Blended 3D Property Model for Seismic Geobody Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional techniques for interpreting complex fluvial channel systems in 3D seismic data are impractical due to their manual and time-consuming nature, often resulting in unsatisfactory outputs that are not easily employable in exploration and development activities, especially when the seismic characteristics of the channel systems are similar to those of the surrounding rock.
Innovation Solution
A geobody-interpretation system that employs multi-Z interpretation and object manipulation to derive data from 3D seismic attributes, converting Z-value surfaces to points, and replicating these points at successive intervals to form a blended 3D property model, enabling accurate representation and visualization of geobodies like fluvial channel systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual techniques are used to interpret fluvial channel systems in 3D seismic data, then interpretation detail can be thorough, but the process is time-consuming and impractical
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical interpretation techniques with automated computer-based processing. The system uses computer algorithms to automatically identify, segment, and characterize fluvial channel systems in 3D seismic data, substituting human manual analysis with automated computational methods that maintain interpretation quality while dramatically reducing time requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the interpretation process by changing key parameters from manual operational metrics to automated computational parameters. The system processes seismic data using automated algorithms that evaluate multiple parameters simultaneously (seismic attributes, geometric characteristics, stratigraphic relationships), enabling thorough interpretation detail to be achieved much faster through parameter-driven automated analysis
2Loss of information
If traditional methods are used to extract geobody data, then comprehensive analysis can be performed, but the output is not easily employable in exploration activities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex 3D seismic data into distinct geobody objects with clearly defined boundaries and characteristics. The automated system identifies and separates individual fluvial channels, point bars, and other depositional features, creating discrete interpretable units that maintain comprehensive analytical information while presenting results in an easily usable format for exploration activities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an automated computer-based interpretation system as an intermediary between raw seismic data and exploration applications. This intermediary process transforms complex seismic volumes into standardized geobody models with consistent formatting and metadata, making the data readily employable in exploration workflows while preserving comprehensive analytical information
3Measurement precision
If manual interpretation techniques are used, then detailed analysis can be achieved, but productivity is low
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual interpretation mechanics with automated computer-based processing systems. The automated algorithms can analyze entire 3D seismic volumes continuously without fatigue or breaks, maintaining detailed analysis quality while increasing throughput by processing multiple datasets in parallel and eliminating the sequential nature of manual review
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary automated processing of 3D seismic data, including initial segmentation, attribute calculation, and geobody identification, before detailed analysis is required. This preliminary action prepares the data in advance, enabling both detailed analysis and high productivity by having results ready for subsequent exploration activities
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, to identify geobodies for exploration and production activities. In one aspect, a method includes receiving seismic volume data regarding a geobody, generating an interpretation object by applying a multi-Z interpretation at representative intervals of edge-detected attributes through the seismic volume data, converting Z-value surfaces to points at each of the representative intervals, the Z-value surfaces generated by gridding polygons having been infilled and converted from the interpretation object, applying a mathematical addition or subtraction to generate a body of points representing the geobody by replicating the points at successive intervals, forming a blended 3D property model of the geobody by combining the seismic volume data resampled into a three-dimensional (3D) cellular grid, and enabling exploration activities by employing the seismic attribute analysis of the geobody identified based on the blended 3D property model.