Seismic Survey Design Using RTM Diving Wave Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seismic survey designs rely on trial and error for determining acquisition geometry, which is costly and inefficient, and often result in poor seismic images due to inaccuracies in the velocity model used for imaging.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves computational modeling and analysis to determine optimal acquisition geometries for seismic surveys by selecting sets of source and receiver locations, modeling low-frequency seismic responses, and using Reverse Time Migration (RTM) to reposition refraction wave and diving wave energy, thereby improving the building of velocity models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If trial and error is used to determine acquisition geometry, then practical experience can be gained, but the process becomes costly and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing computational modeling and analysis before actual seismic survey execution. The system models low-frequency seismic responses and evaluates prospective acquisition geometries in advance using RTM, allowing optimization of source and receiver locations before field deployment, thereby avoiding costly trial-and-error approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating synthetic seismic responses through computational modeling that replicate actual seismic wave behavior. These modeled responses serve as virtual copies of real seismic data, allowing evaluation and optimization of acquisition geometries without requiring actual field surveys for each test configuration.
2Measurement precision
If conventional imaging methods are used, then processing is simpler, but velocity model accuracy and seismic image quality deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary low-frequency seismic response modeling and RTM migration before final imaging. By pre-processing the data at low frequencies and using the results to build velocity models, the system prepares optimized input for subsequent high-frequency imaging, improving velocity model accuracy while managing overall complexity through staged processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical/imaging processing methods with computational modeling and analysis. Instead of relying solely on traditional seismic imaging algorithms, the system uses numerical modeling of wave propagation, RTM migration, and iterative velocity model building to achieve superior accuracy in complex subsurface environments.
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 the determination of acquisition geometries that enhance the accuracy and resolution of velocity models, leading to improved seismic images and more efficient hydrocarbon extraction operations.
Implementation Method 1
Each time the source is activated, the source generates a seismic (e.g., acoustic wave) signal that travels downward through the Earth, is reflected, and, upon its return, is recorded using one or more receivers
Implementation Method 2
the source generates a seismic (e.g., acoustic wave) signal that travels downward through the Earth, is reflected
Implementation Method 3
modeling the low-frequency seismic response with a representative velocity model for all those sources and receivers, and then migrating the modelled synthetic seismic response using Reverse Time Migration (RTM) to reposition refraction wave and/or diving wave energy
Data Source
AI summary
A method, and system to implement the process, of selecting a plurality of sets of source and receiver locations over a survey area, modeling on a subsurface attribute model of a subterranean region each source and receiver pair of the plurality of sets of source and receiver locations to generate low frequency seismic data, performing a reverse time migration on the low frequency seismic data to reposition diving wave energy of each source and receiver pair of the plurality of sets of source and receiver locations to generate a diving wave illumination image, extracting seismic amplitudes from the diving wave illumination image at a region of interest, and computing a contribution of a respective diving wave from each source and receiver pair of the plurality of sets of source and receiver locations to diving waves passing through the region of interest.