Seismic De-blending via Overlapping Spatial Blocks and Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Simultaneous seismic data acquisition from multiple sources interferes, making it difficult to separate individual shots and determine the depth of subsurface reflections accurately, as conventional methods struggle to handle cross-talk noise effectively, especially in land-based 3D acquisition patterns where source control is less stringent.
Innovation Solution
A method that uses a single set of equations to derive 3D tau-p gathers, applies a conjugate gradient algorithm for de-blending, and employs overlapping spatial blocks to process the entire receiver gather simultaneously, allowing for the separation of energy from multiple sources and reduction of cross-talk noise, while adapting to different seismic acquisition systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If simultaneous source shooting is used to reduce acquisition time, then productivity improves, but source interference and cross-talk noise increase making data separation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the blended seismic data by dividing the recording into discrete shot records using correlation techniques. Each shot record is separated by correlating the received signal with known source wavelets, allowing individual shot contributions to be extracted from the simultaneous source data. This segmentation enables subsequent processing of each shot separately while maintaining the productivity benefits of simultaneous acquisition.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces correlation functions as an intermediary mathematical tool to separate mixed signals. By using the known source wavelets as reference signals, the correlation process acts as a mediator that filters and isolates individual shot contributions from the blended data, effectively managing the source interference problem.
2Measurement precision
If conventional sequential vibrator operation is used, then source separation is easy, but acquisition time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary de-blending processing to separate shot records before main imaging operations. By pre-separating the simultaneous source data into individual shot records using correlation techniques, the subsequent imaging and processing steps can proceed as if the data were acquired sequentially, maintaining measurement precision without the time penalty of actual sequential acquisition.
3Productivity
If simultaneous source data is acquired to reduce field time, then productivity improves, but de-blending complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex iterative de-blending algorithms with a more straightforward correlation-based separation method. Instead of using computationally intensive inversion or optimization techniques, the patent uses direct correlation of received signals with known source wavelets to extract individual shot records, reducing processing complexity while maintaining field time efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
A device, medium and method for de-blending seismic data associated with a subsurface of the earth. The method includes a step of receiving seismic data “d” recorded with one or more land receivers, wherein the seismic data includes shot recordings generated by plural sources that are simultaneously actuated; a step of forming either a continuous receiver trace or trace segments from the received seismic data; a step of selecting plural overlapping spatial blocks that cover the surface shot locations; a step of assigning the shot recordings to the plural overlapping spatial blocks; a step of applying a mathematical technique to the recordings to determine de-blended data; and a step of generating an image of the subsurface based on the de-blended data.