Multi-scale Geological Modeling for Seismic Well Data Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current depth conversion techniques for reflection seismic data are prone to errors due to wide spacing of drilled wells, leading to distorted geological structures and inaccurate estimates of subsurface hydrocarbon resources or greenhouse gas storage potential, especially in low-relief closures where errors can reach up to 100%.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method for multi-scale geological modeling that generates a combined model by concurrently altering graphical elements related to reflection seismic data and well structural data within a graphical user interface, allowing for real-time adjustment of scale parameters to improve integration and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If depth conversion techniques are used to transform reflection seismic data into depth maps, then subsurface geological structures can be visualized, but errors and distortions occur due to wide spacing of drilled wells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple data sources (reflection seismic data, well structural data, and depth conversion results) into a single integrated depth map. By merging these complementary datasets, the system leverages the broad coverage of seismic data with the high accuracy of well data to reduce errors and distortions that would occur when using depth conversion techniques alone.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an iterative depth conversion process as an intermediary step that uses well structural data to correct and refine the depth map. This intermediary process acts as a mediator between the seismic data and final depth interpretation, systematically reducing errors through multiple iterations until convergence is achieved.
2Area of stationary object
If drilled wells are widely spaced to cover large areas, then broader subsurface coverage is achieved, but between-well structural distortion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges sparsely spaced well data with densely sampled seismic data to create a high-resolution depth map across the entire coverage area. This combination allows the system to maintain broad subsurface coverage while achieving high structural accuracy between wells through the constraining influence of the well data on the seismic interpretation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs iterative depth conversion that dynamically adjusts depth parameters and velocity models based on well structural data. By changing these parameters through multiple iterations, the system refines the depth map to accurately represent between-well structures while maintaining coverage of the entire survey area.
3Productivity
If conventional depth conversion is used without iterative refinement, then processing time is reduced, but structural distortion and volume estimation errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic iterative depth conversion process that automatically adjusts processing parameters and refinement levels based on data quality and convergence criteria. This dynamic approach allows the system to achieve high structural accuracy through multiple iterations when needed, while potentially reducing processing time for simpler cases where fewer iterations are required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where well structural data is used to evaluate and correct depth conversion results in each iteration. This feedback loop continuously refines the depth map, reducing structural distortion and volume estimation errors while maintaining efficient processing through automated convergence detection.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to a computer-implemented technique that includes generating, in a first portion of a graphical user interface (GUI), a first graphical element related to reflection seismic data of an area of interest. The technique further includes generating, in a second portion of the GUI, a second graphical element related to well structural data of the area of interest. The technique further includes generating, in a third portion of the GUI, a third graphical element that is based on the reflection seismic data and the well structural data. In embodiments, an alteration of the first graphical element or the second graphical element results in a concurrent alteration of the third graphical element. Other embodiments may be described or claimed.