KAZAKHSTAN UPSTREAM OIL AND GAS technology and R&d ...

1.1 Seismic data acquisition and processing
Challenge commentary
The challenge for Kazakhstan in this area is
simple: operators need better seismic images
of the complex reservoirs that make up the
bulk of the nation’s reserves.
Most reservoirs in Kazakhstan are in
relatively complex carbonate formations
that are overlaid by salt. Consequently,
seismic image quality is a major issue both
onshore and offshore. Kazakhstan’s biggest
field, Kashagan, is a classic case in point.
The problem is made worse at Kashagan,
as modern high-density and wide-azimuth
streamer technology does not work well
in shallow water. Poor seismic quality is
also observed in clastic reservoirs lying
beneath carbonate formations; fields such
as Karachaganak and Pearls are known
to have this problem. Elimination of water
bottom multiples is another issue: these
degrade image quality and hamper the use of
advanced data processing techniques.
Understanding the heterogeneity common in
carbonate reservoirs is a particular challenge.
Tengiz and Chinarevskoe, for example, both
have adjacent units with quite different porosity
and permeability. Determining the distribution
of these properties is vital to optimising
hydrocarbon recovery; it requires seismic data
with higher lateral and vertical resolution
than is normally achieved in Kazakhstan.
The design and acquisition of 4D seismic
is the other challenge in this technology
area. This is not well established in
Kazakhstan. An improved capability would
be of significant benefit, especially in terms
of better understanding the performance
of waterflooding operations and the
identification of stranded or bypassed zones.
VALUE
CHALLENGE (elements)
Seismic imaging sub-salt &
in carbonates
1.1.4
1.1.7
1.1.2
1.1.5
1.1.1
1.1.3
1.1.6
TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS
1.1.1 Seismic acquisition for shallow waters
1.1.2 Seismic acquisition for enhanced imaging
1.1.5 Seismic processing for improving imaging
1.1.1 Seismic acquisition for shallow waters
1.1.2 Seismic acquisition for enhanced imaging
1.1.3 Non-seismic solutions for reservoir evaluation
1.1.5 Seismic processing for improving imaging
1.1.6 Integration of seismic & other data
1.1.7 Advanced seismic inversion
ATTRACTIVENESS
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Seismic resolution to determine
reservoir characteristics
Design & acquisition of
time-lapse (4D) seismic
1.1.1 Seismic acquisition for shallow waters
1.1.2 Seismic acquisition for enhanced imaging
1.1.4 4D seismic
Kazakhstan Upstream oil & gas technology and R&D roadmap