Crossline Energy Measurement for Adaptive Survey Processing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Operators face challenges in selecting the appropriate data processing techniques (2D, 2.5D, or 3D) for subsurface structure surveys due to difficulties in determining the optimal processing method based on measured crossline energy, which affects the quality and computational efficiency of the survey data.

Innovation Solution

The method involves using crossline measurement data to determine the amount of crossline energy, allowing for the selection of the appropriate data processing technique (2D, 2.5D, or 3D) and adjusting acquisition parameters such as lateral spacing and vessel speed based on the detected energy levels, enabling quality control and superior survey data acquisition.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If 3D data processing technique is used, then the quality of subsurface structure characterization is improved, but the computational burden increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality of subsurface structure characterizationVSAvoidcomputational burden
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSPower

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by using crossline energy measurements to dynamically select between different data processing techniques (2D, 2.5D, or 3D). When crossline energy is low, simpler 2D processing is used; when crossline energy is high, more computationally intensive 3D processing is applied. This adaptive parameter selection optimizes the balance between characterization quality and computational burden based on actual subsurface conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If appropriate data processing technique is selected based on crossline energy, then the quality of survey data is improved, but the complexity of determining the optimal processing method increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality of survey dataVSAvoidcomplexity of determining optimal processing method
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by measuring crossline energy before selecting the data processing technique. This pre-assessment of crossline energy levels allows the system to determine the appropriate processing method (2D, 2.5D, or 3D) in advance, simplifying the decision-making process and improving data quality without requiring complex real-time analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses parameter changes by establishing threshold-based decision criteria for crossline energy levels. When crossline energy exceeds certain thresholds, specific processing techniques are automatically selected. This parameter-driven approach converts the complex decision-making process into a straightforward parameter comparison, reducing operational complexity while maintaining data quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Manufacturing precision

If acquisition parameters such as lateral spacing and vessel speed are adjusted based on crossline energy, then the quality of survey data acquisition is improved, but the complexity of the survey operation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality of survey data acquisitionVSAvoidease of survey operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies feedback by continuously monitoring crossline energy levels and using this information to adjust acquisition parameters such as lateral spacing between streamers and vessel speed. The system provides feedback loops where measured crossline energy directly influences operational parameter adjustments, automatically optimizing data acquisition quality without requiring manual intervention or complex operational procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2834678B1Using crossline measurement data to characterize a target structure
Publication Date: 2021.08.25 SERVICES PETROLIERS SCHLUMBERGER SA
  • EP2834678B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2834678B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2834678B1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4D

AI summary

Methods and systems for survey operations are provided. In some embodiments, crossline measurement data measured by at least one survey receiver is received. Based at least in part on a characteristic of the crossline measurement data, an option from among a plurality of candidate options is selected, where the selected option is for use in an action relating to survey of a target structure.