Seismic Attribute Modeling via Relative Geological Age Discrepancy

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for modeling subterranean formations do not accurately determine the relative geological ages of structural layers, leading to inaccuracies in seismic data interpretation and structural attribute computation.

Innovation Solution

A method and system that compute seismically-derived and structurally-derived values of structural attributes, comparing them to generate difference values, and adjusting seismic data analysis and volume-based models to minimize discrepancies, thereby improving the accuracy of seismic attributes and structural attribute modeling by incorporating relative geological age properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional seismic modeling methods are used, then the modeling process is simple, but the accuracy of relative geological age determination and structural attribute computation is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of relative geological age determinationVSAvoidcomplexity of modeling process
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an iterative feedback mechanism where seismic attributes are computed from the volume-based model, compared with actual seismic data, and the model is adjusted based on the comparison. This closed-loop feedback process progressively improves the accuracy of relative geological age determination and structural attribute computation while maintaining a systematic approach to managing modeling complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical/geological modeling approaches with a computational system that uses seismic data processing and volume-based modeling. By substituting physical modeling with computational algorithms, the system achieves higher precision in determining relative geological ages and structural attributes without requiring complex physical models or extensive manual interpretation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Manufacturing precision

If seismic data analysis is performed without incorporating relative geological age properties, then the processing is faster, but the accuracy of structural attribute modeling is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of structural attribute modelingVSAvoidtime for data processing
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary computation of seismic attributes from the volume-based model before comparing with actual seismic data. This preliminary action allows the system to identify areas requiring adjustment and focus computational resources where they are most needed, improving structural attribute modeling accuracy while optimizing processing time by avoiding unnecessary iterative computations in already-accurate regions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3253946B1Seismic attributes derived from the relative geological age property of a volume-based model
Publication Date: 2023.04.05 SERVICES PETROLIERS SCHLUMBERGER SA
  • EP3253946B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3253946B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3253946B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method to model a subterranean formation of a field. The method includes obtaining a seismic volume comprising a plurality of seismic traces of the subterranean formation of the field, computing, based on the seismic volume, a seismically-derived value of a structural attribute representing a structural characteristic of the subterranean formation, computing, based on a structural model, a structurally-derived value of the structural attribute, the structural model comprising a plurality of structural layers of the of the subterranean formation, comparing the seismically-derived value and the structurally-derived value to generate a difference value representing a discrepancy of modeling the structural attribute at a corresponding location in the subterranean formation, and generating a seismic interpretation result based on the difference value and the corresponding location.