The early detection of semi-permeable filtration barriers by using SAR interferometry

Abstract

The faults are universal in the petroleum reservoirs. Some of them are Semi-Permeable Filtration Barriers (SPFBs) such that a SPFB becomes fluid/gas permeable if a pressure threshold is exceeded. This may cause sudden changes in reservoir structures and, eventually result in negative impacts on production. This paper deals with early SPFB detection and characterization. We consider some case studies of reservoirs with SPFBs, and present a new methodology for SPFB detection. This includes the following groups of methods: mapping of surface responses to deep geodynamic and fluid-dynamic events (incl. SAR interferometry), 3D-mapping of faults in the reservoir and adjacent formations, separation of SPFBs from other dislocations. The methodology implementation is demonstrated with the case study of underground gas storage.