In-Situ Seismic Monitoring EOR: The Petrophysical Basis

This paper presents laboratory experimental results on wave velocities in hydrocarbons, rocks and sands versus saturation, pore and confining pressures, temperature, and CO₂ content. The results suggest that seismic, especially high resolution seismic methods can be used in detecting anomalous pore pressures, tracking thermal fronts and mapping high temperature regions in thermal EOR processes, and monitoring CO₂ flooding and water flooding processes in reservoir insitu. However, much of the methodology and technology required still remains to be developed before routine field applications can be made.