Geophysical Survey Data Correlation via Attribute Binning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Geophysical surveys face challenges in maintaining data repeatability and reliability due to variations in source and receiver positions, common mid-point positions, offset distances, and azimuth changes between baseline and monitor surveys, affecting the accuracy of oil and gas reservoir depletion assessments.
Innovation Solution
A method for processing geophysical data by correlating data sets from baseline and monitor surveys, generating attribute values for each datum, and associating them with bins based on repeatability metrics such as Dsrc + Drx, allowing for filtered data analysis and visualization to ensure consistent characterization of subsurface properties over time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sources and receivers are installed permanently on land or ocean floor, then geometric repeatability is improved, but other factors such as source position, receiver position, CMP position, offset, and azimuth variations still decrease data repeatability and reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying and controlling multiple survey parameters including source position, receiver position, CMP position, offset, and azimuth. By monitoring and adjusting these parameters to fall within predetermined tolerance ranges, the system maintains both geometric repeatability and overall data repeatability across baseline and monitor surveys, thereby resolving the contradiction between improved geometric positioning and maintained data reliability.
2Reliability
If multiple survey parameters (source position, receiver position, CMP position, offset, azimuth) are controlled, then data repeatability is improved, but survey system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the survey control system into distinct modular components, each responsible for controlling a specific parameter (source position control, receiver position control, CMP position control, offset control, and azimuth control). This segmentation allows each parameter to be independently monitored and adjusted, simplifying the overall system management while maintaining comprehensive control over all parameters that affect data repeatability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs automated parameter change management by comparing actual survey parameters against predetermined tolerance ranges and automatically adjusting parameters that fall outside acceptable ranges. This automated approach reduces the manual complexity of managing multiple parameters while ensuring data repeatability is maintained across surveys.
3Measurement precision
If strict quality control is applied to all survey parameters, then correlation between baseline and monitor surveys is improved, but data processing time and computational resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial quality control by applying strict parameter control only to the most critical parameters that have the greatest impact on data repeatability. By identifying and prioritizing key parameters (such as source position, receiver position, and CMP position) for rigorous control while applying more lenient control to less critical parameters, the system achieves adequate survey correlation without the excessive computational burden of controlling all parameters with equal stringency.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that assist in correlating subsequent geophysical surveys. In some embodiments, geophysical data may be generated including a first set of data from a monitor survey that is matched with a second set of data from a baseline survey. An attribute value may be generated for each datum in the first set of data, and the generated attribute value may be associated with the datum from the first set of data and at least one of a plurality of bins. In some embodiments, the attribute values may be based upon the geometric closeness of sources and receivers in the baseline and monitor surveys.