Seismic Multiple Attenuation via Iterative Parameter Refinement

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Solution Overview

Problem

In marine seismic surveying, the presence of multiples data, which reflect from the water bottom and surface, adversely affects the accuracy of seismic processing and interpretation, as existing methods often require user-defined parameters that may be inadequate or costly to adjust during processing.

Innovation Solution

A method that conditions seismic datasets, estimates a model of multiple data based on user-defined parameters, computes a velocity model, updates the multiple model, and recomputes primary data and velocity models to generate an accurate image of the subsurface formation, allowing for adjustments to user-defined parameters to improve processing accuracy.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing multiple attenuation methods are used, then multiples can be handled to some extent, but processing accuracy deteriorates due to inadequate user-defined parameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocessing accuracyVSAvoidmultiple attenuation accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements an iterative processing loop where the system dynamically adjusts user-defined parameters across multiple passes. The method computes initial multiple models, evaluates processing results, modifies parameters based on evaluation metrics, and recomputes until convergence criteria are met. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to start with initial parameter estimates and progressively improve accuracy through iterative refinement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where processing results from each iteration are evaluated and fed back into parameter modification. The system assesses the quality of multiple attenuation, identifies deficiencies, and adjusts user-defined parameters accordingly for the next iteration. This feedback loop enables continuous improvement of processing accuracy without requiring perfect initial parameter selection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Measurement precision

If user-defined parameters are adjusted to improve accuracy, then processing quality improves, but processing time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultiple attenuation accuracyVSAvoidprocessing time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by implementing convergence criteria that allow the iterative process to terminate when sufficient accuracy is achieved, rather than continuing indefinitely. The system evaluates whether parameter modifications produce meaningful improvements and stops when diminishing returns are detected. This resolves the contradiction by performing just enough iterations to achieve acceptable accuracy without unnecessary time expenditure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary parameter optimization in early iterations where coarse parameter adjustments yield significant accuracy improvements. By addressing the most critical parameter deficiencies first and then performing finer adjustments in subsequent iterations, the system achieves high accuracy efficiently. This preliminary action on critical parameters reduces the total processing time compared to uniform fine-tuning of all parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-generated harmful factors

If multiple attenuation is applied, then multiples are reduced, but risk of over- or under-subtraction increases with fixed parameters

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemultiples interferenceVSAvoiddata mode subtraction accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service through automated parameter evaluation and adjustment where the system monitors its own processing quality and autonomously modifies parameters to optimize results. The evaluation metrics detect signs of over-subtraction or under-subtraction, and the system automatically adjusts parameters to correct these issues without external intervention. This self-correcting mechanism resolves the contradiction by reducing multiples while maintaining accurate subtraction through continuous self-optimization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3391094B1Method for predicting multiples in survey data
Publication Date: 2023.08.09 SERVICES PETROLIERS SCHLUMBERGER SA
  • EP3391094B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3391094B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3391094B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method includes receiving a seismic dataset from a survey, wherein the seismic dataset represents a portion of a subsurface geological formation and includes primary and multiple data. The method further includes the steps of conditioning the seismic dataset and estimating a model of the multiple data in the conditioned seismic dataset based on a user-defined parameter to derive a primary data set. Further, the method includes the steps of computing a velocity model from the primary data set using the user-defined parameter and updating the estimated multiple model based at least on a modification of the user-defined parameter. In addition, the method includes the steps of recomputing the primary data and the velocity model based on the modified user-defined parameter and generating an image of the primary data.