Seismic Amplitude Imaging Using Primary-Free Multiple Calibration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seismic processing methods struggle with accurately determining true absolute-amplitudes of seismic data, leading to imperfect processing of seismic multiples and errors in imaging subsurface structures, particularly due to the presence of primary and multiple reflections.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for determining true absolute-amplitude seismic datasets by selecting a primary-free time window and using a multiple prediction method to calculate a scalar multiplier, allowing for the accurate separation and removal of multiple reflections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional seismic processing methods are used with relative amplitude data, then processing can be performed without knowing true absolute-amplitude, but the processing of seismic multiples is imperfect and errors occur in imaging subsurface structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the processing approach by changing the amplitude parameter from relative to true absolute-amplitude. This is achieved by determining a scalar multiplier that converts relative amplitudes to true absolute-amplitudes, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of processing and imaging accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical approach of directly processing relative amplitude data with a computational method that calculates true absolute-amplitudes using a scalar multiplier derived from multiple prediction and primary-free time window analysis.
2Measurement precision
If adaptive subtraction methods are used to estimate true absolute-amplitude, then some compensation for amplitude uncertainty is achieved, but the methods are frequently inadequate, imperfect, or prone to error
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a scalar multiplier as an intermediary element that bridges the gap between relative amplitude measurements and true absolute-amplitudes. This scalar is determined through a rigorous process involving multiple prediction and primary-free time window analysis, providing a more reliable conversion than direct adaptive subtraction methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary determination of the scalar multiplier before final seismic image processing. By calculating the scalar multiplier in advance using multiple prediction and primary-free time window analysis, the method ensures that true absolute-amplitudes are established before they are needed for accurate imaging.
3Productivity
If multiple reflections are not properly removed, then processing speed is maintained, but accuracy of subsurface structure interpretation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the seismic data processing by identifying and isolating primary-free time windows that contain only multiple reflections. This segmentation allows for targeted multiple removal using scalar multiplication without affecting the processing of primary reflections, thereby maintaining processing efficiency while improving interpretation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts multiple reflections from the seismic data by identifying primary-free time windows and applying scalar multipliers to remove these unwanted components. This extraction process separates multiples from primaries, enabling accurate subsurface imaging without sacrificing processing speed.
Data Source
AI summary
Examples of methods and systems for determining a true absolute-amplitude seismic dataset are disclosed. The methods include obtaining an observed seismic dataset, where the observed seismic dataset includes observed seismic traces containing primary reflections and multiple reflections, and selecting a primary-free time window of the observed seismic traces that contains only observed multiple reflections. The methods further include, using a seismic processing system, determining output seismic traces within the primary-free time window using a multiple prediction method, where determining output seismic traces include determining a scalar multiplier based, at least in part, on the output seismic traces, and determining the true absolute-amplitude seismic dataset based, at least in part, on the observed seismic dataset and the scalar multiplier.