Horizon Extraction via Label Propagation in Geophysical Modeling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for modeling subsurface volumes in the oil and gas industry face challenges in accurately extracting and enhancing horizons from seismic data, particularly in handling noise and inconsistencies, which hinders the creation of reliable subsurface models for hydrocarbon resource recovery.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that convert geophysical data into a stratigraphic model by labeling volumes, selecting labels, comparing and interpolating sample labels, and combining extracted locations into objects for storage and display, allowing for the determination of hydrocarbon locations and efficient horizon extraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual horizon interpretation is performed to extract horizons from seismic data, then horizons can be identified and used as visual aids, but noise and poor imaging require choices to be made which introduces uncertainty into the process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical interpretation with an automated computer-based system that uses seismic data processing algorithms to extract horizons. The system automatically identifies reflection events and extracts horizon surfaces without requiring human interpreters to make subjective choices, thereby eliminating interpretation uncertainty while maintaining extraction accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables the seismic data to self-reveal horizon information through automated processing. The computer system processes the seismic data independently, automatically identifying and extracting horizons based on the data's intrinsic characteristics without requiring external human intervention or subjective judgment calls.
2Extent of automation
If automated horizon tracking is used to create horizons from seed locations, then the process is automated, but only a single horizon can be created at a time and inconsistencies arise when tracking multiple horizons
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple horizon extraction operations into a single unified automated process. Instead of creating horizons sequentially one at a time, the system processes multiple horizons simultaneously through integrated algorithms that maintain consistency across all extracted horizons by using common reference frameworks and coordinated processing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated system is designed with multi-functionality to handle various horizon extraction tasks within a single unified framework. The system can extract multiple different types of horizons (reflectors, non-reflectors, salt domes, faults) using the same automated process, ensuring consistent application of extraction criteria across all horizon types without requiring separate manual interventions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conformal horizon definition is used to interpolate between top and base horizons, then a new horizon can be defined, but the same interpolation parameter is used throughout the surface which may not be adequate in all locations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different interpolation parameters to be used at different locations on the horizon surface. Instead of forcing a single uniform interpolation parameter across the entire surface, the system enables location-specific parameter selection that adapts to local geological conditions, data quality, and structural characteristics, thereby maintaining both flexibility and precision simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system is described for modeling one or more geophysical properties of a subsurface volume. The method includes extracting locations from the data volume and combining them into an object, for example a horizon. The extraction may begin with selecting one or more initial traces, assigning labels to each sample of each trace, selecting a propagation pattern, and propagating the labels from the initial traces along a vector volume. Then, locations with the same label are extracted (1106). As an alternative to label propagation, a specific type of labeled volume (1102) may be obtained, such as a stack of surfaces (1132). The object may then be further modified or utilized to enhance the process of producing hydrocarbons.