Estimation of Stress and Elastic Parameters
AssigneeWesternGeco L.L.C.
InventorsRan Bachrach, Madhumita Sengupta
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Various implementations described herein are directed to estimating stresses and elastic parameters in a formation based on seismic data. In one implementation, wide azimuth seismic data may be used to derive anisotropic elastic parameters. Furthermore, stresses may be calculated using a geomechanical earth model, followed by deriving anisotropic elastic parameters based on the calculated stresses. The anisotropic elastic parameters derived from the wide azimuth seismic data may then be used to modify the geomechanical earth model to improve the prediction of drilling parameters.
Claims25
A method for processing seismic data, comprising:
- deriving anisotropic parameters and elastic stiffness using seismic data;
- calculating stresses using a geomechanical earth model;
- and
- using the anisotropic parameters and the elastic stiffness to modify the geomechanical earth model.
A computer readable medium containing a program which, when executed, performs operations comprising:
- deriving anisotropic parameters and elastic stiffness using wide azimuth seismic data:
- calculating stresses using a geomechanical earth model;
- using the anisotropic parameters and the elastic stiffness to modify the geomechanical earth model;
- and
- predicting drilling parameters using the modified geomechanical earth model.
A computing system comprising:
- at least one system computer;
- and
- one or more receivers coupled to the at least one system computer and configured to receive seismic data;
- and
- wherein the system computer is configured to:
- derive anisotropic parameters and elastic stiffness using the seismic data;
- calculate stresses using a geomechanical earth model;
- and
- use the anisotropic parameters and the elastic stiffness to modify the geomechanical earth model;
- and
- predict drilling parameters using the modified geomechanical earth model.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.