Patent ID: 7679993
Filing Date: 2010-03-16
Classification: G01V

Abstract:
1. A method of characterizing a fractured reservoir in a field, comprising: measuring, using a controlled seismic source and a plurality of seismic receivers, seismic reflection coefficient of the fractured reservoir as a function of angle of incidence and azimuth to obtain a measured seismic reflection coefficient; predicting the seismic reflection coefficient of the fractured reservoir as a function of angle of incidence and azimuth using an elastic stiffness tensor and an elastic compliance tensor of the fractured reservoir to obtain a predicted seismic reflection coefficient; representing a plurality of anisotropy parameters as functions of components of an excess compliance tensor, wherein the plurality of anisotropy parameters are associated with the elastic stiffness tensor, wherein the excess compliance tensor is comprised in the elastic compliance tensor due to the presence of differently oriented fractures in the fractured reservoir; determining the components of the excess compliance tensor by matching the predicted seismic reflection coefficient to the measured seismic reflection coefficient; characterizing one or more properties of the fractured reservoir using the excess compliance tensor; determining a placement for an infill well in the field containing the fractured reservoir based on the characterization of the one or more properties of the fractured reservoir.