Characterizing production‐induced anisotropy of fractured reservoirs having multiple fracture sets

Since natural fractures in petroleum reservoirs play an important role in determining fluid flow during production, knowledge of the orientation and density of fractures is required to optimize production. This paper outlines the underlying theory and implementation of a fast and efficient algorithm for upscaling a Discrete Fracture Network (DFN) to predict the fluid flow, elastic and seismic properties of fractured rocks. Potential applications for this approach are numerous and include the prediction of fluid flow, elastic and seismic properties for fractured reservoirs, model‐based inversion of seismic Amplitude Versus Offset and Azimuth (AVOA) data and the optimal placement and orientation of infill wells to maximize production. Given that a single fracture network may comprise hundreds of thousands of individual fractures, the sheer size of typical DFNs has tended to limit their practical applications. This paper demonstrates that with efficient algorithms, the utility of Discrete Fracture Networks can be extended far beyond mere visualization.     

Characterization of fractured reservoirs using a consistent stiffness‐permeability model: focus on the effects of fracture aperture

In this paper we propose a method for the characterization of naturally fractured reservoirs by quantitative integration of seismic and production data. The method is based on a consistent theoretical frame work to model both effective hydraulic and elastic properties of fractured porous media and a (non‐linear) Bayesian method of inversion that provides information about uncertainties as well as mean (or maximum likelihood) values. We model a fractured reservoir as a porous medium containing a single set of vertical fractures characterized by an unknown fracture density, azimuthal orientation and aperture. We then look at the problem of fracture parameter estimation as a non‐linear inverse problem and try to estimate the unknown fracture parameters by joint inversion of seismic amplitude versus angle and azimuth data and dynamic production data. Once the fracture parameters have been estimated the corresponding effective stiffness and permeability tensors can be estimated using consistent models. A synthetic example is provided to clearly explain and test the workflow. It shows that seismic and production data complement each other, in the sense that the seismic data resolve a non‐uniqueness in the fracture orientation and the production data help to recover the true fracture aperture and permeability, because production data are more sensitive to the fracture aperture than the seismic data.     

Seismic characterization of reservoirs with multiple fracture sets using velocity and attenuation anisotropy data

Knowledge about the spatial distribution of the fracture density and the azimuthal fracture orientation can greatly help in optimizing production from fractured reservoirs. Frequency-dependent seismic velocity and attenuation anisotropy data contain information about the fractures present in the reservoir. In this study, we use the measurements of velocity and attenuation anisotropy data corresponding to different seismic frequencies and azimuths to infer information about the multiple fracture sets present in the reservoir. We consider a reservoir model with two sets of vertical fractures characterized by unknown azimuthal fracture orientations and fracture densities. Frequency-dependent seismic velocity and attenuation anisotropy data is computed using the effective viscoelastic stiffness tensor and solving the Christoffel equation. A Bayesian inversion method is then applied to measurements of velocity and attenuation anisotropy data corresponding to different seismic frequencies and azimuth to estimate the azimuthal fracture orientations and the fracture densities, as well as their uncertainties. Our numerical examples suggest that velocity anisotropy data alone cannot recover the unknown fracture parameters. However, an improved estimation of the unknown fracture parameters can be obtained by joint inversion of velocity and attenuation anisotropy data.     

Constructing a discrete fracture network constrained by seismic inversion data

Rock fractures are of great practical importance to petroleum reservoir engineering because they provide pathways for fluid flow, especially in reservoirs with low matrix permeability, where they constitute the primary flow conduits. Understanding the spatial distribution of natural fracture networks is thus key to optimising production. The impact of fracture systems on fluid flow patterns can be predicted using discrete fracture network models, which allow not only the 6 independent components of the second‐rank permeability tensor to be estimated, but also the 21 independent components of the fully anisotropic fourth‐rank elastic stiffness tensor, from which the elastic and seismic properties of the fractured rock medium can be predicted. As they are stochastically generated, discrete fracture network realisations are inherently non‐unique. It is thus important to constrain their construction, so as to reduce their range of variability and, hence, the uncertainty of fractured rock properties derived from them. This paper presents the underlying theory and implementation of a method for constructing a geologically realistic discrete fracture network, constrained by seismic amplitude variation with offset and azimuth data. Several different formulations are described, depending on the type of seismic data and prior geologic information available, and the relative strengths and weaknesses of each approach are compared. Potential applications of the method are numerous, including the prediction of fluid flow, elastic and seismic properties of fractured reservoirs, model‐based inversion of seismic amplitude variation with offset and azimuth data, and the optimal placement and orientation of infill wells to maximise production.     

Azimuthally pre-stack seismic inversion for orthorhombic anisotropy driven by rock physics

Based on the long-wavelength approximation, a set of parallel vertical fractures embedded in periodic thin interbeds can be regarded as an equivalent orthorhombic medium. Rock physics is the basis for constructing the relationship between fracture parameters and seismic response. Seismic scattering is an effective way to inverse anisotropic parameters. In this study, we propose a reliable method for predicting the Thomsen’s weak anisotropic parameters and fracture weaknesses in an orthorhombic fractured reservoir using azimuthal pre-stack seismic data. First, considering the influence of fluid substitution in mineral matrix, porosity, fractures and anisotropic rocks, we estimate the orthorhombic anisotropic stiffness coefficients by constructing an equivalent rock physics model for fractured rocks. Further, we predict the logging elastic parameters, Thomsen’s weak parameters, and fracture weaknesses to provide the initial model constraints for the seismic inversion. Then, we derive the P-wave reflection coefficient equation for the inversion of Thomsen’s weak anisotropic parameters and fracture weaknesses. Cauchy-sparse and smoothing-model constraint regularization taken into account in a Bayesian framework, we finally develop a method of amplitude variation with angles of incidence and azimuth (AVAZ) inversion for Thomsen’s weak anisotropic parameters and fracture weaknesses, and the model parameters are estimated by using the nonlinear iteratively reweighted least squares (IRLS) strategy. Both synthetic and real examples show that the method can directly estimate the orthorhombic characteristic parameters from the azimuthally pre-stack seismic data, which provides a reliable seismic inversion method for predicting Thomsen’s weak anisotropic parameters and fracture weaknesses.     

Azimuthal Seismic Amplitude Variation with Offset and Azimuth Inversion in Weakly Anisotropic Media with Orthorhombic Symmetry

Seismic amplitude variation with offset and azimuth (AVOaz) inversion is well known as a popular and pragmatic tool utilized to estimate fracture parameters. A single set of vertical fractures aligned along a preferred horizontal direction embedded in a horizontally layered medium can be considered as an effective long-wavelength orthorhombic medium. Estimation of Thomsen’s weak-anisotropy (WA) parameters and fracture weaknesses plays an important role in characterizing the orthorhombic anisotropy in a weakly anisotropic medium. Our goal is to demonstrate an orthorhombic anisotropic AVOaz inversion approach to describe the orthorhombic anisotropy utilizing the observable wide-azimuth seismic reflection data in a fractured reservoir with the assumption of orthorhombic symmetry. Combining Thomsen’s WA theory and linear-slip model, we first derive a perturbation in stiffness matrix of a weakly anisotropic medium with orthorhombic symmetry under the assumption of small WA parameters and fracture weaknesses. Using the perturbation matrix and scattering function, we then derive an expression for linearized PP-wave reflection coefficient in terms of P- and S-wave moduli, density, Thomsen’s WA parameters, and fracture weaknesses in such an orthorhombic medium, which avoids the complicated nonlinear relationship between the orthorhombic anisotropy and azimuthal seismic reflection data. Incorporating azimuthal seismic data and Bayesian inversion theory, the maximum a posteriori solutions of Thomsen’s WA parameters and fracture weaknesses in a weakly anisotropic medium with orthorhombic symmetry are reasonably estimated with the constraints of Cauchy a priori probability distribution and smooth initial models of model parameters to enhance the inversion resolution and the nonlinear iteratively reweighted least squares strategy. The synthetic examples containing a moderate noise demonstrate the feasibility of the derived orthorhombic anisotropic AVOaz inversion method, and the real data illustrate the inversion stabilities of orthorhombic anisotropy in a fractured reservoir.     

Bayesian seismic inversion for estimating fluid content and fracture parameters in a gas-saturated fractured porous reservoir

Understanding the effects of in situ fluid content and fracture parameters on seismic characteristics is important for the subsurface exploration and production of fractured porous rocks. The ratio of normal-to-shear fracture compliance is typically utilized as a fluid indicator to evaluate anisotropy and identify fluids filling the fractures, but it represents an underdetermined problem because this fluid indicator varies as a function of both fracture geometry and fluid content. On the bases of anisotropic Gassmann's equation and linear-slip model, we suggest an anisotropic poroelasticity model for fractured porous reservoirs. By combining a perturbed stiffness matrix and asymptotic ray theory, we then construct a direct relationship between the PP-wave reflection coefficients and characteristic parameters of fluids(P-and S-wave moduli) and fractures(fracture quasi-weaknesses), thereby decoupling the effects of fluid and fracture properties on seismic reflection characterization.By incorporating fracture quasi-weakness parameters, we propose a novel parameterization method for elastic impedance variation with offset and azimuth(EIVOA). By incorporating wide-azimuth observable seismic reflection data with regularization constraints, we utilize Bayesian seismic inversion to estimate the fluid content and fracture parameters of fractured porous rocks. Tests on synthetic and real data demonstrate that fluid and fracture properties can be reasonably estimated directly from azimuthal seismic data and the proposed approach provides a reliable method for fluid identification and fracture characterization in a gas-saturated fractured porous reservoir.     

基于贝叶斯线性AVAZ的TTI介质裂缝参数反演

裂缝储层岩石物理参数的准确获得对地下裂缝预测具有重要意义,而叠前方位AVA地震反演是获得裂缝岩石物理参数的有效手段.假设地下岩石为倾斜横向各向同性（TTI）介质,本文从裂缝岩石物理等效模型的构建出发,从测井数据中估计出纵横波相对反射系数和裂缝柔度参数.通过推导含裂缝柔度的方位各向异性反射系数公式,基于贝叶斯反演框架建立了P波线性AVAZ反演方法.合成地震数据应用表明基于贝叶斯理论的TTI介质裂缝柔度反演方法具有一定抗噪性,可以降低裂缝柔度估测的不确定性,为地下裂缝预测提供有力的依据.     

岩石物理驱动的储层裂缝参数与物性参数概率地震反演方法

长波长假设条件下,各向同性背景地层中发育一组平行排列的垂直裂缝可等效为具有水平对称轴的横向各向同性（HTI）介质.基于不同观测方位的岩石地震响应特征变化,宽方位地震数据不仅可实现裂缝岩石弹性参数与各向异性参数的预测,同时也蕴含着丰富的孔隙度等储层物性参数信息.本文结合实际地震资料提出了贝叶斯框架下岩石物理驱动的储层裂缝参数与物性参数概率地震联合反演方法,首先基于AVAZ反演裂缝岩石的弹性参数与各向异性参数,并在此基础上通过统计岩石物理模型表征孔隙度、裂缝密度等各向异性介质储层参数与裂缝岩石参数的相互关联,并采用马尔科夫链蒙特卡洛（MCMC）抽样方法进行大量样本的随机模拟,使用期望最大化（EM）算法估计后验条件概率分布,最终寻找最大后验条件概率对应的孔隙度、裂缝密度等HTI裂缝介质储层参数即为反演结果.测井及实际地震数据处理表明,该方法能够稳定合理地从方位地震资料中获取裂缝岩石弹性参数与各向异性参数,并提供了一种较为可靠的孔隙度、裂缝密度等裂缝介质储层参数概率地震反演方法.     

基于方位各向异性弹性阻抗的裂缝岩石物理参数反演方法研究

裂缝储层岩石物理参数的准确获得对地下裂缝预测具有重要意义,而叠前地震反演是获得裂缝岩石物理参数的有效手段.本文从裂缝岩石物理等效模型的构建出发,从测井数据上估测了裂缝岩石物理参数,通过推导含裂缝岩石物理参数的方位各向异性弹性阻抗公式,探讨了基于方位各向异性弹性阻抗的裂缝岩石物理参数地震反演方法.实际工区地震数据应用表明,基于方位各向异性弹性阻抗的裂缝岩石物理参数反演方法合理、可靠,可以降低裂缝岩石物理参数估测的不确定性,为地下裂缝预测提供有力的依据.     

Influence of frequency-dependent anisotropy on seismic amplitude-versus-offset signatures for fractured poroelastic rocks

Frequency-dependent amplitude variation with offset offers an effective method for hydrocarbon detections and analysis of fluid flow during production of oil and natural gas within a fractured reservoir. An appropriate representation for the frequency dependency of seismic amplitude variation with offset signatures should incorporate influences of dispersive and attenuating properties of a reservoir and the layered structure for either isotropic or anisotropic dispersion analysis. In this study, we use an equivalent medium permeated with aligned fractures that simulates frequency-dependent anisotropy, which is sensitive to the filled fluid of fractures. The model, where pores and fractures are filled with two different fluids, considers velocity dispersion and attenuation due to mesoscopic wave-induced fluid flow. We have introduced an improved scheme seamlessly linking rock physics modelling and calculations for frequency-dependent reflection coefficients based on the propagator matrix technique. The modelling scheme is performed in the frequency-slowness domain and can properly incorporate effects of both bedded structure of the reservoir and velocity dispersion quantified with frequency-dependent stiffness. Therefore, for a dispersive and attenuated layered model, seismic signatures represent a combined contribution of impedance contrast, layer thickness, anisotropic dispersion of the fractured media and tuning and interference of thin layers, which has been avoided by current conventional methods. Frequency-dependent amplitude variation with offset responses was studied via considering the influences of fracture fills, layer thicknesses and fracture weaknesses for three classes amplitude variation with offset reservoirs. Modelling results show the applicability of the introduced procedure for interpretations of frequency-dependent seismic anomalies associated with both layered structure and velocity dispersion of an equivalent anisotropic medium. The implications indicate that anisotropic velocity dispersion should be incorporated accurately to obtain enhanced amplitude variation with offset interpretations. The presented frequency-dependent amplitude variation with offset modelling procedure offers a useful tool for fracture fluid detections in an anisotropic dispersive reservoir with layered structures.     

Seismic characterization of vertical fractures described as general linear-slip interfaces

Fluid flow in many hydrocarbon reservoirs is controlled by aligned fractures which make the medium anisotropic on the scale of seismic wavelength. Applying the linear‐slip theory, we investigate seismic signatures of the effective medium produced by a single set of ‘general’ vertical fractures embedded in a purely isotropic host rock. The generality of our fracture model means the allowance for coupling between the normal (to the fracture plane) stress and the tangential jump in displacement (and vice versa). Despite its low (triclinic) symmetry, the medium is described by just nine independent effective parameters and possesses several distinct features which help to identify the physical model and estimate the fracture compliances and background velocities. For example, the polarization vector of the vertically propagating fast shear wave S₁ and the semi‐major axis of the S₁‐wave normal‐moveout (NMO) ellipse from a horizontal reflector always point in the direction of the fracture strike. Moreover, for the S₁‐wave both the vertical velocity and the NMO velocity along the fractures are equal to the shear‐wave velocity in the host rock. Analysis of seismic signatures in the limit of small fracture weaknesses allows us to select the input data needed for unambiguous fracture characterization. The fracture and background parameters can be estimated using the NMO ellipses from horizontal reflectors and vertical velocities of P‐waves and two split S‐waves, combined with a portion of the P‐wave slowness surface reconstructed from multi‐azimuth walkaway vertical seismic profiling (VSP) data. The stability of the parameter‐estimation procedure is verified by performing non‐linear inversion based on the exact equations.     

基于各向异性梯度的裂缝密度反演

裂缝密度是评价裂缝性储层的重要参数. 本文提出一种利用各向异性梯度计算裂缝密度的新方法,即运用裂缝介质等效理论将高陡倾角裂缝介质等效为横向各向同性介质,得到裂缝介质AVO响应特征,从而得到裂缝介质的各向异性梯度,之后由该梯度与裂缝密度的关系得到裂缝介质的裂缝密度. 实际处理中可以根据地震数据直接求取裂缝介质的各向异性梯度,最后求取裂缝介质的裂缝密度. 模型试算表明, 该方法能得到裂缝介质准确的裂缝密度. 反演结果与初始模型基本一致验证了该方法的正确性; 另外地震记录添加一定的信噪比后也能反演得到准确的裂缝密度,证明了该方法的稳定性.      

具有离散裂缝空间分布的二维固体中地震波传播的有限差分模拟

结合有限差分方法和等效介质理论,模拟了离散分布裂缝介质中地震波的传播. 基于等效介质理论,利用二维有限差分实现封闭裂缝的离散分布;裂缝可以处理成固体岩石中的高度柔性界面,并可以用线性滑动或者位移间断模型进行裂缝的物理描述. 对于含有多组裂隙的破裂固体,其有效柔度可以认为是固体骨架背景柔度和裂缝附加柔度之和. 在一阶近似条件下,固体骨架和裂缝参数可以通过有效各向异性系数联系起来,有效各向异性系数决定了各向异性（裂缝效应）对于地震波传播的影响. 通过与射线理论方法的对比检验,说明本文提出的模拟方法的有效性,并通过几个数值算例说明本方法可有效模拟不同的裂缝分布效应. 结果表明,即使在裂缝密度很小的情况下,具有相同裂缝密度的不同的空间分布可以产生不同的波场特征. 同时,也验证了不同裂缝尺度对波长的不同影响,以及裂缝尺度具有幂率分布（分形）时,尺度对波场的影响. 最后得出结论：在运用建立在等效介质理论基础上的地震各向异性概念来描述裂缝固体的特征时,要倍加小心,等效介质理论中尚未合理处理的裂缝尺度和空间分布对波的传播特征具有重要的影响.     

Numerical investigation of alternative fracture stiffness measures and their respective scaling behaviours

We study the mechanical deformation of fractures under normal stress, via tangent and specific fracture stiffnesses, for different length scales using numerical simulations and analytical insights. First, we revisit an equivalent elastic layer model that leads to two expressions: the tangent stiffness is the sum of an “intrinsic” stiffness and the normal stress, and the specific stiffness is the tangent stiffness divided by the fracture aperture at current stress. Second, we simulate the deformation of rough fractures using a boundary element method where fracture surfaces represented by elastic asperities on an elastic half‐space follow a self‐affine distribution. A large number of statistically identical “parent” fractures are generated, from which sub‐fractures of smaller dimensions are extracted. The self‐affine distribution implies that the stress‐free fracture aperture increases with fracture length with a power law in agreement with the chosen Hurst exponent. All simulated fractures exhibit an increase in the specific stiffness with stress and an average decrease with increase in length consistent with field observations. The simulated specific and tangent stiffnesses are well described by the equivalent layer model provided the “intrinsic” stiffness slightly decreases with fracture length following a power law. By combining numerical simulations and the analytical model, the effect of scale and stress on fracture stiffness measures can be easily separated using the concept of “intrinsic” stiffness. We learn that the primary reason for the variability in specific stiffness with length comes from the fact that the typical aperture of the self‐affine fractures itself scales with the length of the fractures.     

AVOA techniques for fracture characterization

Different aspects of computational techniques for AVOA analysis (Amplitude Versus Offset and Azimuth) for fracture characterization are considered, in particular: using amplitudes instead of reflection coefficients, smoothing seismic data, and numerical methods for estimation of fracture directions. A new computational method and a new filter for smoothing are suggested. The different computational methods are compared in synthetic reflection surface data with noise, and without noise. Properties of the numerical methods in dependence on different sets of azimuths and offsets are obtained. It is shown a superiority of the new method.     

Nonlinear simultaneous inversion of pore structure and physical parameters based on elastic impedance

Carbonate reservoirs have complex pore structures, which not only significantly affect the elastic properties and seismic responses of the reservoirs but also affect the accuracy of the prediction of the physical parameters. The existing rockphysics inversion methods are mainly designed for clastic rocks, and the inversion objects are generally porosity and water saturation. The data used are primarily based on the elastic parameters, and the inversion methods are mainly linear approximations. To date, there has been a lack of a simultaneous pore structure and physical parameter inversion method for carbonate reservoirs. To solve these problems, a new Bayesian nonlinear simultaneous inversion method based on elastic impedance is proposed. This method integrates the differential effective medium model of multiple-porosity rocks, Gassmann equation,Amplitude Versus Offset(AVO) theory, Bayesian theory, and a nonlinear inversion algorithm to achieve the simultaneous quantitative prediction of the pore structure and physical parameters of complex porous reservoirs. The forward modeling indicates that the contribution of the pore structure, i.e., the pore aspect ratio, to the AVO response and elastic impedance is second only to that of porosity and is far greater than that of water saturation. The application to real data shows that the new inversion method for determining the pore structure and physical parameters directly from pre-stack data can accurately predict a reservoir's porosity and water saturation and can evaluate the pore structure of the effective reservoir.     

Anisotropic elastic full‐waveform inversion of walkaway vertical seismic profiling data from the Arabian Gulf

Borehole seismic addresses the need for high‐resolution images and elastic parameters of the subsurface. Full‐waveform inversion of vertical seismic profile data is a promising technology with the potential to recover quantitative information about elastic properties of the medium. Full‐waveform inversion has the capability to process the entire wavefield and to address the wave propagation effects contained in the borehole data—multi‐component measurements; anisotropic effects; compressional and shear waves; and transmitted, converted, and reflected waves and multiples. Full‐waveform inversion, therefore, has the potential to provide a more accurate result compared with conventional processing methods. We present a feasibility study with results of the application of high‐frequency (up to 60 Hz) anisotropic elastic full‐waveform inversion to a walkaway vertical seismic profile data from the Arabian Gulf. Full‐waveform inversion has reproduced the majority of the wave events and recovered a geologically plausible layered model with physically meaningful values of the medium.     

Direct inversion for a fluid factor and its application in heterogeneous reservoirs

Prestack seismic inversion plays an important role in estimating elastic parameters that are sensitive to reservoirs and fluid underground. In this paper, a simultaneous inversion method named FMR‐AVA (Fluid Factor, Mu (Shear modulus), Rho (Density)‐Amplitude Variation with Angle) is proposed based on partial angle stack seismic gathers. This method can be used for direct inversion for the fluid factor, shear modulus and density of heterogeneous reservoirs. Firstly, an FMR approximation equation of a reflection coefficient is derived based on poroelasticity with P‐ and S‐wave moduli. Secondly, a stable simultaneous AVA inversion approach is presented in a Bayesian scheme. This approach has little dependence on initial models. Furthermore, it can be applied in heterogeneous reservoirs whose initial models for inversion are not easy to establish. Finally, a model test shows the superiority of this FMR‐AVA inversion method in stability and independence of initial models. We obtain a reasonable fluid factor, shear modulus and density even with smooth initial models and moderate Gaussian noise. A real data case example shows that the inverted fluid factor, shear modulus and density fit nicely with well log interpretation results, which verifies the effectiveness of the proposed method.     

基于各向异性岩石物理的缝隙流体因子AVAZ反演

裂缝型储层表现出较强的各向异性特征.缝隙中充填不同流体时,裂缝储层的地震响应特征也不相同.本文从各向异性岩石物理模型出发,引入可有效识别缝隙流体的指示因子,并研究缝隙充填流体类型、饱和度以及缝隙纵横比与流体因子的相互关系,进而分析不同流体充填时介质的地震响应特征,并基于AVAZ反演方法估测缝隙流体指示因子.首先对缝隙流体因子的敏感性进行了分析,讨论当缝隙充填不同流体时,缝隙流体因子值的变化特征,同时研究了不同流体类型充填时裂缝储层反射系数随方位角和入射角的变化特征.某工区测井数据和复杂裂缝模型应用表明,基于各向异性岩石物理的缝隙流体因子AVAZ反演方法合理、可靠,且具有良好的抗噪性,即当对合成地震记录添加信噪比不小于1/2的随机噪声时,利用AVAZ反演方法估测所得流体因子值与真实值仍然吻合较好.