2D Multiline Seismic Tomography with Seismic-Tie Constraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Inconsistent seismic images at intersecting points from multiple 2D seismic survey lines due to random noise, measurement errors, and the inability of 2D models to represent 3D geological structures, leading to difficulties in interpreting regional geological structures and locating hydrocarbon reservoirs.
Innovation Solution
A method that generates updated velocity models for each 2D seismic survey line by imposing a seismic-tie regularization constraint on the inversion process, merging system equations diagonally to ensure consistent velocity values at intersecting spatial locations, and using a trade-off parameter to adjust the regularization constraint.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple 2D seismic survey lines are processed independently using conventional reflection tomography, then each line produces a velocity model, but the seismic images and velocity values at intersecting locations are inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple 2D seismic survey lines into a single integrated inversion system, treating them as a unified 3D dataset. This combining approach allows simultaneous inversion of all lines with shared velocity models, ensuring consistency at intersecting locations while maintaining the computational efficiency of 2D processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from independent 2D line processing to a pseudo-3D integrated framework. By adding the dimension of line integration and using 3D ray tracing through layered earth models, it resolves the inconsistency problem at intersecting points while preserving the efficiency of 2D seismic survey methodology.
2Manufacturing precision
If 2D reflection tomography is used to improve velocity models, then velocity updates are obtained, but the models cannot represent real 3D earth structures especially when geological structures are highly dipping
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs 3D ray tracing algorithms that account for out-of-plane effects and dipping structures, allowing the inversion process to properly handle three-dimensional geological features while processing 2D seismic data. This enables accurate velocity modeling for highly dipping structures that conventional 2D methods cannot represent.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated inversion system serves multiple functions: it processes 2D seismic lines, accounts for 3D geological structures, handles dipping reflectors, and produces consistent velocity models at intersecting locations. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate 2D processing and manual consistency adjustments.
3Reliability
If manual or automatic processes are used to shift seismic traces to be consistent at intersecting points, then seismic images can be matched, but the process is time-consuming and requires arbitrary adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs velocity model optimization and seismic trace consistency as a preliminary step during the inversion process itself, before final imaging. By integrating the consistency constraint into the inversion algorithm, it eliminates the need for subsequent manual or automatic trace-shifting operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The inversion system automatically adjusts velocity models to ensure consistency at intersecting locations through the integrated constraint algorithm. This self-correcting mechanism eliminates the need for external manual intervention or separate consistency-adjustment processes.
4Reliability
If 3D tomography is used to obtain a 3D velocity model, then seismic images can be consistent, but it is computationally impractical for high resolution updates and long acquisition lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the inversion process by maintaining 2D velocity model updates for each survey line while integrating them through a unified constraint system. This segmentation allows efficient 2D-based computations to proceed independently while the consistency constraint ensures 3D coherence at intersecting points, avoiding the computational burden of full 3D tomography.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, including: generating updated velocity models, each corresponding to one of a plurality of initial velocity models of intersecting 2D seismic survey lines, wherein updates to the plurality of initial velocity models are computed by imposing a seismic-tie regularization constraint on an inversion process that inverts for the updates to the plurality of initial velocity models, and the seismic-tie regularization constraint causes the updated velocity models to have consistent values for depth of seismic reflectivity at intersecting spatial locations.