Time-lapse, multicomponent seismic data acquired during the CO2 flood at Delhi Field, Louisiana are used to identify zones containing high residual bulk oil volume and to target the location of new injection wells in the field. The data are used to monitor the reservoir and to see if the predicted zones of high residual oil are contacted by the enhanced oil recovery (EOR) process. Because the reservoir is shallow and injection pressures are relatively high, the cap rock is monitored. Stresses associated with injection induce observable shear-wave splitting anomalies in the cap rock. Stresses transmitted into the shale-confining layer by the injection process are not believed indicative of rupturing and CO2 leakage. The ability to monitor geomechanical changes through shear-wave splitting is an important new use of multicomponent seismic data.

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The paper covers green field development in a low-permeability reservoir, where water injection is under consideration. To maximize economic value, accurate well placement and key data gathering during delineation and appraisal will allow for early cash flow generation and preservation of ultimate waterflood reserves by operating above the bubble point pressure. Conversely, implementation of pressure support schemes absent information on reservoir connectivity, effective rock/fluid properties, and aquifer strength can result in an over-capitalization of investment via unnecessary expenditures. Implementation of a waterflood in a low matrix permeability system requiring well stimulation to achieve economic oil rates requires more sophisticated reservoir understanding compared to reservoirs with more favorable rock/fluid properties. A properly sequenced multi-disciplinary approach has been successful during reservoir characterization, optimized well/pad placement, well/completion designs, regulatory and land operations. This paper summarizes the approach used to optimize primary production operations while generating waterflood development plans, including challenges and key learnings.