Complex Imaging
Innovating and deploying distinctive seismic imaging technologies to locate and develop hydrocarbon resources
Seismic imaging technologies have probably had the most profound impact in enabling development of ACG and Shah Deniz. Without the continuous, incremental innovations that BP has brought to the Caspian, developing its giant fields would have been like operating blind.
Seismic imaging allows us to see below sea and overburden rock, into the reservoirs which hold hydrocarbon resources. It helps locate and characterise the hydrocarbons, and used in 4D mode (where the 4th dimension is time), it helps monitor how the reservoir is changing as oil, water and gas move within.
Sismic technologies divide into acquisition technologies, like Ocean Bottom Seismic or ISS® (Independent Simultaneous Source) technology, and processing technologies, like Full Waveform Inversion and Finite Difference Modelling. All seek to improve the quality of the image received of the reservoir as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.
Unlocking Caspian Potential - Seismic Advances
Seismic technologies deployed in Azerbaijan:
- Ocean Bottom Seismic -Chirag Azeri Reservoir Surveillance Project (CARSP): 132 km semi-permanent ocean bottom cable to record seismic acquisition; used to monitor water, gas and oil movements within reservoirs.
- Full Waveform Inversion: High-resolution velocity model-building through inversion of entire 3D data sets
- Detailed Velocity Modelling: An interpretation tool to assist shallow hazard assessments and identify mud conduit numbers and locations
- Independent Simultaneous Source (ISS®) - used for the shallow water areas
