Seismic Internal Multiple Prediction via PDE Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for attenuating internal multiples in seismic data processing, such as inverse scattering series, are computationally expensive, making them impractical for 3D seismic imaging applications.
Innovation Solution
A partial differential equation (PDE)-based approach using cascaded double-square-root one-way wave equations for predicting and attenuating internal multiples, which is mathematically equivalent to conventional inverse scattering series but significantly more computationally efficient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional inverse scattering series is used to predict internal multiples, then all internal multiples can be predicted simultaneously in one run, but the computational cost becomes significantly higher and prohibitive for 3D seismic imaging applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complex inverse scattering series computation into multiple simpler one-way wave equation solves. Instead of computing all internal multiples simultaneously through a single complex inversion, the method divides the problem into sequential forward and backward propagation steps, each solving a simpler wave equation. This segmentation reduces the computational burden while maintaining the ability to predict multiple internal multiples.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional inverse scattering series mathematical framework with an alternative approach based on one-way wave equations. This substitution changes the underlying computational mechanism from a full-wave inverse scattering problem to a series of simpler one-way propagation problems, significantly reducing computational cost while achieving equivalent multiple prediction results.
2Reliability
If conventional inverse scattering series is used for multiple attenuation, then comprehensive multiple removal is achieved, but the processing time becomes excessively long for practical applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary separation of primary reflections from multiple reflections before the main attenuation process. By using one-way wave equations to predict and remove multiples in a preliminary step, the subsequent processing works with cleaner data, reducing the overall processing time required to achieve effective multiple attenuation while maintaining reliability.
3Measurement precision
If conventional inverse scattering series is applied to 3D seismic data, then complete internal multiple prediction is possible, but the computational resources required become prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the 3D multiple prediction problem into sequential one-way wave equation solves that require fewer computational resources. By dividing the complex 3D inverse scattering problem into simpler directional propagation steps, the method achieves complete internal multiple prediction while reducing CPU time and memory requirements to feasible levels for practical 3D seismic processing.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods for processing seismic data are described. The method includes: obtaining seismic data; solving a series of partial differential wave equations, wherein a first partial differential wave equation describes propagation of a seismic wave going from a first reflector to a second reflector, wherein a second partial differential wave equation describes propagation of a seismic wave going from a second reflector to a third reflector, and wherein a third partial differential wave equation describes propagation of a seismic wave going from a third reflector to a seismic receiver, wherein outputting predicted internal multiples for further imaging or attenuation.