Heavy Oils

Reservoir characterization requires integration of engineering, geology, and geophysics, with rock physics supplying a key link. In this volume, geophysical methods, especially time-lapse 3D seismic, are emphasized, and a range of enhanced oil-recovery methods (EOR) are discussed, showing the need to accurately describe a reservoir before and after production.

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Heavy Oils: Reservoir Characterization and Production Monitoring presents an integrated and general description of the development and production of heavy-oil fields throughout the world, with particular emphasis on geophysical characterization of heavy-oil fields. The book (SEG Geophysical Developments Series No. 13) introduces the economic impact of heavy oil as a major world energy resource. The origin of heavy-oil sands, its phase behavior, and unique physical properties are described in the context of the world’s major heavy-oil fields. Particular attention is paid to the unique rock physics of heavy-oil sands. This book describes a wide range of enhanced oil-recovery methods (EOR) including steam injection, solvent injection, cold production, and combustion. In all of these EOR methods, it is imperative to accurately describe the reservoir before and after production. As discussed in the book, this reservoir characterization requires integration of engineering, geology, and geophysics, with rock physics supplying a key link. Geophysical methods, especially time-lapse 3D seismic methods, are emphasized. The heavy-oil geology and production from major heavy-oil reservoirs is compared and contrasted. This book should prove interesting to all reservoir engineers, geologists, and geophysicists in this field.