Seismic Imaging Using PS Wave Velocity Determination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional seismic imaging techniques relying on P wave data are inadequate for understanding complexly structured oil and gas reservoirs, as they fail to accurately generate S wave velocity models and correlate P and PS wave images effectively.
Innovation Solution
The method involves determining S wave velocities through a closed-loop workflow that converts P waves to S waves, using common focus point (CFP) gathers and an optimal vp/vs ratio curve to generate PS wave images correlated with P wave images, thereby producing accurate seismic images in the same coordinate system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional P wave data is used for seismic imaging, then the imaging process is simple and widely applicable, but the accuracy of understanding complexly structured reservoirs is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces S wave velocity models as an intermediary element to bridge P wave imaging and PS wave data. By converting P waves to S waves and generating S wave velocity models from the converted data, the system enables accurate reservoir characterization while maintaining compatibility with existing P wave imaging workflows. The S wave velocity model acts as a mediator that enhances the interpretability of complexly structured reservoirs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the velocity parameter from P wave velocity to S wave velocity to improve measurement precision. By determining S wave velocities through the conversion of P waves to S waves and using these velocities to generate PS wave images, the system achieves more accurate rock and fluid property estimation. This parameter change enables better reservoir characterization while the closed-loop workflow ensures the complexity is managed through systematic iteration.
2Measurement precision
If PS wave data is utilized for seismic imaging, then rock and fluid property estimation is enhanced, but the ability to correlate P and PS wave images is challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a closed-loop workflow that uses feedback to correlate P and PS wave images. The system determines S wave velocities using PS wave data, generates S wave velocity models, and then uses these models to improve the correlation between P and PS wave images. This feedback mechanism allows the system to iteratively refine the correlation, making the relationship between the two image types more accurate and reliable for reservoir characterization.
3Measurement precision
If S wave velocity models are generated from converted PS wave data, then imaging accuracy is improved, but the computational workflow becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-processing the PS wave data to extract S wave velocity information before generating the final S wave velocity models. The closed-loop workflow performs preliminary conversions of P waves to S waves and extracts velocity parameters in advance, which simplifies the subsequent imaging process. This preliminary action reduces the computational burden during the main imaging operation while maintaining high accuracy.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach provides more accurate S wave velocity models and enables effective correlation of P and PS wave images, enhancing rock and fluid property estimation and reservoir characterization.
Implementation Method 1
receiving sensor data that is generated by one or more sensors through seismic probing of an underground environment. The sensor data can include P wave data
Implementation Method 2
APS wave includes a P wave as an incident wave and an S wave as a reflected wave
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for generating seismic images based on pressure-shear (PS) wave information. Sensor data is generated by through seismic probing of an underground environment. The sensor data can include pressure (P) wave data. The sensor data is analyzed to determine PS wave data present in the sensor data. A CFP gathers spectrum is generated using the P wave velocity. An optimal curve through the CFP gathers spectrum is determined, and PS image(s) of the underground environment are generated by scanning along the optimal curve. The PS image(s) can be provided for presentation through interface(s). The generated PS wave images are correlated with P wave images, and can be plotted on the same coordinate system as P wave images.