Seismic Data Processing for Moving Vibratory Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seismic data processing techniques struggle with handling moving seismic sources, particularly vibratory sources, as they require stationary sources for effective data processing, leading to increased acquisition time and costs, and fail to compensate for Doppler shifts and source interference effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that compensate for source signature effects in seismic data by determining a transform operator using source and position data, allowing for the processing of seismic data from moving sources, including vibratory sources, and deblending data from simultaneous source activations, while accounting for Doppler shifts and source directivity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional seismic data processing techniques are used with stationary sources, then data processing accuracy is improved, but acquisition time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from stationary source processing to moving source processing. The system models the source position as a function of time and incorporates this motion into the convolution operator, allowing the source to move continuously while acquiring data. This resolves the contradiction by enabling accurate processing (through motion compensation) while reducing acquisition time (by eliminating station-keeping requirements).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of source position from fixed to variable. By introducing time-dependent source position parameters and incorporating Doppler shift compensation, the system maintains processing accuracy while allowing continuous source movement. This parameter change enables the source to move between shots without requiring return to stationary positions.
2Productivity
If vibratory sources are used while the vessel is in motion, then productivity is improved, but data quality deteriorates due to Doppler shifts and source interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by measuring the actual source position and velocity during acquisition and using this information to compute compensation operators. The system continuously adjusts the processing based on the measured motion parameters, applying Doppler correction and position-dependent convolution to maintain data quality while allowing continuous operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing step that separates the effects of source motion from the subsurface response. By applying a motion compensation operator that acts as an intermediary between the raw moving-source data and the final processed image, the system removes Doppler shifts and source interference while preserving the geological information.
3Ease of operation
If impulsive sources are used, then source positioning is simplified, but environmental restrictions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal processing framework that works with both impulsive and continuous vibratory sources. By formulating the convolution operator in terms of source position as a function of time rather than assuming a specific source type, the system can process data from either source type with the same methodology, providing environmental compliance flexibility without sacrificing operational simplicity.
4Productivity
If multiple sources are activated simultaneously to reduce acquisition time, then productivity is improved, but source interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by decomposing the simultaneous source signal into individual source contributions using the measured source positions. The system separates the composite signal by correlating with individual source waveforms at their respective positions, effectively segmenting the interfering signals and allowing simultaneous source operation without cross-contamination.
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 approach enables the generation of accurate subsurface images using seismic data from moving sources, reducing acquisition time and costs, and improving the quality of seismic data by effectively mitigating source interference and Doppler effects.
Implementation Method 1
fail to compensate for Doppler shifts and source interference effectively
Data Source
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Figure 3
AI summary
Methods of compensating for source signature effects in seismic data are described. One method includes a step of receiving seismic data recorded with a receiver; a step of receiving source data of the seismic waves generated by the moving source; a step of receiving position data of the source while generating the seismic waves; a step of determining a transform operator using the source data, the position data, and a selected domain-transform operator; a step of determining a seismic model by mathematically optimizing a relationship between the transform and the seismic data; and a step of compensating for the source signature effects in the seismic data using the seismic model. A method for generating an image of a subsurface of a geographical area using seismic data includes compensating the seismic data for source signature effects using a model which assumes a moving, non-impulsive source.