring of enhanced oil recovery is substantial using interpolation.