Seismic Bedform Analysis for Lithology Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for ascertaining lithology, connectivity, and porosity characteristics of subterranean formations are time-consuming and expensive, particularly in deep-water environments, requiring extensive core sample analysis.

Innovation Solution

The use of seismic data to analyze structural characteristics of bedforms, such as wavelength, wave height, bedform slope, asymmetry, and migration, to estimate grain size and subsequently infer lithology, connectivity, and porosity, thereby reducing the need for core samples.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If core sample analysis is used to determine lithology characteristics, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelithology characteristic accuracyVSAvoiddata collection and analysis time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical core sampling and laboratory analysis system with a seismic data processing system. Seismic waves propagate through the subsformation and reflect off bedforms, allowing non-invasive measurement of lithology characteristics through computational analysis of seismic attributes rather than physical core extraction and lab testing

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces seismic data as an intermediary between the subsurface formation and the analyst. Instead of directly examining core samples, the system uses seismic reflections and processed attributes (such as amplitude, frequency, and waveform characteristics) as intermediaries to infer lithology properties indirectly through established geological relationships between bedform characteristics and lithology

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If core sample analysis is used to determine lithology characteristics, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelithology characteristic accuracyVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive core sampling operations, logistics, and laboratory analysis infrastructure with computational seismic data processing. The seismic data processing system uses algorithms to extract lithology information from existing seismic surveys, eliminating the need for costly core acquisition, transportation, and laboratory facilities

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a virtual model of the subsurface formation using seismic data processing. Instead of physically obtaining and analyzing core samples, the system generates a digital representation (copy) of the formation's lithology characteristics through seismic attribute analysis, allowing repeated analysis without additional physical sampling costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Productivity

If seismic data processing is used to estimate lithology, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision may decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata analysis efficiencyVSAvoidlithology estimation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary processing of seismic data to enhance the quality and interpretability of seismic attributes before lithology estimation. This includes noise filtering, signal enhancement, and calculation of derived attributes (such as instantaneous frequency, amplitude envelope, and curvature) that prepare the data for more accurate lithology prediction while maintaining computational efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the results of lithology estimation are used to refine the seismic data processing parameters and models. By comparing predicted lithology with available well log data or core samples where available, the system iteratively improves the accuracy of the processing algorithms and attribute selection for better generalization to unseen formations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20230375733A1Systems and methods for predicting lithology characteristics from seismic data of bedforms

Publication Date: 2023.11.23 EXXONMOBIL TECHNOLOGY & ENGINEERING CO

AI summary

Methods for assessing lithology characteristics of bedforms within or relating to a subterranean formation using seismic data may include: assigning a bedform type to a bedform; extracting a cross-section of seismic data along the bedform in-line +/−15° with a fluid flow direction associated with the bedform; analyzing the cross-section to ascertain a structural characteristic of the bedform, wherein the structural characteristic comprises one or more of: a wavelength, a wave height, a bedform slope, a bedform asymmetry, a bedform migration, and a planform crest shape; and estimating a lithology for the bedform based on a correlation between (a) the lithology and (b) the bedform type and the structural characteristic.