Seismic Attribute Cross-Plot Correlation for Hydrocarbon Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seismic data analysis methods are complex and difficult to analyze multiple seismic attributes simultaneously, making it challenging to identify prospective hydrocarbon deposits within subterranean formations effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the overlaying of section views for two seismic attributes to produce overlapping section views, creating outlines to extract data points, and applying cross-plot correlation to identify prospective hydrocarbon deposits directly from seismic data without converting it into formation attributes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple seismic attributes are analyzed simultaneously using conventional methods, then the completeness of hydrocarbon deposit identification is improved, but the complexity of the analysis process increases and makes it difficult to visualize and analyze
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple seismic attributes (acoustic impedance, seismic envelope, instantaneous phase) into a single integrated analysis framework using cross-plots. This merging allows simultaneous evaluation of multiple attributes while maintaining visual clarity through standardized plot formats, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive analysis and process complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cross-plots as an intermediary visualization tool that mediates between raw seismic attribute data and hydrocarbon deposit identification. The cross-plots transform complex multi-attribute data into standardized graphical representations with correlation lines, making it easier to analyze multiple attributes simultaneously without overwhelming complexity
2Ease of operation
If seismic data is converted into formation attributes for analysis, then the interpretability of the data is improved, but the complexity of the conversion process and potential loss of original seismic information increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of converting seismic data into formation attributes as in conventional methods, this patent inverts the approach by directly analyzing seismic attributes (acoustic impedance, seismic envelope, instantaneous phase) in their original form through cross-plots. This inversion maintains the integrity of original seismic information while achieving interpretability through graphical correlation analysis, eliminating the need for complex conversion processes
3Ease of manufacture
If individual seismic attributes are analyzed separately, then the simplicity of each individual analysis is maintained, but the ability to identify prospective hydrocarbon deposits accurately is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges individual seismic attribute analyses into a unified cross-plot framework where multiple attributes (acoustic impedance, seismic envelope, instantaneous phase) are evaluated together. This combining approach maintains the simplicity of individual attribute analysis while significantly improving hydrocarbon deposit identification accuracy through the synergistic correlation patterns visible in the integrated cross-plots
Data Source
AI summary
A method for identifying a prospective hydrocarbon deposit in a subterranean formation may include: providing (or acquiring) a plurality of section views for two seismic attributes corresponding to a portion of an interval of the subterranean formation; overlaying locationally corresponding section views for the two seismic attributes for each of the plurality of section views to produce a plurality of overlapping section views; extracting data points from each of the plurality of overlapping section views to correspondingly produce a plurality of cross-plots; and identifying a prospective hydrocarbon deposit by applying a cross-plot correlation between the two seismic attributes to the plurality of cross-plots where data points within the plurality of cross-plots encompassed by the cross-plot correlation locationally correspond to the prospective hydrocarbon deposit.