Comparing different approaches of time-lapse seismic inversion

Abstract

Abstract Time-lapse (4D) seismic inversion aims to predict changes in elastic rock properties, such as acoustic impedance, from measured seismic amplitude variations due to hydrocarbon production. Possible approaches for 4D seismic inversion include two classes of method: sequential independent 3D inversions and joint inversion of 4D seismic differences. We compare the standard deterministic methods, such as coloured and model-based inversions, and the probabilistic inversion techniques based on a Bayesian approach. The goal is to compare the sequential independent 3D seismic inversions and the joint 4D inversion using the same type of algorithm (Bayesian method) and to benchmark the results to commonly applied algorithms in time-lapse studies. The model property of interest is the ratio of the acoustic impedances, estimated for the monitor, and base surveys at each location in the model. We apply the methods to a synthetic dataset generated based on the Namorado field (offshore southeast Brazil). Using this controlled dataset, we can evaluate properly the results as the true solution is known. The results show that the Bayesian 4D joint inversion, based on the amplitude difference between seismic surveys, provides more accurate results than sequential independent 3D inversion approaches, and these results are consistent with deterministic methods. The Bayesian 4D joint inversion is relatively easy to apply and provides a confidence interval of the predictions.