Azimuthal Seismic Imaging via Fast Anisotropy Axis Binning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seismic data processing methods fail to accurately image the earth's subsurface from azimuthally varying seismic data, which is crucial for identifying hydrocarbon deposits, as they do not effectively account for azimuthal variations in velocity and amplitude, leading to incomplete and inaccurate subsurface imaging.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a programmable computer that determines fast anisotropy axis values for each azimuthal bin in seismic data, generating fast azimuth gathers, and using these to produce accurate images of the subsurface through Fourier reconstruction and stacking processes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional seismic data processing methods are used, then processing simplicity is maintained, but imaging accuracy of the subsurface is insufficient due to failure to account for azimuthal variations in velocity and amplitude
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the seismic data processing into distinct segments: separating azimuthal bins, calculating NMO velocities for each bin, determining fast azimuth gathers, and performing stacking. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, improving imaging accuracy while managing complexity through structured processing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces azimuthal dimension processing by binning seismic data according to azimuth angles and calculating separate NMO velocities for each azimuthal bin. This adds an azimuthal dimension to the traditional processing workflow, enabling accurate imaging of azimuthally varying velocity structures that conventional isotropic methods cannot resolve.
2Measurement precision
If azimuthal binning and fast azimuth gather determination are performed, then subsurface imaging accuracy is improved, but computational time and processing resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary azimuthal binning and NMO velocity calculation for each bin before the main imaging process. By pre-calculating these parameters and organizing data into azimuthal bins in advance, the subsequent fast azimuth gather determination and stacking operations can proceed more efficiently, reducing overall computational time despite the added complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Fast anisotropy axis values are determined for each bin in seismic data binned by azimuth. A fast azimuth gather is determined within each bin in the seismic data from the fast anisotropy axis values. The earth's subsurface is imaged, using the fast azimuth gathers.