Reverse Time Imaging Using Pressure and Particle Motion Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seismic exploration methods face challenges in accurately imaging subterranean geological formations, particularly in marine environments, due to limitations in processing pressure and particle motion data to identify hydrocarbon deposits effectively.
Innovation Solution
The technique employs reverse time imaging by modeling pressure and gradient wavefields using data from both pressure and particle motion sensors, allowing for improved image construction in regions of interest through specific imaging conditions and wavefield extrapolation methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional seismic imaging methods are used, then processing is simpler, but image quality and accuracy are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies reverse time migration by inverting the wave propagation direction. Instead of forward propagating waves from sources to receivers, the method back-propagates recorded wavefields from receivers to image points in reverse time, enabling accurate imaging of complex subsurface structures while resolving the contradiction between image quality and processing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an imaging condition as an intermediary that correlates forward-propagated source wavefields with backward-propagated receiver wavefields at image points. This intermediary mechanism enables accurate subsurface imaging by matching wavefields at reflector locations, thereby improving image quality without excessive processing complexity
2Measurement precision
If only pressure data is used, then data processing is simpler, but imaging accuracy of geological formations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines pressure data and particle motion data into a unified imaging framework. By merging these two types of seismic data and processing them together through reverse time migration, the method improves imaging accuracy of geological formations while managing the increased processing complexity through integrated algorithms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent develops a universal imaging condition that can process both pressure data and particle motion data within the same framework. This multi-functional approach allows the system to handle multiple data types simultaneously, improving imaging accuracy without requiring separate processing pipelines for each data type
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 enhances the quality of seismic images by effectively utilizing ghost and free surface multiple energy, leading to better identification of subterranean geological formations and potential hydrocarbon deposits.
Implementation Method 1
modeling a pressure wavefield and a gradient wavefield in the region of interest based at least in part on particle motion data and pressure data acquired by sensors in response to energy being produced by at least one source
Implementation Method 2
performing reverse time imaging to determine an image in a region of interest. The reverse time imaging includes modeling a pressure wavefield and a gradient wavefield
Data Source
AI summary
A technique includes performing reverse time imaging to determine an image in a region of interest. The reverse time imaging includes modeling a pressure wavefield and a gradient wavefield in the region of interest based at least in part on particle motion data and pressure data acquired by sensors in response to energy being produced by at least one source.