Marine Seismic Ghost Removal via Redatuming Operators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current marine seismic surveying techniques face challenges in effectively addressing source-side ghost reflections, which hinder accurate subsurface imaging and data processing, particularly due to the lack of efficient methods for removing these reflections and estimating redatuming operators.
Innovation Solution
The method employs a novel approach that utilizes modulation functions and redatuming operators to separate desired and ghost sources in the frequency-wavenumber domain, allowing for the removal of source-side ghosts and estimation of redatuming operators without requiring explicit computation of vertical gradients, thus enabling improved seismic data processing and imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional marine seismic surveying techniques are used, then data acquisition can proceed with standard equipment and methods, but source-side ghost reflections cannot be effectively removed, hindering accurate subsurface imaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and separates the ghost reflection component from the total seismic signal by solving a system of linear equations that models the relationship between primary reflections and ghost reflections. This extraction process isolates the harmful ghost component so it can be removed, directly improving subsurface imaging accuracy by eliminating this interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces redatuming operators as intermediary mathematical tools that facilitate the separation and removal of ghost reflections. These operators act as mediators between the recorded seismic data and the desired ghost-free subsurface image, enabling accurate imaging by transforming the data through a series of mathematical operations that eliminate the harmful reflections.
2Measurement precision
If explicit computation of vertical gradients is required for ghost removal, then theoretical accuracy may be maintained, but computational complexity and processing time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/computational process of explicitly calculating vertical gradients with an alternative mathematical approach using redatuming operators and system of equations. This substitution maintains the theoretical accuracy of ghost removal while significantly reducing computational complexity by avoiding the need for explicit gradient computations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mathematical parameters and variables used in the ghost removal process. Instead of working with vertical gradients as the primary parameter, the patent uses redatuming operators and solves for unknowns in a system of linear equations. This parameter transformation maintains accuracy while simplifying the computational workflow.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If advanced deghosting methods are implemented, then ghost reflections can be removed, but the complexity of the processing workflow and computational requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex deghosting problem into manageable components by formulating it as a system of linear equations with distinct unknowns. The total seismic signal is divided into primary reflection and ghost reflection components, each modeled separately. This segmentation makes the processing workflow more systematic and less complex by breaking down the problem into solvable mathematical parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a self-service approach where the mathematical system automatically determines the appropriate redatuming operators and separates ghost reflections without requiring complex manual intervention. The system of equations self-adjusts to find the solution, reducing workflow complexity by automating the deghosting process through mathematical optimization rather than requiring complex procedural steps.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described for removing the surface ghost from and/or separating wave field data and/or for estimating redatuming operators of the wave field data by effective use of a transform that that relies on the non-uniform distribution of distances with respect to a reference surface or of tuned-source radiation directions of sources and or the non-uniform distribution of receivers with respect to a reference surface to partition or map the wave field from at least two different cones in the transformed domain and using the contribution of sources and or receivers inside at least one of the at least two different cones to estimate a first wave field of interest, a second separated or ghost wave field and/or redatuming operator.