Optimizing Seismic Source-Receiver Pair Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current 4D seismic survey techniques are time-consuming, relatively inaccurate, and costly, making them inefficient for detecting changes in subsurface structures over short periods.
Innovation Solution
The method involves optimizing the positioning of source-receiver pairs using demigration techniques, petroelastic models, and surface factor considerations to enhance detection sensitivity and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional 4D seismic survey techniques are used to fully update a 3D acquisition of the subsurface, then complete seismic coverage is achieved, but the acquisition time increases to several weeks or months
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and focuses only on the essential source-receiver pairs needed to monitor specific areas of interest in the subsurface, rather than acquiring complete 3D seismic coverage. This selective approach reduces acquisition time while maintaining sufficient data for detecting changes in petrophysical properties of monitoring targets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by acquiring seismic data only from selected source-receiver pairs that are most relevant for monitoring specific subsurface areas, rather than performing full 3D acquisitions. This partial coverage is sufficient for 4D monitoring purposes and significantly reduces acquisition time.
2Measurement precision
If conventional non-permanent seismic systems are used for 4D surveys, then complete subsurface imaging is obtained, but repeatability accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-positioning permanent or semi-permanent sensors in the subsurface before acquisition begins. These pre-installed sensors ensure consistent positioning across multiple surveys, improving repeatability accuracy while maintaining complete subsurface imaging capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The permanent sensor system serves itself by maintaining fixed positions and consistent geometric relationships with seismic sources across multiple surveys. This self-maintaining positioning system eliminates the repeatability issues associated with temporary sensor deployment and recovery between surveys.
3Measurement precision
If a large number of source-receiver pairs are deployed in ultralight active seismic systems, then detection sensitivity improves, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating seismic monitoring resources in specific areas of interest rather than uniformly distributing sources and receivers across the entire survey area. This focused approach maintains high detection sensitivity for monitoring targets while reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the seismic monitoring system into discrete, independently deployable source-receiver pairs or small groups, rather than requiring a complete dense array. This modular segmentation reduces system complexity while maintaining adequate detection sensitivity for identifying changes in petrophysical properties.
4Quantity of substance
If conventional seismic acquisition methods are used, then comprehensive subsurface data is collected, but processing and analysis time extends over weeks to months
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and processes only the seismic data from selected source-receiver pairs that are relevant to monitoring specific areas of interest, rather than processing complete 3D seismic datasets. This selective data processing significantly reduces computation time while maintaining the ability to detect changes in subsurface petrophysical properties.
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 faster, more accurate, and cost-effective detection of subtle changes in seismic properties over short periods, improving the sensitivity of ultralight active seismic systems.
Implementation Method 1
These seismic waves propagate towards the seabed and cross it to penetrate it until they encounter a reflective structure and thus reflect them
Implementation Method 2
These reflected seismic waves propagate towards the sea surface until they are detected by seismic sensors integrated into the streamers
Implementation Method 3
The term ultralight means that a limited number of source-receiver pairs are implemented compared to a conventional seismic acquisition
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention concerns a method for determining the optimum positioning of source-receiver pairs capable of acquiring seismic data, comprising: a first step of identifying a zone of interest (32) having been the subject of an earlier seismic acquisition, in order to obtain an image of the subsoil of same; a second step of obtaining seismic data acquired during the earlier seismic acquisition of said zone of interest during a time of interest; a third step of applying a partial or total demigration of seismic data, in order to determine the positions of each source-receiver pair (31, 34) having contributed to the image of said subsoil of said zone of interest during said time of interest; a fourth step of obtaining unprocessed traces for said source-receiver pair positions (31, 34); a fifth step of selecting at least one optimum unprocessed trace from among said unprocessed traces; and a sixth step of determining the source-receiver pair positions (31, 34) corresponding to said at least one optimum unprocessed trace.