Borehole Seismic Imaging

In the absence of quality seismic data, the decision is often made to go without or to acquire some new surface 3D data, which can be a long process. Drilling without seismic can be risky in stratigraphically and structurally complex areas with relatively thin target zones. SIGMA³ has pioneered an entirely new and extremely successful time-domain approach to 2D Well Trajectory Imaging (WTI) and 3D Borehole Seismic Image (BSI) processing.

3D BSI acquires high-frequency seismic images via a downhole vertical array of geophones in a timeframe that provides material value during the operational activity of drilling a horizontal well. Using a patented upward continuation technique to reposition data recorded in the borehole to the topographic surface of the earth, the time domain processing method takes advantage of the large range of source offsets and arrival angles in modern 3D BSI data via velocity analysis, which leads to maximum multiple suppression and source-generated noise suppression. This high frequency and high signal-to-noise seismic data provides the key to extracting reservoir properties to identify sweet spots and to optimize where to land wells and where to position frac stages for optimum IP and EUR.

This image shows 3D BSI inside 3D surface seismic. Note the significantly higher resolution of the BSI data.

 

Well Trajectory Imaging

Well Trajectory Imaging (WTI) is a 2D application of BSI directed along the planned trajectory of a horizontal well.

"My estimation is that without the Well Trajectory Imaging (WTI) provided by SIGMA³, we would have been completely out the Haynesville Shale porosity zone for at least 3/4 of the lateral. It is very safe to say that at least half of the total well cost was saved. That would be approximately $6M."

– Jeff Reagan, Chief Geophysicist,  BEUSA ENERGY

 

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