Summary of some of the project cases done by Sky Hunter
using the microseep technology
Figure 1: Locations of all the project cases in Australia
Figure 2: Location of all the project cases in North America
1.
NORTH ALBERTA OILSAND PROJECT
Area Surveyed – This project is for an alliance of four Petroleum producing companies
(Petroleum Technology Alliance Canada – PTAC); Husky, Cenovus, Devon, and Suncor.
It is a project on oil sand exploration. Evidences from seismic data and well geological data
show a complex reservoir. The microseep survey by Sky Hunter covered large multi prospect
areas (figure 3) with widely spaced flight lines, for an exploratory scale overview to define new
potentially prospective areas. There were closely spaced flight lines to highlight reservoir detail
within existing SAGD projects. Follow up surveys were also used to monitor changing reservoir
condition within active steam chambers over time.
Figure 3: Areas surveyed (number 1 – 5) by Sky Hunter for the PTAC project.
Results
a)
The maps (figure 4) produced from microseep signal strength has higher data density
than typical distribution from stratigraphic wells, which result in better definition of potential pay
zones.
Figure 4: Maps produced by well data (Isopach) compared with Sky Hunter Oil map. When the two maps were
overlaid, the Sky Hunter map provides additional definition of the pay zones (Blend).
5
In Place (106 m3)
Remaining Bitumen
b)
There is 83% Correlation between Sky Hunter signal strength and operator’s Remaining
Bitumen In Place (RBIP) estimate as seen below (figure 5):
4
3
2
y = 0.6771x - 0.0554
R² = 0.8339
1
0
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Sky Hunter "Volume"
Figure 5: Graph showing correlation between Sky Hunter’s signal strength and RBIP estimates.
c)
Sky Hunter survey results have been compared with 4D seismic interpretation over the
SAGD projects for all four operators. There is a good correlation in the drainage mapped by 4D
seismic and the Sky Hunter data. The Sky Hunter signal is low where the steam chamber is
developed. There exists a good correlation between Sky Hunter’s oil map and 4D seismic data
(figure 6)
SH Oil1 Signal Strength
May 2015
Blend
2014 4D Seismic
Figure 6: Maps comparing the 4D seismic map to Oil signal strength from Sky Hunter.
Sky Hunter data was also compared to surface heave maps. Surface heave occurs during the
Plateau portion of the production cycle is reached. High intensity micro seep readings are seen
on the Sky Hunter surveys outside the pad areas.
SH Oil1 Signal Strength
May 2015
Blend
2008-2014 Surface Heave
Figure 7: Maps comparing surface heave map to Oil signal strength from Sky Hunter.
Clients comment – There is a relationship between Sky Hunter readings and formation
thickness. Sky Hunter also received a commercialization award from PTAC.
2.
ANGEL GAS FIELD, OFFSHORE AUSTRALIA
Area Surveyed – The client for this project is private. This project shows Sky Hunter’s ability to
predict the size and shape of hydrocarbon reservoirs using microseep survey technology, even in
an offshore environment. The survey was acquired while the field still had virgin reservoir
pressure.
Figure 8: map showing the location of Angel field, offshore Australia.
Results – Maps shows dry gas signal strength for Angel field, that was successfully acquired
(figure 9) by Sky Hunter. When this map was compared with the structure map from well data
(figure 10), there is a good agreement between the two maps about the size and shape of the gas
reservoir.
Figure 9: map showing gas signal strength acquired by Sky Hunter for Angel field, offshore Australia.
Figure 10: microseep footprint (underlay) screened onto structure maps based on seismic and well data. Map shows
good correlation between the two maps.
3. PEERLESS LAKE, ALBERTA
Area Surveyed – The client for this project is private. The project is in northern Alberta.
Microseep technology was used to differentiate Devonian reef prospects from cretaceous
sandstone prospects and find additional prospects.
Figure 11: map showing the location of Peerless Lake project, north Alberta.
In this area, 2D seismic coverage was previously employed to isolate the basement highs, but
essentially ignoring fault related traps. 3D seismic was later conducted but locally over areas
with successful oil discoveries. However, outlying areas offer little 2D seismic coverage such
that drilling density away from production is sparse because of limited seismic data and facies
information. The objective of this survey was to differentiate Devonian and Cretaceous
prospects, as well as locating prospective zones outside of the seismic data coverage.
Results – Sky Hunter was able to correlate high signal intensity in the production area with
mapping from seismic. In addition, more information is now seen on prospective areas that were
not covered by seismic survey. Based on these findings, a new area was suggested for 3D
seismic program (figure 12 and 13).
Figure 12: map showing microseep footprint (oil strength) for the Peerless Lake project, north Alberta.
Bypassed Pay
Figure 13: map showing microseep footprint (oil strength) for the Peerless Lake project, north Alberta. The area in
blue rectangle is outside of the seismic coverage and recommended for further seismic investigation.