Extraction of permeability from time-lapse seismic data

Two formulae are developed for estimating horizontal permeability directly from maps of 4D seismic signatures. The choice of the formula used depends on whether the seismic is dominated by changes of pressure or saturation. However, pressure derived from time‐lapse seismic, or seismic amplitudes controlled predominantly by pressure are to be preferred for optimal ‘illumination’ of the reservoir. The permeability is predicted to be dependent on porosity but weighted by a 4D term related to the magnitude and spatial gradient of the 4D signature. Tests performed on model‐based synthetic seismic data affirm the validity and accuracy of this approach. Application to field data from the UK continental shelf reveals a large‐scale permeability variation similar to the existing simulation model, but with additional fine‐scale detail. The technique thus has the potential of providing extra information with which to update the simulation model. The resultant permeability estimates have been successfully ground‐truthed against the results of two well tests. As non‐repeatable noise in the time‐lapse seismic data diminishes with improved 4D‐related acquisition, it will become increasingly possible to make robust permeability estimates using this approach.