Transforming Seismic Uncertainties to Reservoir Parameters: An

Integrated Approach to Characterizing A Carbonate Reef

Complex
Muhammad Ferdaos Bin Mostapa1, Alexander Tarang Patrick 1, Sy M Awalnur Sy
Mohamed1
1
PETRONAS Carigali Sdn Bhd, Kuala Lumpur Malaysia
2017
Introduction
The Central Luconia Province, offshore Sarawak, is one of the world’s largest reefal carbonate
depositional complexes, with over 200 known build-ups of Oligocene and Miocene age ( Cycle II and
Cycle IV), created by coral reefs growing on horst block structures. In general, geological models are
an essential part of reservoir studies, in which Gross Rock Volume (GRV) and porosity are main key
inputs in resource estimation and static model for any field to be developed.
Gross Rock Volume (GRV) is often observed to be a first-order sensitivity in resource estimation.
However, time surface interpretation is always a challenge to the seismic interpreter, where
uncertainty may remain on talus and internal layer of carbonate build-up.
In addition, porosity is a significantly difficult property to predict in subsurface reservoir
characterization. The high uncertainty in porosity estimation is mainly due to diagenesis, which alters
the pore structure, texture and composition of the rock, affecting pore size and shape. In this paper, we
will discuss a case study where a quantitative seismic technique has been applied to reduce the
uncertainty in reservoir characterization.

3D full azimuthal broadband for better subsurface image

Broad bandwidth acquisition and processing techniques combined with low frequency content of the
seismic data are expected to enable higher resolution of seismic events as well as better identification
of geological boundaries and subtle changes within subsurface layers. Recently, broadband
processing, specifically de-ghosting of conventional streamer data, has managed to improve the
bandwidth and imaging of legacy data, especially for deeper targets. The method has been proven to
be successful in extending the seismic bandwidth at both low and high sides of the frequency
spectrum.

Results: comparison between legacy and broadband data

Recent seismic has produced better subsurface images that feature a more effective interpretation of
the subsurface geology. For instance, the boundary between Cycle II carbonates was hardly
interpretable using legacy seismic, but it has however become better identified using broadband
seismic. Most of all, top and base of Cycle II carbonate (i.e. the main reservoir) and its internal layers
can now be interpreted more accurately (Figure 1). This reduces the uncertainties in seismic
interpretation and has a direct impact on volumetrics (Yusoff A.I et al, 2015).

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Third EAGE Integrated Reservoir Modelling Conference
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Figure 1: Seismic data comparison between 3 dataset; 2014 3D full azimuth broadband seismic
shows significant improvement of frequency content and seismic continuity.

Case Study: Application in Carbonate reservoir characterization

In this case study from Central Luconia Province, from legacy seismic data, internal layers in the
carbonate body could not be interpreted due to the poor subsurface image. However, by using the
recent broadband seismic data combined with a seismic inversion technique, internal layers can be
resolved within the carbonate interval (Figure 2). Furthermore, seismic inversion results have been
able to delineate significant variations in porosity and highlight the cyclical patterns within the
carbonate interval.

Figure 2: Seismic Inversion workflow of carbonate reservoir.

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Horizon interpretation was divided into four layers of equal thickness. The seismic pattern of each
internal layer was extracted in acoustic impedance, with the impedance volume now depicting internal
layer properties of the carbonate instead of the reflectivity contrast at layer boundaries. In general,
high impedance streaks have less favourable properties in comparison to the surrounding low
impedance layers which have better reservoir characteristics. Two main results have been delivered:
1) An acoustic impedance volume provided better refinement of top of carbonate and internal
stratigraphic layering of the carbonate build-up.
2) A porosity cube was produced with reasonable correlation to acoustic impedance and was
used as input for subsequent reservoir characterization and modelling work.
Conclusion
Accurate prediction of reservoir quality is, and will continue to be, a key challenge for hydrocarbon
exploration and development. Thus, broad bandwidth and rich low frequency content seismic data
have favorably contributed into better subsurface imaging. In addition, seismic inversion can be a
valuable tool for reservoir characterization prior to field development with improved results of
reservoir characterization. The static reservoir model has significantly benefited from the
understanding of the distribution of porosity in the reservoir zones generated by the seismic inversion
study, which can be a key success factor for future field development and well target optimization
(Figure 3).

Figure 3: High correlation shows between well porosity and Inverted porosity. Seismic Inversion of
carbonate reservoir. This acoustic impedance- porosity transform allows characterizing carbonate
reservoir heterogeneity.

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Acknowledgement

We would like to thank PETRONAS Managements for giving permission to present this work.

References
Ahmad Izzuddin Yusof, Marie LeFranc, Nurul Amira Zulkurnain, Zhu Jidong, Mohd Zamri Abd Wahab. 2015.
New Reprocessed Seismic Improves Karst Conduit Modelling in Carbonate Buildups. EAGE Seismic Driven
Reservoir Characterization and Production Management Symposium.2015.
Von Hartmann, Hartwig; Buness, Hermann; Krawczyk, Charlotte M.; Schulz, Rüdiger.2012. 3-D seismic
analysis of a carbonate platform in the Molasse Basin - reef distribution and internal separation with seismic
attributes Tectonophysics, 572, 16

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Third EAGE Integrated Reservoir Modelling Conference
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 5-7 December 2016