Borehole Seismic: Essential Contributions Over the Oilfield Lifecycle
Authors: Kumar Rajeev , Bettinelli Pierre 
Published: December 2021

During the evolution of the petroleum industry, surface seismic imaging has played a critical role in reservoir characterization. In the early days, borehole seismic (BHS) was developed to complement surface seismic. However, in the last few decades, a wide range of BHS surveys has been introduced to cater to new and unique objectives over the oilfield lifecycle.

In the exploration phase, vertical seismic profiling (VSP) provides critical time-depth information to bridge time indexed subsurface images to log/reservoir properties in depth. This information can be obtained using several methods like conventional wireline checkshot or zero-offset vertical seismic profiling (ZVSP), seismic while drilling (SWD) or distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) techniques. SWD is a relatively new technique to record real-time data using tool deployed in the bottomhole assembly without disturbing the drilling. It helps to improve decision making for safer drilling especially in new areas in a cost-effective manner. Recently, a breakthrough technology, distributed acoustic sensing (DAS), has been introduced, where data are recorded using a fiber-optic cable with lots of saving. ZVSP also provides several parameters like, attenuation coefficient (Q), multiples prediction, impedance, reflectivity etc., which helps with characterizing the subsurface and seismic reprocessing.

In the appraisal phase, BHS applications vary from velocity model update, anisotropy estimation, well- tie to imaging VSPs. The three-component VSP data is best suited for imaging and amplitude variation with offset (AVO) due to several factors like less noise interference due to quiet downhole environment, higher frequency bandwidth, proximity to the reflector, etc. Different type of VSP surveys (offset, walkaway, walkaround etc.) were designed to fulfill objectives like imaging, AVO, Q, anisotropy, and fracture mapping.

In the development phase, high-resolution images (3D VSP, walkaway, or crosswell) from BHS surveys can assist with optimizing the drilling of new wells and, hence reduce costs. it can help with landing point selection, horizontal section placement, and refining interpretation for reserve calculation.

BHS offers a wide range of surveys to assist the oilfield lifecycle during the production phase. Microseismic monitoring is an industry-known service to optimize hydraulic fracturing and is the only technique that captures the induced seismicity generated by hydraulic fracturing and estimate the fracture geometry (height, width, and azimuth) and in real time. During enhanced oil recovery (EOR) projects, BHS can be useful to optimize the hydrocarbon drainage strategies by mapping the fluid movement (CO2, water, steam) using time-lapse surveys like walkaway, 3D VSP and/or crosswell. DAS has brought a new dimension to provide vital information on injection or production evaluation, leak detection, flow behind tubing, crossflow diagnosis, and cement evaluation during production phase.

This paper highlights the usage of BHS over the lifecycle of the oilfield.