The use of reservoir geophysics and time-lapse (4D) technology enables the oil industry to improve its E&P activities related to reservoir management. In addition to updating the 3D geologic and flow models, new 4D seismic information helps not only to enhance reservoir characterization but also to reveal potential exploratory upsides and to monitor field production. This presentation aims to describe reservoir seismic and 4D seismic technology experiences in Brazil during the last 12 years of studies and applications in Brazilian sedimentary basin and petroleum fields.

Reservoir seismic characterization and 4D experiences can be divided in many phases: (1) technical and economic feasibility studies; (2) acquisition designed for reservoir characterization and/or monitoring; (3) reservoir seismic processing; (4) special processing oriented to seismic interpretation (inversion, facies, reservoir properties estimates, etc.); (5) reservoir characterization and monitoring seismic interpretation; (6) updating the geologic model with seismic interpretation; (7) integrated seismic interpretation for flow modeling and history matching; and (8) drilling in-fill D&P wells guided by reservoir seismic interpretation. For some reservoir challenges, it is very important to incorporate applied research projects – IOR strategic research projects help us understand complex cases. This presentation will feature an important case history of a heavy oil, deepwater 4D seismic survey project that was acquired over 1,520 km² in a heavily obstructed oilfield production area.