High resolution seismic data derived from pre-stack inversion and machine learning
AssigneePioneer Natural Resources USA, Inc.
InventorRobert A. Meek
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A system and method combines model-based inversion and supervised neural networks to develop high resolution rock property volumes from surface seismic data. These volumes have higher frequency and are calibrated to fit well log data. In addition to rock volumes, a Reflection Coefficient (RC) volume is derived from the acoustic impedance volume. The RC volume has much higher frequency, better lateral continuity, and ties to the well logs better than conventional seismic or frequency enhanced data. By interpreting and mapping with this RC volume, a much more accurate depth model can be built, which allows for a horizontal well to be accurately drilled.
Claims25
A method implemented with processing equipment of imaging a formation for hydrocarbon exploration, the formation having a plurality of wells therein, the method comprising:
- obtaining seismic records of seismic equipment imaging the formation;
- obtaining well logs of logging equipment imaging the formation intersected by the wells;
- tying the well logs to the seismic records;
- in a first iteration, filtering one of the well logs, generating first volumes imaging a parameter of the formation using the seismic record and a first model created from the filtered well log, and iteratively updating the first volumes using the well logs of additional ones of the wells;
- in a second iteration, filtering the updated first volumes, generating second volumes imaging a parameter of the formation using the seismic record and second models created from the filtered first volumes, and iteratively updating the second volumes using the well logs of the wells;
- calculating a reflection coefficient volume from at least an impedance volume of the updated second volumes;
- and
- planning a stage of the hydrocarbon exploration of the formation based on the imaging of the formation from at least the reflection coefficient volume.
A system for of imaging a formation for hydrocarbon exploration, the formation having a plurality of wells therein, the system comprising:
- an interface receiving seismic records of seismic equipment imaging the formation and receiving well logs of logging equipment imaging the formation intersected by the wells;
- and
- processing equipment in operable communication with the interface, the programmable control device configured to:
- tie the well logs to the seismic records;
- in a first iteration, filter one of the well logs, generate first volumes imaging a parameter of the formation using the seismic record and a first model created from the filtered well log, and iteratively update the first volumes using the well logs of additional ones of the wells;
- in a second iteration, filter the updated first volumes, generate second volumes imaging a parameter of the formation using the seismic record and second models created from the filtered first volumes, and iteratively update the second volumes using the well logs of the wells;
- calculate a reflection coefficient volume from at least an impedance volume of the updated second volumes;
- and
- plan a stage of the hydrocarbon exploration of the formation based on the imaging of the formation from at least the reflection coefficient volume.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.