Estimation of Vp -Vs correlation and determination of elastic modulus for Kangan and Dalan Formations in South Pars field

Geophysicists and engineers require both accurate and high-resolution seismic surveys. A detailed analysis of the interrelationships between seismic velocity, seismic attenuation, porosity, and permeability makes reliable predictions about the petrophysical propertiesof hydrocarbon reservoirs. Surface reflections, VSP and cross-hole seismic methods have been used to determine velocities and lithological discontinuities within a reservoir. Seismic velocities of the sedimentary rocks have been used as indicators of their petrophysical properties. Vp/Vs ratio is as a lithology indicator (Domenico, 1984). Vp/Vs can be used to discriminate between limestones and dolomites. Also, Vp/Vs has been used successfully for direct hydrocarbon detection, especially with AVO techniques. In general, the velocity ratio depends on the matrix of material, state of saturation, degree of consolidation, differential pressure, porosity and pore geometry. The effect of a fluid on Vp/Vs is significant, but not as much as that of lithology. Tight gas sandstones typically have a Vp/Vs value lower than 1.7, while shales usually have a Vp/Vs value higher than 1.7. The presence of gas-saturation in sandstones will even lower the Vp/Vs further (when the Vp/Vs ratio is close to 1.6) and overpressure can make Vp/Vs ratio even less (<1.5). These results can be used to interpret the seismic data in tight gas sandstones. Pickett (1963) demonstrated Vp/Vs as a lithology indicator. Castagna et al. (1985) introduced some empirical relations that relate Vp to Vs. Vp/Vs is sensitive to gas in most clastic reservoirs and Vp/Vs often shows a reduction due to the presence of gas (Kithas, 1976; McCormack et al., 1985). Castagna et al. (1993) published other empirical relations that relate Vp to Vs. Elastic properties of rocks are also most important in determination of rock types. The elastic properties of rocks can be determined from the velocities of the longitudinal, transverse waves, and density. The Lamé parameter (λ) is a measure of a rock brittleness, which is a function of Young's modulus. This parameter plays an important role in the discrimination of gas sands from carbonates or shale in sedimentary rocks. Therefore, well logs are used to determine the elastic properties of rocks. A classical sonic log employs the acquisition and analysis of the data with a simple monopole source. In general, the compressional wave velocity is easily determinable in all rock types with a full-waveform sonic tool. A logging device which has been used to analyze the formations around the borehole is called Dipole Shear Sonic Imager (DSI). A dipole source generates the flexural modes, which determine the shear velocity. Since compressional waves travel faster than any other waves, travel times are easily determined from the first arrival for each receiver. For hard formations, where the shear wave velocity is greater than the fluid velocity of the P-wave, shear waves are present in the recorded wave trains. When the shear velocity is less than fluid velocity of P-wave, the shear mode does not exist for the monopole. The shear velocity can be determined either by inverting a Stoneley wave velocity, or by conducting a flexural mode survey. Inverting the Stoneley wave velocity for detection of shear velocity is a good technique in soft rocks. In this investigation logs from two wells in the South Pars Gas Field are analyzed. From the analysis of DSI, Vp-Vs relations are developed. However, the relations between elastic properties of rocks and petrophysical properties are found for calculation of elastic properties. For Kangan (K1 and K2) and Dalan (K3 and K4) formations, the relationships between Vp and Vs in two boreholes are determined. P-wave versus S-wave velocity crossplots for all layers show a good relationship. An estimation of S-wave velocity based on Vp was used for regions for which we did not have cores and log data. Relations between Vp and Vs for other parts of this field were found based on S-wave velocity as well. Finally, the bulk modulus, Young's modulus, shear modulus and λ are calculated based on the well log data.