Automated Interval Velocity Estimation Using Peak-to-Peak Amplitude Analysis

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional borehole seismic analysis relies on labor-intensive and time-consuming time-picking methods for velocity estimation, which slows down field activities and increases economic costs.

Innovation Solution

A method that automatically estimates wave velocities by performing peak-to-peak amplitude analysis on particle and strain data, eliminating the need for time-picking and reducing reliance on manual or error-prone automated detection algorithms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional time-picking methods are used for velocity estimation, then measurement precision can be maintained, but productivity decreases and loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevelocity estimation precisionVSAvoidanalysis speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical time-picking process with an automated computational system that uses peak-to-peak amplitude analysis. The system automatically identifies wave arrivals and calculates velocities through algorithmic processing of particle velocity and strain data, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention while maintaining high precision through systematic amplitude-based detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-service by automatically detecting wave arrivals and computing velocity estimates without requiring external operator input. The automated algorithm independently identifies target phases, performs amplitude analysis, and generates velocity results, making the entire process self-sufficient and eliminating dependency on manual time-picking operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If manual time-picking is performed, then measurement precision can be maintained, but loss of time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevelocity estimation precisionVSAvoidanalyst time consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical time-picking process with an automated computational system that uses peak-to-peak amplitude analysis. The system automatically identifies wave arrivals and calculates velocities through algorithmic processing of particle velocity and strain data, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention while maintaining high precision through systematic amplitude-based detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary automated detection and analysis of wave arrivals before final velocity estimation is required. By pre-identifying target phases and computing amplitude characteristics in advance, the system prepares all necessary data for velocity calculation, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual picking during the actual analysis phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If automated detection algorithms are used, then productivity increases, but measurement precision may decrease due to error-prone algorithms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis speedVSAvoidvelocity estimation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical time-picking process with an automated computational system that uses peak-to-peak amplitude analysis. The system automatically identifies wave arrivals and calculates velocities through algorithmic processing of particle velocity and strain data, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention while maintaining high precision through systematic amplitude-based detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses peak-to-peak amplitude analysis as an intermediary method between raw seismic data and final velocity estimates. This intermediate step of amplitude measurement serves as a reliable mediator that translates complex waveforms into quantifiable metrics, reducing direct algorithmic errors while maintaining the benefits of automated processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Measurement precision

If traditional time-picking methods are used, then measurement precision can be maintained, but device complexity and operational complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevelocity estimation precisionVSAvoidanalysis process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential information needed for velocity estimation by focusing solely on peak-to-peak amplitude measurements of particle velocity and strain data. This extraction approach isolates the critical parameters from complex seismic waveforms, simplifying the overall process while maintaining precision by concentrating on the most relevant amplitude characteristics.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical time-picking process with an automated computational system that uses peak-to-peak amplitude analysis. The system automatically identifies wave arrivals and calculates velocities through algorithmic processing of particle velocity and strain data, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention while maintaining high precision through systematic amplitude-based detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11921247B2Full automation of high-resolution interval velocity estimation for check-shot and other vertical seismic profile-type datasets
Publication Date: 2024.03.05 SCHLUMBERGER TECH CORP
  • US11921247B2 patent drawing
  • US11921247B2 patent drawing
  • US11921247B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Embodiments presented provide for a fully automated method of high-resolution interval velocity estimation for vertical seismic profile-type data.