Geological Model Reconstruction via Seismic Trace Correlation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for reconstructing geological models from seismic data are limited by the assumption that geological layers have similar seismic signatures, leading to issues like propagation drifts and invalid connections, and struggle to manage geological discontinuities like faults effectively.

Innovation Solution

A method that works at the seismic point scale, using correlation images to establish links between sampling points and propagate mini-surfaces by similarity, allowing for the automatic management of faults and multi-scale strategies, without relying on extrema detection or propagation of surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If global propagation methods are used to reconstruct geological layers, then the entire geological model can be calculated directly from seismic data, but propagation drifts and invalid surfaces connecting different geological stages occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated model constructionVSAvoidgeological layer accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the geological modeling process into independent local operations around each seed point rather than global propagation. Each local model is constructed independently by identifying geological layers within a limited radius from the seed, avoiding accumulation of propagation errors while maintaining automated construction through systematic processing of multiple seed points across the dataset.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Extent of automation

If seed-based propagation algorithms are used to extract geological surfaces, then layer identification can be automated, but excessive influence of the seed and propagation drifts occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface extraction automationVSAvoidlayer position accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions by systematically preparing multiple seed points across the seismic dataset before propagation begins. Each seed point is pre-positioned to represent a potential geological feature location, and the algorithm automatically processes each seed through consistent procedures, eliminating manual intervention while ensuring uniform treatment of all geological features regardless of their location or characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If classifiers group seismic signatures to identify geological layers, then automated layer detection can be achieved, but the basic postulate that same layers have similar signatures is not respected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated layer detectionVSAvoidgeological signature consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by allowing different local regions to have different geological characteristics without forcing uniform grouping. Each seed point's local model is constructed based on the specific seismic signatures found in its vicinity, rather than imposing a global classification scheme. This respects the reality that geological layers may have varying signatures across different locations while maintaining automated detection through consistent local analysis procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of operation

If 2D line propagation along dip direction is used, then geological layers can be traced, but breaks in continuity of geology cannot be managed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelayer tracing simplicityVSAvoiddiscontinuity management

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from 2D line propagation to 3D spherical propagation around each seed point. Instead of tracing layers along dip direction in a plane, the algorithm searches for geological features in three-dimensional space within a radius from the seed point. This dimensional change enables the detection and management of discontinuities, faults, and complex geological structures that cannot be captured by planar propagation methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2356493B1Method for geologically modeling seismic data by trace correlation

Publication Date: 2017.04.12 ELIIS

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for developing a geological model from previously collected seismic data, characterized in that the method includes the steps of: sampling said seismic data according to at least one set of traces (3, 4) of a predetermined gradient, each of which consist of sampling points; analyzing similarities between the seismic data around said sampling points (5); determining connections (7) between sampling points that belong to different traces on the basis of said analysis; forming a geological model that attributes, to each sampling point, a relative geological age that is calculated at least on the basis of connections related to said sampling points and the relative geological age of other sampling points in the vicinity of the trace that includes said sampling point.