Seismic Image Artifact Identification via Flattening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seismic imaging methods face challenges in accurately mapping subsurface rock and fluid property changes due to artifacts and low signal-to-noise ratios, leading to incomplete and inaccurate representation of hydrocarbon reservoirs, which hampers exploration and production decisions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving digital seismic data processing to create a flattened image, identifying and removing artifacts, and transforming them back into the seismic domain for improved image quality, utilizing techniques like tau-volumes and dip computations to enhance horizon mapping and reduce processing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If signal-dependent automated wavelet tracking is used to map seismic reflectors, then processing speed is improved, but mapping accuracy deteriorates with decreasing signal-to-noise ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated artifact identification and removal system that operates between data acquisition and final interpretation. This mediator processes the seismic data to eliminate artifacts before they can degrade the quality of automated wavelet tracking, thereby maintaining both high processing speed and high mapping accuracy even in low signal-to-noise conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary artifact identification and removal processing before the main wavelet tracking operation. By pre-cleaning the seismic data of artifacts through automated detection and suppression, the subsequent wavelet tracking operates on purified data, ensuring accurate mapping without sacrificing processing speed
2Device complexity
If conventional seismic processing is used, then processing simplicity is maintained, but artifact reduction capability is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates artifacts from the seismic data through automated identification algorithms. By separating the harmful artifact components from the useful seismic signals, the system can then selectively remove or suppress only the artifacts while preserving the integrity of the underlying geological information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the processed seismic data is continuously monitored for residual artifacts. The artifact identification system provides feedback about remaining artifacts, which triggers iterative refinement of the processing parameters to further reduce artifacts while maintaining processing efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A method is described for seismic imaging that may include receiving digital seismic data; processing the digital seismic data to create a digital seismic image in a seismic domain; flattening the digital seismic image to generate a digital flattened image; identifying artifacts in the digital flattened image; transforming the artifacts back into the seismic domain; and reprocessing the digital seismic data based on the artifacts in the seismic domain to generate a digital image with reduced artifacts. The method may be executed by a computer system.