Inversion Separation of Blended Seismic Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seismic exploration methods struggle to efficiently separate and process data from multiple seismic sources with different signatures, leading to interference and increased costs due to the need for sequential activation and separate data acquisition.
Innovation Solution
An inversion-type method is employed to separate overlapping seismic data from multiple sources by utilizing random or pseudo-random delays in source activation, allowing for the separation of coherent reflections from incoherent interference, and applying smoothness constraints to reconstruct unblended data sets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple seismic sources are activated simultaneously, then survey speed and productivity improve, but data separation and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the blended seismic data into individual source components by applying inverse filtering and deconvolution techniques. The recorded composite signal is mathematically decomposed into separate contributions from each source type (e.g., airguns, vibrators, sparkers) based on their unique source signatures and activation timing, thereby reducing processing complexity while maintaining simultaneous acquisition benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs iterative feedback mechanisms where the separated source signals are re-synthesized and compared against the original recorded data. The difference (residual) is fed back into the separation algorithm to refine the decomposition, progressively improving separation accuracy until convergence is achieved
2Loss of time
If multiple seismic sources are activated simultaneously, then acquisition time is reduced, but signal interference and data quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts individual source signals from the blended mixture by identifying and removing contributions from each source type based on their distinctive characteristics. This extraction process isolates the desired signal from interfering sources, maintaining signal quality while enabling simultaneous acquisition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces source signature models and timing information as intermediary elements that facilitate the separation process. These intermediaries serve as reference templates that mediate between the mixed signal and the individual source components, enabling accurate reconstruction of each source's contribution
3Device complexity
If sequential source activation is used, then data separation is simplified, but survey cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic processing techniques that adapt to the specific characteristics of each source type and their activation patterns. The separation algorithm dynamically adjusts filtering parameters and source signature models based on real-time analysis of the blended signal, enabling efficient processing of simultaneous sources without requiring sequential acquisition
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of seismic exploration above a region of the subsurface containing structural or stratigraphic features conducive to the presence, migration, or accumulation of hydrocarbons comprises accessing at least a portion of a blended seismic source survey, separating the at least two interfering seismic source excitations using inversion separation, producing one or more source gathers based on the separating, and using the one or more source gathers to explore for hydrocarbons within said region of the subsurface. The blended source seismic survey contains at least two interfering seismic source excitations therein, and the seismic source excitations can be produced by seismic source types having different signatures or frequency characteristics.