VSP Field Trials of Distributed Acoustic Sensing in Trinidad and Gulf of Mexico

Distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) is a novel technology that can take almost any fiber-optic installation and turn the fiberoptic cable into a large seismic array, which can provide enhanced imaging and monitor fluids and pressures in the reservoir. Two key marine borehole seismic field trials using fiberoptic DAS technology were recently executed. The first field trial was conducted by BP in a Trinidad Mahogany production well using standard fiber to pressure/temperature (P/T) sensors. The second field trial was conducted by Shell and was acquired simultaneously in two injector wells at the Mars Field, located in the deepwater Gulf of Mexico, with BP as a co-owner. Successful imaging results from the two trials demonstrate many potential applications of DAS technology.