IPTC-19608-Abstract

Technology Advancement Against Nature: 3D 4C OBC Seismic In a 40-Years

Producing Field Unleashed Reservoir Potential

Siti Normaizan Hassan, Nurlizawati Latif, and Ayham Ashqar, Petronas

Copyright 2020, International Petroleum Technology Conference

This paper was prepared for presentation at the International Petroleum Technology Conference held in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, 13 – 15 January 2020.

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Abstract
To further develop and recover reserves volume from a major oil field in Malaysia utilizing the latest
and most premium seismic technology 3D 4C OBC. The overall field development was imposed due to a
disappointing drilling results.
Field A, located offshore West Malaysia, is a laminated Lower Coastal Plain sandstone deposited with
occasionally marine transgressions. A highly complex, elongated anticline structure that possess over 330
interpreted normal, reverse and and wrench faults (normal, reverse and wrench). Production started in 1979.
Despite the strong and consistent production, the Recovery Factor (RF) remains at 19% indicating potential
remaining value.
The time-consuming and costly azimuth 3D 4C OBC was acquired in 2015, to benefit from its capability
in mapping hydrocarbon and water as well as lithology identification (sand/shale/coal). The 4C data was
processed using 3D pre-stack. An improved continuity and sharpness of the main reflectors on the P/Z
cube was clear to allow an efficient brown field redevelopment analysis specifically in the areas of infill
and injectors well placements. Attributes maps were calibrated with newly acquired logs, and combined
with re-evaluation of existing well logs and production data to ascertain development areas, and potential
secondary recovery mechanism. Results were translated to static and dynamic models where possible, with
2D volumetric exercise for the smaller, and non-producing reservoirs. The opportunities identified were
classified according to risk matrix, and uncertainties, an overall full-field redevelopment plan was proposed
including an aggressive project tiring approach with fast execution process and higher risk appetite.
Results coming from PP PSDM and PS PSDM confirmed the reasoning behind unsatisfactory outcome
of 2015 infill campaign. The previously high uncertainty in sand distribution and reservoir extensions were
clarified and confirmed with the new seismic interpretation result. Two wells were suspended based on the
indicative result that showed addition of fault planes within the area. Subsequently, moving forward a total
of 85 areas of new opportunities were identified and tiered based on technical confidence and risk appetite.
A roadmap consists of detailed development strategies spanning over 5 years and beyond associated with
~100MMstb reserves value that will bring the RF to 31% were proposed and proceeded towards project
sanctioning. The first four wells of its campaign was sanctioned, executed and spudded in August 2018.
2 IPTC-19608-Abstract

The objective while developing existing producing area is to target virgin location for additional data
and to de-risk the undeveloped areas. The results from the first two wells allowed clearer picture of the
complexity of the fields with mixed results combined with the operational challenges due to unexpected
reservoir losses. Immediate recovery plans and decision matrix were quickly devised and re-entry and
deviations were made to the original plans.
The completed wells successfully produce up to 1100 stb/d, which was higher than the planned 750 stb/d.
In addition to the completed targets, 6 BCO targets were also identified for future production enhancement
activities.

Introduction
Field A is located 35 km offshore Bintulu (Balingian Basin) in the Sarawak province East Malaysia. The
field was discovered in 1961. First production occurred in 1979. Figure 1 shows field location.

Figure 1—Location of the Temana field

The field has a large complex east-west trending anticline, which divides it into west, central, and east,
around 102 wells are drilled to cover the structure.
Stratigraphically Temana has Cycle I (post Oligocene), Cycle II and Cycle III which were deposited
from coastal plain to marine transition within Post Oligone until Middle Miocene period, Figure 2. Major
hydrocarbon producers are coming from three reservoirs that reside within Cycle II and Cycle III. The
reservoirs consist of stacks of lower coastal plain sands interbedded with shale and coals deposited in
an overall transgressive setting. The lower coastal plain setting is typically dominated by wide range
IPTC-19608-Abstract 3

of depositional environment such as flood plains, meandering rivers, distributary channels, mouthbars,
mangrove belts and peat swamps (Figure 2).

Figure 2—Stratigraphy of Balingian Basin and Temana (from Madon and Abolins, 1999)

The elongated plunging anticlinal with more than 300 faults consists of normal, reverse and wrench. The
main subsurface challenges in this field are:
– The complexity of structure
– Sand continuity
– Quality
– Compartmentalization nature.
Brown fields are characterized by production decline and complicated fluids picture, i.e., high water
production, low oil rate, sand production, well integrity issues (Augustine et al., 2012). The field production
profile varied over years, fluctuating oil production and water cut increase was a concern over time, even
though low recovery factor. Figure 3 demonstartes field performance over years.
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Figure 3—field performance

Despite the large number of wells and long production, field recovery remained low (i.e., 19%), this
indicates remaining potential in both sands and fluids. Field rejuvenation review was triggered after
disappointing drilling results despite the low recovery. The effort to remap fluids and sands was challenging
due to the field complexity, faulting and fluid redistribution, and the water injection.
A new field development plan was required to ascertain the current realization, and mapped reservoir
properties. The strategic move aimed to rebuild the field and reservoir models with an advanced seismic
acquisition.
The relook required a comprehensive study and new data acquisisiton due to the complexity of the field
and reservoir. The 4C OBC 3D data acquisition was followed by a complet study to incorporate the new
results and generate a new field development strategy.
The objectives of new development review of the brown filed are:

• Inclusivity of all opportunities, no reservoirs left behind

• Realization of the value at earliest economic viability time

• Utilize the latest seismic technology to reduce risk, book and develop all opportunities

• Optimium use of available resources

Opportunity ranking allowed the identification of potential remained oil. The opportunity locations were
captured in polygons for each interpreted horizons. The method and criteria for opportunity ranking is
summarized as below:
1. Structure Interpretation validation.
2. Conventional seismic attribute (Full Stack and AVO response).
3. Reservoir Properties from seismic inversion (P-imp, Vp/Vs, porosity).
4. Reservoir and fluid prediction (cross plot and FFP).
5. Reservoir, fluid and production database (Bubble map, net sand map)
6. Opportunity criteria and ranking
7. Facies and fluid probability
IPTC-19608-Abstract 5

8. Opportunity criteria and ranking

Tiering approach was adopted to rank the opportunities, where Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 are assigned to
the remaining oil location. The definition of each tier is as below:
– Tier 1: High confidence, supported by well logs/production data, Amplitude and AVO supported,
Inversion supported, calibrated by exploration wells.
– Tier 2: Moderate confidence, inconclusive from well result, moderate amplitude and AVO, moderate
inversion, No clear fluid separation, moderate risk.
– Tier 3: Low confidence, Poor amplitude and AVO, Poor or no inversion result, No nearby wells

Figure 4—development tiers

Workflow and discussion

During 1986 and 1992, 321.6 Sq Km of 3D seismic data were shot in NNW-SSE direction; oblique to the
major fault trend of the field that is NE-SW. In 1992, a second 3D survey of 165 sq km was acquired over
the western part of the field and was shot in a WNW-ESE orientation. The 3D surveys had a streamer length
of 3000 m, a group interval of 25 m and a sampling rate of 2 ms. However, the 1986 seismic is 30 fold
and the 1992 seismic is 40 fold. The two 3D data sets were merged and processed in 1994. In 2006, the
same data sets were reprocessed. In 2014, a third 3D survey of 328 Sq Km was acquired. The 3D 4C OBC
receiver cable length is 11000m, 25m group interval and 2ms sampling rate. The PP APSDM seismic quality
is graded to be good to fair.
Figure 5 shows the different seismic generation and data quality.
6 IPTC-19608-Abstract

Figure 5—Evolution of seismic data in Field Tango from (a) 1986 and 1992 remerged seismic in 1994 that
is poorly imaged (b) 2006 3D Reprocessed Seismic has slightly better image but dataset is still noisy (c)
2015 PP PSDM showing significantly improved image with higher resolution but still affected by fluid effect
and (d) 2015 PS PSDM showing better imaging of faults and lithology with fluid effect being removed.

Having the PS APSDM seismic helps to mitigate the the highly dip structure areas, and shallow gas
effect. For both of these phenomenas, the PS seismic showed image improvement, hence reassuring the
structural interpretation later. The comparison between PP and PS seismic is shown in Figure 6. Both PP
and PS seismic data are used to conduct the simultaneous joint PP-PS Inversion.

Figure 6—Comparison between PP and PS seismic

IPTC-19608-Abstract 7

The PP-PS joint inversion, indiacted the maximum frequencies for PP and PS data is 70 Hz and 35
Hz respectively. For PP data, at this resolution, tuning thickness was around 18m and expected inversion
resolution at 9-10m. No obvious seismic dimming was seen, consequently no dimming compensation
(lateral varying wavelet) required for seismic inversion, moreover, the AI and Vp/Vs show separation
between hydrocarbon and water, but lower separation between oil and gas. The Vp/Vs also shows good
separation between sand and shale.
Faults interpretation were done in PP Seismic. PP interpretation was overlaid on PS data as more faults
are observed in PS seismic data. There were more than 333 normal and reverse interpreted faults using
new seismic data. Variance attribute was generated for fault interpretation purposes in delineating the fault
pattern over the study area by lateral slices (time or horizon slices) as well as vertical section.
Velocity models were constructed for the entire FDP study area with purpose of time to depth conversion
and capture the depth uncertainty.
Three methods were investigated to build the velocity models:

• Time-Depth Single Function.

• 3D surface based interval velocity.

• 3D Volume/Grid based average velocity were generated.

Third method was used to build several independent velocity models for time to depth conversion. For
testing purposes, 17 velocity models were generated.
Several criterias were considered such as the residual depth error, conformance of seismic velocity to
time, and depth structural maps, and consistency of depth maps in cross section. Velocity Model & time to
depth conversion workflow are illustrated in figure 7.

Figure 7—Velocity Model & Time to Depth Conversion Workflow

8 IPTC-19608-Abstract

GBV calculation were performed for all major surfaces from each reservoirs group. The calculation is
simply the volume of the rock below the interpreted top reservoirs down to the confirmed contact. The total
GBV variation around the base case velocity model is determined to be less than 10% because of the high
quality of seismic data, and velocity models generated from 4C OBC PP-PS seismic. Depth uncertainty maps
for all horizons were created, which showed the depth uncertainty around the field and planned development
wells is less than +/- 50m. The base case velocity model is used to depth convert fault planes and surfaces
as input for static model. The amplitude maps are generated for each horizon using Extract Value at 0ms
window.
From the extracted map, the amplitude trend is analysed from bigger picture/point of view by
understanding amplitude continuity through the field. If there is any geometry/ clear channel cut observed,
then it can be isolated as sand/shale, but if no channel or mud geometry then flank and peak area could
be reservoirs as well.
The extract amplitudes attributes showed positive, zero and minus values. Positive value is represented
by blue-bluish, around zero is white-greyish, and minus is light reddish-red-to yellowish. Negative values
are expected as soft reservoirs and these are supported by calibrating with the well correlations.
Qualitatively, sand are represented by bright red, light reddish, and yellowish. Whereas shale or shaly
sands are represented by dim or white-greyish/blue-bluish. However, reservoirs are not limited in the colour
of red and yellow only. As calibrated with the well correlations, white still represents sand. Another case
is areas with production effect; these areas are shown as white amplitude. Bright yellowish amplitude at
untapped block in a new idenfitied reservoir might be correlated to coal interference, this feature was
calibrated to well logs.
Deeper reservoirs are found to have higher seismic uncertainty than shallower reservoirs, their amplitude
is not as crisp as shallower reservoirs. The analysis of extract value amplitude attributes indicated that
reservoir characterization could be:

• A lateral reservoir extension with no contrast of shale (possibility of wide reservoir extension)

• The amplitude response of wet sand is as close as that of the shale.

Thus, it can't be concluded that all bright amplitude is reservoir because of seismic can't fully resolve
it (less resolution).
There is also additional opportunities mapped by exploring the untapped amplitude in nearby
development wells (in different fault segment structurally or stratigraphically). Extract attribute values
showed further extension of the sand distribution than RMS amplitude attribute.
Comparison between the near and far stacks amplitude maps for each horizon, areas with rising AVO
could indicate reservoir presence whereas dimming AVO could indicate shaly area. The AVO maps also
help in eliminating coal-masking effect.
Based on the inversion and geophysics interpretation results, a 3D static model for 36 reservoirs were
developed using an integrated approach, and utilizing all available data. This approach allowed the team
to assess STOIIP volume and quantify the subsurface uncertainties present in the field to support field
development plan; consequently, the total STOIIP for the field increased by 25%.
The major subsurface uncertainty for the volumetric assessment is found to be porosity. The workflow
for the 3D static model is summarized in figure 8:
IPTC-19608-Abstract 9

Figure 8—3D static model workflow

Horizon modelling used nested modelling workflow. First horizon input is filtered to remove data within
the fault area, hence no conflict could occur between the horizons and fault model. The first pass model
created based on seismic interpreted horizons. This is used as an input for the second horizon modeling
stage, which is the refined model that will create all internal reservoir surfaces. Results are displayed in
Figure 9.

Figure 9—Result of horizon modeling

3D gridding followed to build geocellular grid from the structural model into which well data is populated.
2 grids have been created from the 2 structural models. The grid resolution is 100 × 100 × 1 meter with stair
10 IPTC-19608-Abstract

stepped fault type. A grid rotation of 20° counterclockwise is applied to ensure the grid is aligned along the
dip and strike direction of field bounding faults. The final grid is displayed in Figure 10.

Figure 10—Result of 3D gridding

Facies model was developed based on information from available core data, well logs, and petroleum
system. Conceptual of depositional of environment (DOE) is developed based on the identified eight
depositional environments. V-shale cutoff was used to differentiate sand quality. Property modelling
followed to distribute porosity and saturation with guidance from the developed facies model. Porosity
distribution and upscaling is controlled by variogram, modelling algorithm and interpreted logs, while for
saturation a height model was used.
An integrated modelling approach provided an improved understanding to the current sand and fluid
distribution. Figure 11 shows the workflow:
IPTC-19608-Abstract 11

Figure 11—Integrated workflow to appraise the field and pursue new opportunities.

Opportunities and potential

Subsequent to the new data and model, the field was given a rejuvenated look, and new opportunities were
identified, at the same time the previous understanding was modified.
Ten untapped opportunities with 18.8 MMSTB were identified.
The robustness of the model was validated by the drilling new wells, in 2018, to develop the untapped
reservoirs. Well XX-ZZ was drilled in the western area and targeted deeper reservoirs that has not been
produced within the fault block. The well targets were optimized based on the opportunities identified
from the integrated reservoir model and successfully found oil in five sands. The well was completed and
successfully produced 1100 stb/d. Figure 12 shows geological cross-section with the well trajectory and
results of log acquisition showing high HC saturation in the untapped reservoir targets.
12 IPTC-19608-Abstract

Figure 12—Recent well data acquisition showing high HC saturation

Figure 12 shows geological cross-section with the well trajectory and results of log acquisition showing
high HC saturation in the untapped reservoirs.

Summary
The result of the seismic helped to improve the understanding of the previous development campaign
setbacks, and to ard identify new areas of unswept locations for further redevelopment. This innovative
acquisition provided an efficient data acquisition saving time and money.
The advanced geophysical technology combined with latest production data and well logs interpretation
provided assurance, and reduced the uncertainty in developing strategies and approach for recovering
remaining oil potentials in the field. Key challenges on stratigraphic locations, reservoir presence and
depositional extensions were delineated. A strategic approach (tiering) to project development allows the
key uncertainties to be validated and verified within shorter time period thus empowering immediate
inclusion or diversion of plans that can then be implemented for the next well proposal. The approach
resulted in arrow shaped cost and reserves probability with wider exposure at the front but narrowing and
more definitive result as the campaign progresses.
In addition to the untapped opportunities findings, the integrated workflow has improved the
understanding of current day reservoir architecture in major producing reservoir through enhancement in
fault interpretation and improved stratigraphic imaging. This has presented opportunities for the team to
identify infill wells in undrained area or bypass oil.
Figure 13 shows an example from a reservoir in one of the fault-blocks. The reservoir is a major producer
in the studied field, and has been on production since 1990. The pressure has been declining and some wells
have observed water cut as much as 80%.
IPTC-19608-Abstract 13

Figure 13—Top figures show the reservoir geometry from seismic and well data and opportunity identified from AVO far angle.

However, with the new seismic technology, geometry and architecture of the channelized reservoir was
captured in good detail, and bypass oil opportunity was identified in the southern area of the fault-block
based on seismic AVO and inversion attributes. This result agrees with the reservoir dynamic model which
shows water encroachment coming from the north as the channel was bounded by floodplain shale on its side
leaving behind an undrained portion at its southern area. The additional reserve from the infill opportunity
is expected to be 3.2 MMSTB. Figure 13, shows the result of dynamic model comparing initial and current
condition after production also showing by-pass oil potential in the southern portion.

Conclusions
Consequent to the field major rejuvenation, the following is achieved:
– Total STOIIP for the Field has increased by 25%, as a result of improved imaging and allocation of
Hydrocarbon.
– Inversion study indicated that AI and Vp/Vs shows separation between hydrocarbon and water, but
lower separation between oil and gas. The Vp/Vs also shows good separation between sand and shale.
– Due to high quality of the seismic data and the velocity models from 4C OBC PP-PS seismic velocity
model. Depth uncertainty maps for the entire horizon have been created, and showed that the depth
uncertainty around the field and planned development wells is less than +/- 50m. The base case
velocity model is used to depth convert fault planes and surfaces as input for static mode.
– The Combination of Diving Wave Tomography and Joint PP-PS Earth Model Building solved the
field and reservoir sagging problem resulted from shallow gas appearance.
– The PP and PS PSDM final volume showed an improved seismic imaging especially in fault plane
imaging, steep dip area and general structural image quality are interpretability.
– The new structural and stratigraphic interpretation from latest seismic addressed the
compartmentalization and reservoir distribution challenges in this field.
14 IPTC-19608-Abstract

– Integration of seismic attributes QI products with fine scale log correlation, conceptual geological
model and engineering data firms up the robustness of the current model.
– By combining the amplitude and AVO maps, it gives a qualitative prediction on areas with good
reservoir presence.
– Seismic attributes analysis can only give qualitative result and the reservoir understanding in
identifying further opportunities in the studied field.
– To delineate the fluid and to get the reservoir properties, PP-PS Joint Inversion was conducted.
– Good synthetic correlation was obtained by minor bulk shift and stretch and squeeze method. Seismic
polarity was defined to follow the processing report. Positive Peak is for an increase of Acoustic
Impedance. Based on synthetic correlation, 16 key well markers were defined on seismic data for
interpretation of the shallow and deep reservoirs.
– The utilization of cutting-edge seismic technology has benefited the study and contributes to the
sustainability of the field production.
– The application of latest multicomponent seismic technology and the integrated approach involving
multiple subsurface disciplines of geophysics, geology, petrophysics and reservoir engineering has
resulted in a robust reservoir model and revealed that additional opportunities still remains. This has
benefited the project, and rejuvenated the life of 40 year brown field. The integrated study from multi-
disciplinary approach utilizing all available data has given positive result in identifying locations of
remaining oil in untapped fault block aside from enhance subsurface understanding to better manage
the reservoirs.

References
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Technologies in the Rejuvenation of Brown Fields - The Seplat's Experience. Society of Petroleum Engineers.
doi:10.2118/163000-MS.
Golovatskiy, Y., Petrashov, O., Syrtlanov, V., Vafin, I., & Mezhnova, N. (2015, November 4). Huge Mature Fields
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