IPTC 12853

Neural Network of 3D Seismic Attributes - An Investigation Methodology of

Gas Chimneys in Dorra Field, Middle East
Kalyan Kumar Chakraborty and Mubarak Al Hajeri, Kuwait Gulf Oil Co.; Bishnu Kumar, Schlumberger Information
Solutions

Copyright 2008, International Petroleum Technology Conference

This paper was prepared for presentation at the International Petroleum Technology Conference held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 35 December 2008.
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Abstract
Seismic chimney anomaly is an important stride, as it is one of the key hydrocarbon indicators of petroleum exploration. In its
strict geological sense, seismic chimneys are migration path ways, progressing towards structurally up-dip areas within a
proven petroleum system. Time horizons and seismic amplitude attributes derived from 3D seismic datasets, recently find an
application in exploring foot-prints of lateral and vertical movement of hydrocarbons along steep-dip faulted zones and at
places, where they are surface exposed, thus gas chimneys formed. 3D seismic data of 304 sq. km. acquired over the field have
been considered with number of key wells, used for calibrating the seismic chimney signatures. High amplitude seismic
anomalies, calibrated in the wells, are interpreted to have been associated with gas chimneys within a Cretaceous sequence. To
identify and examine these chimneys from seismic cubes, an integrated work-flow is tested using neural network technology.
The seismic chimneys not only provide knowledge of vertical migration of hydrocarbon fluids but, indicative of hydrocarbons
movement among different geological sequences. Tracking and mapping of seismic chimneys in between potential reservoirs
facilitate to establish migration routes and also shallow petroleum prospectivity. Present study provides an accurate mapping
of gas chimney, which has significance even in evaluating shallow gas hazards of drilling. Surface areas identified as gas
chimneys, responsible for migration routes of fluids (besides, examining non-favorable conditions for seabed installations), are
expected to be good logistics for field development project of the study field.