Dynamic Filter for Seismic Velocity Model Smoothing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Inaccurate depth data due to lateral velocity anomalies in seismic data processing leads to sub-optimal wellbore formation and safety concerns during hydrocarbon exploration, as standard time processing methods fail to correct for distortions caused by faults and salt bodies.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic filter is applied to the velocity model to smooth anomalies, allowing for accurate domain conversion from time to depth data, which accounts for lateral velocity changes and seismic acquisition undershoots, thereby generating more accurate depth maps and drilling plans.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If standard time processing methods are used for seismic data, then processing simplicity is maintained, but depth data accuracy deteriorates due to lateral velocity anomalies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing simplicityVSAvoiddepth data accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The velocity model is smoothed using a dynamic filter before the domain conversion process to prevent anomalies from affecting the final depth data. This preliminary smoothing action eliminates lateral velocity anomalies and false structures ahead of time, ensuring accurate depth maps without requiring complex post-processing corrections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A dynamic filter is introduced as an intermediary element between the raw velocity model and the domain conversion process. This filter acts as a mediator that selectively smooths anomalies while preserving genuine geological features, enabling accurate depth conversion without directly modifying the fundamental processing workflow

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If velocity model anomalies are smoothed using a dynamic filter, then depth data accuracy is improved, but processing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedepth data accuracyVSAvoidprocessing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The filter parameters are made dynamic rather than static, allowing the filter behavior to adapt automatically to different geological conditions at various locations and depths. This dynamic approach achieves comprehensive anomaly smoothing with a single unified process, avoiding the need for multiple manual processing steps or complex user interventions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The filtering operation modifies the velocity model parameters by smoothing anomalous values while preserving genuine geological variations. By changing the velocity parameters through controlled filtering, the system achieves accurate depth data without requiring complex structural modifications to the processing system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11940581B2Dynamic filter for smoothing velocity model for domain-converting seismic data

Publication Date: 2024.03.26 LANDMARK GRAPHICS CORP

AI summary

A system can be provided for applying a dynamic filter to a velocity model for converting the domain of seismic data. The system can receive a velocity model for a geological area of interest. The system can apply a dynamic filter to the velocity model for smoothing an anomaly included in the velocity model. The system can apply the velocity model with the smoothed anomaly to seismic data associated with the geological area of interest for converting the domain of the seismic data.