Seismic Simulation of Marine Gas Hydrate Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current research lacks a comprehensive method for forward physical simulation of seismic response characteristics in marine natural gas hydrate systems, with uncertainties regarding the correspondence between seismic reflection events and real phase interfaces, and existing core samples have low porosity and poor pore uniformity, limiting the accuracy of seismic interpretation.
Innovation Solution
A forward physical simulation method is developed, involving the creation of artificial sandstone cores with high porosity and weak cementation, simulating seismic shot points, and establishing relationships between seismic response characteristics and geophysical properties of hydrate and free gas reservoirs, using a physical model that mimics in-situ conditions to guide seismic interpretation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing artificial sandstone core samples are used for forward simulation, then the simulation can be conducted, but the porosity is below 30% and pore uniformity is poor, limiting the accuracy of seismic interpretation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the manufacturing parameters of artificial sandstone cores by controlling cementation degree (5-15% cement content) and porosity (30-50%) to match in-situ strata characteristics. This involves adjusting the water-cement ratio, curing conditions, and sand-to-cement ratio to achieve the target porosity range and pore uniformity, thereby improving the fidelity of seismic forward simulation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates artificial sandstone cores that copy the essential physical and geological characteristics of natural hydrate-bearing strata. By replicating key parameters such as porosity, cementation degree, and pore structure uniformity, the artificial cores serve as accurate physical models for forward simulation, enabling more reliable seismic interpretation without requiring actual core samples from deep marine environments
2Reliability
If forward physical simulation is conducted to clarify the correspondence between seismic reflection events and real phase interfaces, then the understanding of hydrate systems improves, but currently there is little research work and it basically belongs to a research blank zone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary forward physical simulation experiments using artificial sandstone cores before actual seismic interpretation work. By conducting these simulations in advance with controlled parameters (cementation degree, porosity, layer thickness), the study establishes baseline relationships between geological structures and seismic responses, creating a reference framework that guides subsequent field data interpretation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces artificial sandstone cores as an intermediary medium between theoretical models and actual marine hydrate systems. These cores serve as a physical bridge that allows researchers to test and validate seismic interpretation methods in a controlled laboratory setting, mediating between abstract geological concepts and concrete seismic data analysis
3Stability of the object's composition
If natural gas hydrates are simulated in loose sediments with high porosity and semi-consolidation, then the in-situ conditions are better represented, but the core samples have large differences, small sizes and poor pore uniformity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality control by varying cementation degree and porosity in different zones of the artificial sandstone cores to match the vertical zonation of natural hydrate systems. The upper zones have higher porosity and lower cementation to simulate unsaturated zones, while lower zones have reduced porosity and higher cementation to simulate saturated hydrate-bearing strata, creating spatially heterogeneous properties that reflect in-situ conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite materials comprising sand, cement, and water in specific proportions to create artificial sandstone cores with tailored properties. By adjusting the sand-to-cement ratio and adding binders, the composite material achieves the desired balance between porosity (30-50%), mechanical strength, and pore uniformity, overcoming the limitations of single-material approaches
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method improves the accuracy of seismic interpretation by establishing clear relationships between seismic response characteristics and reservoir properties, providing a more reliable method for identifying and characterizing natural gas hydrate systems, and filling the gap in existing research by enabling detailed simulation of hydrate and free gas geological models.
Implementation Method 1
simulating seismic shot points, and establishing relationships between seismic response characteristics and geophysical properties of hydrate and free gas reservoirs
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention belongs to the technical field of marine exploration, and discloses a forward physical simulation method for seismic response characteristics of a marine natural gas hydrate system. A physical model is established according to distribution characteristics of a hydrate system in a research area; seismic response characteristics of natural gas hydrates and underlying free gas are determined; and a seismic interpretation result of the natural gas hydrate system is corrected according to a forward physical simulation result, so that forward physical simulation of the marine natural gas hydrate system is realized.