Seismic Multiple Imaging via Complex Ray Signatures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current reflection seismology methods face challenges in accurately interpreting seismic data due to interference from multiples, which can obscure primary reflections and hinder the precise characterization of subsurface structures, particularly in complex geological environments.
Innovation Solution
The method employs complex ray signatures in Kirchhoff depth migration to selectively image and separate different types and orders of multiples, enhancing the imaging of subsurface structures by providing wider coverage and improved resolution, especially in areas with structural complexity and obstructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional migration methods are used to process seismic data, then processing simplicity is maintained, but imaging accuracy and resolution deteriorate due to interference from multiple reflections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the seismic wavefield into primary reflections and multiple reflections using wavefield separation techniques. By dividing the complex seismic data into distinct components, the method enables selective imaging of primary reflections while suppressing multiples, thereby improving imaging accuracy without requiring complete reprocessing of the entire dataset.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts multiple reflections from the seismic data using wavefield separation and prediction techniques. By identifying and removing the multiple reflection components, the method isolates the primary reflections that contain the desired subsurface information, improving image quality by eliminating harmful interference.
2Measurement precision
If multiple reflections are removed entirely from seismic data, then imaging clarity improves, but coverage and illumination deteriorate due to loss of useful seismic energy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of multiple reflections into a beneficial one by using wavefield separation to identify and selectively remove only the multiple reflection components while preserving primary reflections. This approach transforms the previously problematic multiple energy into a separable signal component, allowing improved imaging clarity without losing useful seismic coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wavefield separation and prediction algorithms as intermediary processing steps between raw seismic data and final migration imaging. These intermediary techniques act as mediators that distinguish between primary and multiple reflections, enabling selective handling of each component to achieve both clarity and coverage.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional migration is applied without wavefield separation, then processing time is reduced, but imaging resolution deteriorates in complex geological structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs wavefield separation and multiple prediction as preliminary actions before the migration process. By preparing the seismic data in advance to remove multiple reflections and isolate primary energy, the method improves imaging resolution in complex structures without requiring additional processing time during the actual migration step.
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 allows for more accurate and detailed imaging of subsurface structures by effectively separating and utilizing multiple reflections, filling coverage gaps, and improving the resolution of seismic data, leading to better characterization of geological features and reservoir properties.
Implementation Method 1
performing Kirchhoff depth migration using complex ray signatures
Implementation Method 2
separating and utilizing multiple reflections
Data Source
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AI summary
A method includes receiving seismic data for a geologic region of the Earth; building a velocity model of the geologic region of the Earth; selecting at least one mode of multiple and corresponding travel time data from a data storage where the travel time data correspond to at least one complex ray signature in the geologic region of the Earth and are based at least in part on the velocity model; performing migration on the seismic data using at least the selected travel time data to generate processed seismic data; and rendering an image of the geologic region of the Earth to a display where the image includes at least a multiple image.