Seismic Velocity Gradient Modeling for Subsurface Development Planning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for analyzing seismic waves for geological modeling and equipment deployment at resource sites are less effective, particularly in interpreting surface wave data for subsurface characterization and safe deployment of energy resources.

Innovation Solution

Generate a development plan using the spatial gradient of time average velocity of propagated seismic waves, involving seismic data analysis to determine rate of change data in multiple directions, generate an impedance model, and construct a geo-layering model for resource sites, facilitating energy development operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of information

If dispersion curve estimation techniques are used for surface wave analysis, then data projection is provided, but interpretability for geological modeling and equipment deployment is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterpretability of seismic dataVSAvoidsubsurface characterization accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms surface wave data from traditional dispersion curve parameters to spatial gradient of time average velocity parameters. This parameter transformation enables the data to simultaneously provide quantitative measurement precision for subsurface velocity structures and qualitative interpretability for geological modeling, resolving the contradiction between information loss and measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary processing step that converts surface wave dispersion data into spatial gradient velocity fields. This intermediary transformation acts as a bridge between raw seismic data and geological interpretation, maintaining measurement precision while enhancing interpretability for equipment deployment decisions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional seismic data analysis methods are used, then processing is simpler, but subsurface feature identification and risk assessment are less effective

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafe deployment of equipmentVSAvoiddata processing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extends traditional 1D dispersion curve analysis to 3D spatial gradient analysis by calculating velocity variations in multiple directions (dx, dy, dz). This dimensional expansion provides comprehensive subsurface characterization for reliable equipment deployment while the systematic processing framework manages the increased complexity through structured computational approaches

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Productivity

If surface wave data is not fully utilized, then processing is faster, but geological information for resource site characterization is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevelopment plan generation speedVSAvoidgeological information content

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements continuous processing of surface wave data through the complete workflow from dispersion curve extraction to spatial gradient velocity calculation and geological model integration. This continuous utilization of surface wave information maximizes information extraction while the automated processing pipeline maintains productivity by eliminating manual intervention steps

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Provides a more interpretable seismic dataset for geological modeling, enabling safer and more efficient deployment of energy development equipment by understanding subsurface features and risks.

Implementation Method 1

seismic data associated with a subsurface of the resource site, the seismic data being associated with a propagated wavefield within the subsurface of the resource site

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSeismic wave propagation: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS20250342295A1Spatial gradient of time average velocity techniques for development plan generation

Publication Date: 2025.11.06 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP

AI summary

Disclosed are methods, systems, and computer programs for dynamically generating a development plan for a resource site. The methods for example, include receiving seismic data associated with a subsurface of the resource site. The seismic data may be associated with a propagated wavefield within the subsurface of the resource site and can include at least structural geological data associated with the resource site. The methods also include directionally determining a plurality of rate of change data based on the propagated wavefield within the subsurface. The methods further include executing an averaging operation using the plurality of rate of change data and thereby generate an impedance model. The impedance model may be used to generate a development plan which is then used for energy development operations at the resource site.