Subsurface Rock Property Models Retrieved by Seismic Stratigraphy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems fail to systematically manage and reuse subsurface rock physical property models across exploration projects due to the lack of methods that assess and index their applicability based on seismic interpretation and stratigraphic classification, leading to prediction errors and reliance on lower-quality models.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that generates, stores, and retrieves subsurface rock physical property models using seismic interpretation and stratigraphic classification to index and assess their applicability, enabling the reuse of models in new exploration areas by comparing seismic data characteristics and similarity measures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If statistical models are used to predict subsurface rock physical properties in areas without well measurements, then prediction coverage is improved, but prediction accuracy deteriorates due to geological complexity and unresolved factors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the subsurface into stratigraphic units based on seismic interpretation, creating discrete geological intervals that can be systematically classified and matched. This segmentation allows models to be applied to specific stratigraphic segments rather than entire areas, improving accuracy by accounting for geological heterogeneity while maintaining broad coverage through systematic classification schemes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms continuous seismic data into discrete stratigraphic classifications and attributes, changing the parameter representation from continuous to categorical. This parameter transformation enables systematic indexing and retrieval of models based on stratigraphic characteristics, improving prediction accuracy by matching models to appropriate geological contexts while maintaining extensive coverage through standardized classification systems.
2Measurement precision
If multiple seismic attributes are derived and correlated with well log data, then model calibration is improved, but system complexity increases due to the need to manage and compare numerous attributes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the attribute evaluation process into distinct stages: seismic attribute derivation, stratigraphic classification, model selection, and retrieval. This segmentation organizes the complex task of managing multiple attributes into manageable steps, improving calibration accuracy through systematic attribute evaluation while reducing operational complexity through structured workflows.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces stratigraphic classification as an intermediary layer between seismic attributes and model selection. This intermediary system organizes and indexes attributes according to their geological significance, enabling systematic comparison and selection without managing raw complexity directly. The stratigraphic framework acts as a mediator that structures the relationship between multiple attributes and models, improving calibration while managing system complexity.
3Measurement precision
If prediction models are created for specific areas with well data, then local prediction accuracy is improved, but reusability across different exploration areas is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal model management system that handles multiple functions: creating models for specific areas, classifying them by stratigraphic attributes, storing them in a database, and retrieving appropriate models for new areas. This universal system enables local models to be reused across different exploration areas by matching stratigraphic classifications, improving both local accuracy through customized models and reusability through systematic organization and retrieval capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary stratigraphic classification and indexing of models before they are needed for prediction. By pre-organizing models according to stratigraphic attributes and seismic characteristics, the system enables rapid retrieval and appropriate model selection for new exploration areas. This preliminary action ensures that models are ready for immediate reuse without requiring reclassification or reorganization, improving both local accuracy and cross-area reusability.
Data Source
AI summary
Storing and retrieving subsurface rock physical property models for well drilling by generating estimated subsurface rock physical property models based on a respective set of seismic data, determining a stratigraphic classification for each model based on seismic interpretation data; storing the models associated classification in a database, determining characteristics of the seismic data used to generate the models, selecting from the database a subset of the models based on a similarity of the stratigraphic classification, determining measures of similarity between the characteristics of the seismic data used to generate each of subset of the models and a new set of seismic data and retrieving an estimated subsurface rock physical property model from the subset models based on the similarity measures.