An approach to reserve estimation enhanced with 3-D seismic data

Reserve estimation for hydrocarbon reservoirs can be improved by incorporating values extracted from three-dimensional (3-D) seismic data with those obtained from more conventional data sources of data, such as drill-core and well-log data. An example of this improved method is illustrated by an application to the QW pool located in the Buohaiwan Basin in eastern China. Parameter values extracted from 3-D seismic data extend the knowledge about the spatial distributions of such reservoir parameters as net thickness, porosity, and oil saturation. To assist in the extraction of these values, different pattern-recognition techniques can be applied. The results that are obtained by this method offer a more reliable and more credible approach to reserve estimation and can be applied at every stage of resource extraction from exploration to development.