Reciprocal Two-Way Wave Equation Targeted Data Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seismic imaging techniques struggle to accurately image subsurface geologic structures, particularly those obscured by complex formations like gas deposits and salt domes, due to their inability to handle anisotropy and dispersion, leading to noisy and undecipherable data.
Innovation Solution
A process involving the construction of a geologic model, identification of seismic source and receiver locations, and application of a two-way wave equation for wavefield propagation, using reciprocity to compute energy attributes and create visual displays that optimize imaging by selecting the best acquisition source/receiver pairs for improved data quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional ray trace modeling is used, then the imaging process is simple and computationally efficient, but the method cannot accurately handle anisotropy, dispersion, and complex geologic structures like gas deposits and salt domes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameters of seismic wave propagation modeling by transitioning from ray trace approximations to full wave equation modeling. This involves using two-way wave equation propagation that accurately captures anisotropy and dispersion effects, thereby improving imaging precision while maintaining computational feasibility through targeted data selection and processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical ray trace approach with a wave-based approach using the two-way wave equation. This substitution allows for accurate modeling of seismic waves in complex media, enabling proper handling of anisotropic and dispersive effects that plague conventional methods.
2Measurement precision
If full wave equation modeling is used, then imaging accuracy is significantly improved, but computer resources and coding complexity become unavailable for reasonable sized projects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the seismic imaging process into distinct components: wave equation propagation, targeted data selection, and image reconstruction. By dividing the complex computational task into manageable segments and using targeted data selection to focus computations only where needed, the patent reduces overall computational resource requirements while maintaining high imaging accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by using targeted data selection to process only the essential seismic data needed for imaging complex structures, rather than processing all acquired data. This selective approach reduces computational burden while maintaining sufficient accuracy for the imaging task.
3Area of stationary object
If seismic data is collected through complex geologic structures like gas deposits, then complete coverage is achieved, but the data becomes noisy and undecipherable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the harmful effects of complex geologic structures by using wave equation modeling to separate and eliminate noise and attenuation artifacts. Through targeted data selection and processing, the method extracts only the useful seismic information while removing the distorting effects of gas deposits and salt domes, thereby improving data reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful effects of complex geologic structures into beneficial information by using wave equation propagation to model and compensate for the distorting effects. The same wave physics that cause noise and attenuation are used to create accurate images, turning the harmful interaction between seismic waves and complex structures into a useful imaging mechanism.
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 enables the creation of accurate and coherent seismic images of complex structures by minimizing the impact of obscuring formations, enhancing the detection of hydrocarbon deposits and reducing imaging costs through targeted data selection and processing.
Implementation Method 1
computing two-way modeling for the wavefield propagation from the target point sources to the acquisition source and receiver locations
Implementation Method 2
from step e) computing, using reciprocity, the energy arriving at the target from a selected acquisition source location and the associated attributes of the arriving energy at the target from the selected acquisition source location
Implementation Method 3
Since compression waves travel relatively slow through rock, but comparatively fast through salt, seismic energy that has passed through a salt formation
Implementation Method 4
Gas attenuates compressive waves and, to the extent any compression waves are reflected back to the surface, they are noisy and essentially undecipherable
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to seismic imaging where complex geologies are likely to create data that is confusing or ambiguous for a conventional matrix of acquisition source points and receiver locations. With some understanding of the geological substructure, the acquisition source points and receiver locations that optimize the imaging may be found by using a reciprocal two-way wave equation propagation method coupled with a quality geologic model. With this, the acquisition source points and receiver locations that optimize the imaging may be selected and used to better resolve the substructure and avoid the inclusion of data that obscures understanding of the substructure.