Specific Display System (e.g., Mapping, Profiling) Patents (Class 702/16)
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Publication number: 20140177386Abstract: A seismic survey system for surveying a subsurface. The system includes a volumetric land source buried underground for generating P-waves; a non-volumetric land source buried underground for generating P- and S-waves; plural receivers distributed about the volumetric and non-volumetric land sources and configured to record seismic signals corresponding to the P- and S-waves; and a controller connected to the volumetric land source and the non-volumetric land source and configured to shot them in a given pattern.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2013Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: CGG SERVICES SAInventors: Eric FORGUES, Francois-Xavier GRESILLON, Julien COTTON
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Patent number: 8762064Abstract: Seismic image filtering machines, systems, program products, and computer implemented methods are provided to generate a filtered seismic image responsive to filtered seismic image data generated by attenuating coherent seismic noise from surface waves of an unfiltered wavefield constructed from unfiltered seismic image data through a single downward extrapolation of the unfiltered wavefield using a plurality of nonstationary convolution operators to perform localized filtering at each of a plurality of spatial locations of the unfiltered wavefield. Various embodiments, for example, can beneficially handle strong lateral velocity variations thus making various embodiments effective tools to remove complicated coherent seismic noise which is typically in the form of exponentially decaying evanescent waves.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2012Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Saudi Arabian Oil CompanyInventor: Saleh M. Al-Saleh
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Publication number: 20140172308Abstract: Methods and systems for similarity indicator calculation associated with seismic data acquisition are described. A similarity indicator value can, for example, be based on a normalized partitioned intensity uniformity (PIU) metric. In another aspect, shot imprints are compared by mapping a base (reference) shot imprint onto a current sample of a shot imprint before calculating the similarity indicator value. The similarity indicator value is associated with the shot imprint location used in the calculation and allows re-shooting of only the areas where an insufficient quality of shot data is detected based on a preconfigured threshold value for the similarity indicator.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 11, 2013Publication date: June 19, 2014Applicant: CGG SERVICES SAInventors: Julie SVAY, Nicolas BOUSQUIE, Thomas MENSCH, Risto SILIQI
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Patent number: 8756018Abstract: A method for determining movement of a fluid contact in a subsurface reservoir includes measuring azimuthally sensitive resistivity at a first time from within a wellbore penetrating the subsurface reservoir. A first position of the fluid contact with respect to the wellbore is determined using the azimuthally sensitive resistivity measurements. After a selected time, the measuring azimuthally sensitive resistivity from within a wellbore penetrating the subsurface reservoir is repeated. Movement of the fluid contact from the first position is determined using the repeated azimuthally sensitive resistivity measurements.Type: GrantFiled: June 23, 2010Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Lucian Johnston, Selim Djandji
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Publication number: 20140163890Abstract: The present invention relates to a system mapping geological formations related to seismic studies comprising interrogation means for sampling information from geological features in a mapped area, e.g. through seismic sampling methods, the sampled information being stored in association with a position related to the sampled information providing a mapping of the area, wherein the system also comprises analyzing means for obtaining attribute information related to the sampled information in each position and storing said attribute information associated to said positions so as to provide an ensemble of attribute values related to the mapped area subject to the seismic studies.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2013Publication date: June 12, 2014Applicant: Roxar Software Solutions ASInventor: Garrett LEAHY
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Patent number: 8750072Abstract: In various disclosed seismic imaging systems and methods, a fast target-oriented illumination calculation technique is employed to obtain a data volume or “matrix” of approximate illumination values. These illumination values enable an image matrix of “true reflectivity” values to be found. The illumination values are derived from Green's functions which, rather than being calculated and re-calculated on a shot-by-shot basis, are calculated in multi-shot groups and combined with a rolling-sum to greatly reduce the computational overhead. As a consequence, the disclosed systems and methods can provide target region illuminations more quickly and/or with higher quality than those systems relying on conventional 3D wave-equation illumination.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2009Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Landmark Graphics CorporationInventors: Mingqiu Luo, Shengwen Jin
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Patent number: 8749549Abstract: Prospect assessment and play chance mapping tools are provided. For assessing potential resources, example systems provide dynamically linked chance maps, transformed in real time from geological properties. Input geological maps or other data are dynamically linked to resulting chance maps, so that changes in the input maps automatically update the chance map in real time. Users can generate a custom risk matrix dynamically linking geological maps with chance maps via interface tools, dropping maps directly into the matrix. A transform may programmatically convert the geologic domain to the chance domain. The user can navigate input maps, select areas of interest, and drag-and-drop geologic properties into an uncertainty engine and distribution builder for uncertainty assessment based on geologic reality. A merge tool can programmatically unify multiple geological interpretations of a prospect. The merge tool outputs a single chance of success value for multiple geologic property values at each grid node.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2011Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Thomas Hantschel, Alexander Martin Wilson, Nicola Tessen, Glenn Koller, Martin Neumaier
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Publication number: 20140142859Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for seismic imaging implements a seismic imaging algorithm utilizing Reverse Time Migration (RTM) and Full Waveform Inversion (FWI) techniques requiring large communication bandwidth and low latency to convert a parallel problem into one solved using massive domain partitioning. Since in RTM and FWI, the forward wave propagation is iteratively calculated on time step increments, there are very high statistical correlation between the intermediate wavefields at the adjacent time steps. This correlation is exploited in compression of the intermediate wavefields so as to achieve much higher compression ratio and avoid the disk IO bottleneck and reduce the overall computing time substantially. Further, during simulation of a reverse wavefield, reverse predictive encoding technique is performed such that snapshots are not recovered in the reverse propagation path due to a prediction chain.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 20, 2012Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventor: Ligang Lu
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Publication number: 20140142860Abstract: A system and computer program product for seismic imaging implements a seismic imaging algorithm utilizing Reverse Time Migration (RTM) and Full Waveform Inversion (FWI) techniques requiring large communication bandwidth and low latency to convert a parallel problem into one solved using massive domain partitioning. Since in RTM and FWI, the forward wave propagation is iteratively calculated on time step increments, there are very high statistical correlation between the intermediate wavefields at the adjacent time steps. This correlation is exploited in compression of the intermediate wavefields so as to achieve much higher compression ratio and avoid the disk IO bottleneck and reduce the overall computing time substantially. Further, during simulation of a reverse wavefield, reverse predictive encoding technique is performed such that snapshots are not recovered in the reverse propagation path due to a prediction chain.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 17, 2013Publication date: May 22, 2014Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventor: Ligang Lu
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Publication number: 20140129150Abstract: A method for seismic surveying includes disposing a plurality of seismic sensors in a selected pattern above an area of the Earth's subsurface. A seismic energy source is repeatedly actuated proximate the seismic sensors. A signal used to actuate the source comprises a linear chirp having a starting frequency and an ending frequency less than twice the starting frequency. Recorded signals are processed to generate an image corresponding to at least one point in the subsurface, the processing includes stacking recordings from each sensor for a plurality of actuations of the source, cross correlating the stacked signals with an expected signal generated by non linearities in the subsurface and beam steering a response of the seismic sensors such that the at least one point is equivalent to a focal point of a response of the plurality of sensors.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2012Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: ACOUSTIC ZOOM, INC.Inventors: Jacques Y. Guigné, Nicholas G. Pace
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Publication number: 20140100786Abstract: Systems, methods, and software can be used to analyze microseismic data from a fracture treatment. In some aspects, data for a new microseismic event are from a fracture treatment of a subterranean zone. An updated parameter for a fracture plane is calculated. The fracture plane was previously generated based on data for prior microseismic events. The updated parameter calculated is calculated based on the data for the new microseismic event and the data for the prior microseismic events. A graphical representation of the fracture plane is displayed based on the updated parameter.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 17, 2013Publication date: April 10, 2014Inventors: Jianfu Ma, Avi Lin, Harold Grayson Walters
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Patent number: 8694261Abstract: In an embodiment, creation of a continuous three dimensional array of data from digital information obtained from a wellbore, and representation in a seismic data formatted dataset. In an embodiment, providing the capability to export stratigraphic interpretations made while working within the 3D-log data volume back to any wellbore that is encompassed within the areal extent of the 3D-log data volume. In one embodiment, a 2D well grid creation process comprises the steps of (a) selecting an initial grid spacing, (b) assigning wells from a dataset of well data to closest nodes in the grid, (c) if a plurality of wells are assigned to a single node after completing step (b), narrowing the grid spacing and repeating step (b) until no more than one well is assigned to any node. In an embodiment the non-well nodes are populated by extrapolating from adjacent single well nodes.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2010Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Inventor: Mark C. Robinson
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Publication number: 20140095078Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for presenting seismic information sampled from geological formations, including the steps of sampling information from a chosen geological formation representing at least one parameter related to the formation, analyzing the sampled information from said geological formation producing a measure of the uncertainty related to said at least one parameter, and thereby defining a geobody related to said uncertainty of the at least one parameter being less than a predetermined limit.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2013Publication date: April 3, 2014Applicant: Ruxar Software Solutions ASInventors: Garrett Leahy, Tyson Bridger, Erik Nilsen, Alexander Bukhgeym
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Patent number: 8687463Abstract: This invention relates to a method for processing at least two seismic data sets (10, 20), each data set comprising several seismic traces (i, j) grouped by bins (Bi, Bj) and by offset classes (Oi, Oj), the method including the following steps: calculating at least one attribute (a(i, j)) characteristic of a similarity between a first trace (i) of a first data set (10) and a second trace (j) of a second data set (20), selecting or not the first and second traces (i, j) according to a selection criterion applied to the calculated attribute (a(i, j)).Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2005Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Assignee: Cggveritas Services SAInventors: Jonathan Brain, Céline Lacombe, Frans Smit
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Patent number: 8649980Abstract: Application of nonlinear resonance interferometry is introduced as a new geophysical approach to improve predictability in characterization of subsurface microseismic event analysis and propagation of fracture. In contrast to reflection methods that remove random information noise, nonlinear resonance interferometry exploits the full microseismic acquisition spectrum. In some examples, systems and techniques implement novel computational interactions between acquired microseismic wavefield attributes and a nonlinear system in software to amplify distortions in microseismic noise and exploits injection of synthetic noise, in software format, to fracture events.Type: GrantFiled: April 22, 2011Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: ViaLogy LLCInventor: Sandeep Gulati
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Patent number: 8639443Abstract: A microseismic monitoring system includes a seismic sensor positioned proximate to a wellbore traversing a formation; an orientation source producing an orientation shot; a hydraulic apparatus operationally connected with the formation to produce a fracture in the formation; a computer control system operationally connected with a database of known spectral attributes for event categories; and a computer readable medium that carries instructions executable by the computer control system that, when executed: receive data from the seismic sensor; select an event of interest from the data received; determine a spectral estimate of the selected event of interest; compare the determined spectral estimate of the selected event of interest to the known spectral estimates; and select from the data received by the seismic source the orientation shot for orientation of the seismic sensor.Type: GrantFiled: April 9, 2009Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Joel Herve Le Calvez, Stewart Thomas Taylor
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Patent number: 8639444Abstract: A method for performing chrono-stratigraphic interpretation of a subterranean formation. The method includes obtaining a seismic volume containing stratigraphic features of the subterranean formation deformed by structural events, performing structural restoration of the seismic volume to generate a restored seismic volume by removing deformation due to the structural events, performing a chrono-stratigraphic interpretation based on the restored seismic volume to generate chrono-stratigraphic objects each associated with a respective relative geologic age, and displaying the chrono-stratigraphic objects in a chrono-stratigraphic space according to the respective relative geologic age of each of the stratigraphic objects.Type: GrantFiled: January 31, 2013Date of Patent: January 28, 2014Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Randolph E. F. Pepper, Agnes Dubois, Manoj Vallikkat Thachaparambil, Philippe Paul Jacques Marza, Renchu Wu
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Publication number: 20140019057Abstract: Disclosed herein are various embodiments of discriminating between small microseismic events and false events comprising identifying candidate events, and creating sub-stacks of the microseismic data traces. Analysis of the sub-stacks shows distinct differences between real microseismic events and false events created by noise bursts. Further discrimination between real and false events is achieved by visual or automated analysis of the reverberations and patterns of polarity reversal associated with real microseismic events, which are more clearly visible in the sub-stacks than in the raw microseismic data. The methods described herein are applicable to surface, downhole and buried array microseismic data.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 15, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Applicant: NANOSEIS LLCInventor: David E. Diller
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Publication number: 20140012508Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed that assist in correlating subsequent geophysical surveys. In some embodiments, geophysical data may be generated including a first set of data from a monitor survey that is matched with a second set of data from a baseline survey. An attribute value may be generated for each datum in the first set of data and each attribute value generated may be stored with its corresponding datum. Then, the first set of data may be processed based on the stored attribute values. In some embodiments, the attribute values may be based upon the geometric closeness of sources and receivers in the baseline and monitor surveys.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 1, 2011Publication date: January 9, 2014Applicant: ION GEOPHYSICAL CORPORATIONInventor: John Gregor
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Patent number: 8612157Abstract: Methods to attenuating strong marine seismic noises using singular value decomposition, determining noisiest traces and estimating noise components only from these traces, iteratively estimating the noise and protecting signal behind the noise. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).Type: GrantFiled: July 8, 2010Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.Inventor: Nicolae Moldoveanu
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Patent number: 8612156Abstract: Application of nonlinear resonance interferometry is introduced as a new geophysical approach to improve predictability in characterization of subsurface porosity, rock and fluid properties. In contrast to reflection methods that remove random information noise, nonlinear resonance interferometry exploits the full seismic acquisition spectrum to assess how low frequency and high-frequency noise is differentially and directly modulated by varying levels of porosity and hydrocarbon content in the lithologies of interest. In some examples, systems and techniques implement novel computational interactions between acquired seismic wavefield attributes and a nonlinear system in software to amplify distortions in seismic noise and exploits injection of synthetic noise, in software format, to detect hydrocarbon traps and lithology changes at spatial scales below seismic resolution, thereby increasing the information value of low-resolution data.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2011Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: ViaLogy LLCInventor: Sandeep Gulati
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Patent number: 8612155Abstract: Methods and systems for the detection and localization of microseismic events are proposed which operate in real-time. Hypocenters in three spatial dimensions are provided along with an estimate of the event origin time. Sensor positions may be distributed in 3D space, and are not confined to linear arrays in vertical wells. A location of the event is approximated and a grid search, based on the approximate location of the event, is used to derive a residual function over a finer sampling followed by a gradient search of the residual function to optimize the location of the event.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2010Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Bassem Khadhraoui, Harold David Leslie, Gwenola Michaud, W. Scott Leaney
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Patent number: 8599643Abstract: A method for structural dip removal. The method includes converting a seismic volume to a depth domain, extracting seismic dips from the seismic volume in the depth domain along a borehole trajectory, analyzing a borehole using the seismic dips to obtain structural dip data, and in response to determining that the seismic dips and borehole dips obtained from borehole imagery are consistent, generating a three dimensional (“3D”) structural model using the structural dip data. The method further includes performing a structural restoration using the 3D structural model to obtain depositional geometry data, removing structural dip from the borehole imagery using the 3D structural model to obtain sedimentary dip data, and performing a stratigraphic interpretation using the depositional geometry data and the sedimentary dip data.Type: GrantFiled: July 27, 2010Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Randolph E. F. Pepper, Philippe Paul Jacques Marza, Agnes Dubois
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Patent number: 8600679Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method of locating and quantifying friction between a drillstring and a wellbore. The method includes, positioning a plurality of sensors within a wellbore, communicatively coupling the plurality of sensors, monitoring signals from the plurality of sensors, logging the sensed signals versus time versus depth of each of the plurality of sensors, locating at least one friction zone along the drillstring within the wellbore based on the logging and quantifying friction in the at least one friction zone based on the logging.Type: GrantFiled: February 20, 2009Date of Patent: December 3, 2013Assignee: Baker Hughes IncorporatedInventors: Ralf Zaeper, Roland May, John D Macpherson, Thomas Dahl
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Patent number: 8571799Abstract: A methodology improves sampling and characterization of heterogeneous, unconventional hydrocarbon-bearing regions. The methodology is designed to integrate consistently across measurements and scales. Additionally, the methodology involves characterizing various scales, such as regional-scale heterogeneity, wellbore-scale heterogeneity, core-scale heterogeneity, sample-scale, and pore-scale heterogeneity. The results are integrated across the multiple scales based on results obtained from the characterization of the scales. The methodology further comprises determining data propagation across the multiple scales in a hydrocarbon-bearing region.Type: GrantFiled: June 10, 2011Date of Patent: October 29, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Roberto Suarez-Rivera, David Handwerger, Lars Sonneland, Samuel Fluckiger, Mary Milner, Douglas Ekart
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Patent number: 8566069Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for developing a geological model from previously collected seismic data, including the steps of: sampling seismic data according to at least one set of traces of a predetermined gradient, each of which have sampling points; analyzing similarities between the seismic data around sampling points; determining connections between sampling points that belong to different traces on the basis of analysis; and forming a geological model that attributes, to each sampling point, a relative geological age that is calculated at least on the basis of connections related to the sampling points and the relative geological age of other sampling points in the vicinity of the trace that includes the sampling point.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2009Date of Patent: October 22, 2013Assignee: ELIISInventors: Fabien Pauget, Sebastien Lacaze, Thomas Valding
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Patent number: 8560242Abstract: The instant invention is a method for numerically propagating waves or solving wave equations on a digital computer. This invention can be used to compute highly accurate solutions to the wave equation, in fact in some cases it computes the analytical solution, something previously considered impossible. The instant method can also propagate waves that are not described by differential equations, such as anisotropic scalar waves. The invention has the advantages that it is computationally efficient, accurate, and flexible. Of importance is the ability to propagate waves that simulate the P-wave arrivals in both isotropic and anisotropic media with a scalar as opposed to a vector equation.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2012Date of Patent: October 15, 2013Assignee: BP Corporation North America Inc.Inventors: John T. Etgen, Sverre Brandsberg-Dahl
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Patent number: 8554485Abstract: Plotting values indicative of characteristics of an underground formation. At least some of the illustrative embodiments include: obtaining a plurality of values indicative of characteristics of an underground formation; and plotting the plurality of values on an output device of a computer system. The plotting may further include: plotting parallel to a first axis a first plurality of symbols where each symbol is indicative of a value of a characteristic of a first portion of the underground formation, location of the first plurality of symbols with respect to the first axis is indicative of a first parameter, and location of the first plurality of symbols with respect to a second axis is indicative of a second parameter distinct from the first parameter; and wherein location of at least one symbol with respect to the first axis is also indicative of a third parameter, different than the first and second parameters.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2010Date of Patent: October 8, 2013Assignee: Landmark Graphics CorporationInventor: William L. Fink
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Patent number: 8538696Abstract: Methods and systems of the invention provide appropriate weather data for a location by associating it with a location or locations for which weather data is stored. Such stored data may have been collected from one or multiple weather data sources. An image or video may be associated with weather data selected from near-current stored weather data for one or more nearby locations. Certain methods also allow observation and/or forecast weather data for any specified location to be provided using stored weather data for a finite number of locations from one or more weather data sources. For example, the location coordinates of a specified location may be used to determine an appropriate location (exact or substitute) for which weather data was previously collected and stored.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2007Date of Patent: September 17, 2013Assignee: The Weather Channel, LLCInventor: William Anthony Cassanova
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Patent number: 8515678Abstract: A method for performing chrono-stratigraphic interpretation of a subterranean formation. The method includes obtaining a seismic volume containing stratigraphic features of the subterranean formation deformed by structural events, performing structural restoration of the seismic volume to generate a restored seismic volume by removing deformation due to the structural events, performing a chrono-stratigraphic interpretation based on the restored seismic volume to generate chrono-stratigraphic objects each associated with a respective relative geologic age, and displaying the chrono-stratigraphic objects in a chrono-stratigraphic space according to the respective relative geologic age of each of the stratigraphic objects.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2010Date of Patent: August 20, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Randolph E. F. Pepper, Agnes Dubois, Manoj Vallikkat Thachaparambil, Philippe Paul Jacques Marza, Renchu Wu
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Patent number: 8494777Abstract: A method for the detection and localization of microseismic events is proposed which operates in real-time. It provides hypocenters in three spatial dimensions along with an estimate of the event origin time. Sensor positions may be distributed in 3D space, and are not confined to linear arrays in vertical wells. The method combines and improves two existing approaches. For detection and localization purposes the method makes use of the generalized beam-forming and forward modeling properties defined in the “CMM” algorithm. For location refinement, the method uses a stabilized version of the generalized “Geiger” approach.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2009Date of Patent: July 23, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Bassem Khadhraoui, Harold David Leslie, Gwenola Michaud, W. Scott Leaney
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Patent number: 8483852Abstract: A method can include providing a geological time data structure configured to link objects of a reservoir model to geological times; linking one of the objects of the reservoir model to one of the geological times; generating simulation results for the reservoir model; and, based at least in part on the geological time data structure, outputting at least some of the simulation results along a geological time axis. Various other apparatuses, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: October 12, 2011Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Bernd Kurtenbach, Martin Neumaier, Stefan Steden, Nicola Tessen
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Patent number: 8473264Abstract: A method of processing geophysical data including at least measured potential field data from a potential field survey of a surveyed region of the earth to provide a representation of the geology of said surveyed region, the method comprising generating a first model of said surveyed region by fitting data predicted by said first model to said measured data for a specified frequency range; predicting full range potential field data for all measured frequencies using said generated first model; comparing said full range predicted data to said measured potential field data to provide full range residual data representing a difference between the full range predicted data and the full range measured data, and interpreting said full range residual data to provide a representation of said geology of said surveyed region.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2008Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Arkex LimitedInventors: Gary James Barnes, John Morris Lumley, Mark Davies, Joseph Jean Barraud
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Patent number: 8473089Abstract: A method for assessing health status of a processing chamber is provided. The method includes executing a recipe. The method also includes receiving processing data from a set of sensors during execution of the recipe. The method further includes analyzing the processing data utilizing a set of multi-variate predictive models. The method yet also includes generating a set of component wear data values. The method yet further includes comparing the set of component wear data values against a set of useful life threshold ranges. The method moreover includes generating a warning if the set of component wear data values is outside of the set of useful life threshold ranges.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2010Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Lam Research CorporationInventors: Luc Albarede, Eric Pape, Vijayakumar C Venugopal, Brian D Choi
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Patent number: 8473212Abstract: A method for processing well logging data includes method dividing the well logging data into a number of constant dimensional effect segments, where each constant dimensional effect segment defines an interval having a similar dimensional effect on the log response. The well logging data is taken from a highly deviated well. The method further includes dividing the constant dimensional effect segments into a number of constant property intervals, each constant dimensional effect segment including at least one corresponding constant property interval, and each constant property interval defining a wellbore distance over which a formation property is substantially constant that results in a log response having a low variance. The method further includes providing the constant property intervals to an output device.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2010Date of Patent: June 25, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: John C. Rasmus, John P. Horkowitz, Koji Ito, Christian Stolte, Shahzad Asif, Bernadette Tabanou
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Patent number: 8463551Abstract: Systems and methods perform consistent dip estimation for seismic imaging. An example system applies global consistency constraints during iterative volume dip estimation of a seismic volume to improve upon conventional dip estimation methods. With each iteration, the system applies single and joint dip constraints, checking local dip estimates for reciprocity, causality, consistency, and vertical and lateral continuity. At discontinuities in the seismic volume, local divergences are marked with a quality attribute. Upon convergence of the volume dip estimation, the volume may be rendered in 3D, including the discontinuities. In performing volume dip estimation, the system can also provide automatic horizon interpretation and automatic fault detection.Type: GrantFiled: September 28, 2010Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventor: Victor Aarre
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Patent number: 8457899Abstract: A method of calculating a seismic noise image for a formation comprises the steps of: a) obtaining data representing a multicomponent seismic signal from at least one receiver, in response to transmitting seismic waves into the formation; b) obtaining a velocity model of the earth formation; c) determining a plurality of wave field components; d) obtaining a set of second components; e) obtaining, for each subsurface point, at least two products, each product comprising the product of a selected wave field component and a different second component; and f) and generating a noise image by calculating at least one difference between different products for at least one image point.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2008Date of Patent: June 4, 2013Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Denis Kiyashchenko, William Alexander Mulder
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Publication number: 20130138351Abstract: Plotting values indicative of characteristics of an underground formation. At least some of the illustrative embodiments include: obtaining a plurality of values indicative of characteristics of an underground formation; and plotting the plurality of values on an output device of a computer system. The plotting may further include: plotting parallel to a first axis a first plurality of symbols where each symbol is indicative of a value of a characteristic of a first portion of the underground formation, location of the first plurality of symbols with respect to the first axis is indicative of a first parameter, and location of the first plurality of symbols with respect to a second axis is indicative of a second parameter distinct from the first parameter; and wherein location of at least one symbol with respect to the first axis is also indicative of a third parameter, different than the first and second parameters.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 1, 2010Publication date: May 30, 2013Applicant: LANDMARK GRAPHICS CORPORATIONInventor: William L. Fink
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Publication number: 20130138350Abstract: A method for determining stratigraphic termination points from a seismic dataset, includes: deriving extremal surfaces from the seismic dataset, wherein the extremal surfaces include points that are each associated with at least one of a dip magnitude and a dip azimuth; selecting a subset of points on the extremal surfaces that meet a predetermined criterion; identifying, using a processor, a set of dip deflection points from the subset of points; defining a termination zone from the dip deflection points; defining extremal surfaces that are associated with the termination zone as associated surfaces; and determining the stratigraphic termination points based on the associated surfaces.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2011Publication date: May 30, 2013Inventors: Manoj Vallikkat Thachaparambil, Renchu Wu, Dong Wang, Rui Zeng
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Patent number: 8451685Abstract: A method and system for processing synchronous array seismic data includes acquiring synchronous passive seismic data from a plurality of sensors to obtain synchronized array measurements. A reverse-time data process is applied to the synchronized array measurements to obtain a plurality of dynamic particle parameters associated with subsurface locations. These dynamic particle parameters are stored in a form for display. Maximum values of the dynamic particle parameters may be interpreted as reservoir locations. The dynamic particle parameters may be particle displacement values, particle velocity values, particle acceleration values or particle pressure values. The sensors may be three-component sensors. Zero-phase frequency filtering of different ranges of interest may be applied. The data may be resampled to facilitate efficient data processing.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2011Date of Patent: May 28, 2013Assignee: Spectraseis AGInventors: Erik Saenger, Brian Steiner, Stefan Schmalholz
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Patent number: 8447524Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided for searching and analyzing a seismic data volume acquired in a seismic survey to determine potential for hydrocarbon accumulations in an associated subsurface region. Surfaces describing the seismic data volume are obtained. The surfaces are enumerated. At least one enumerated surface is selected. The at least one selected surface is augmented when the selected surface does not substantially cover an area associated with the seismic data volume. The augmenting is performed until all selected surfaces substantially cover the area. The at least one selected surface is displayed, with geologic or geophysical data associated therewith, for visual inspection or interpretation, or saving digital representations thereof to computer memory or data storage.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2009Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: ExxonMobil Upstream Research CompanyInventors: Ganglin Chen, Dominique G Gillard, Matthias Imhof
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Interactive structural restoration while interpreting seismic volumes for structure and stratigraphy
Patent number: 8447525Abstract: A method for performing seismic interpretation of a subterranean formation by enabling dual-domain interpretation of seismic features in the present day depth domain and simultaneously in a structurally restored “mapped” seismic domain. Specifically, seismic interpretation is performed on structurally restored seismic volumes while concurrently viewing the interpretation results in the structural domain. This increases the interpretation confidence by improved correlation of structural deformed events to their pre-structurally deformed geometry. The method includes the ability to progressively remove structural deformation from the seismic volume, corresponding to moving back in geologic time. The interpretation can be performed in either domain (present-day structure or structurally restored to a defined geologic event), and the interpretation will be mapped to any other computed geologic age or present structural age.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2010Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Randolph E. F. Pepper, Agnes Dubois, Jimmy Klinger -
Patent number: 8428880Abstract: A method of processing data obtained from seismic prospecting of an earth formation, comprises obtaining data representing a multicomponent seismic signal from a multicomponent seismic receiver at a receiver location in an earth formation, in response to transmitting seismic waves into the earth formation; performing a wave-equation migration of the multicomponent seismic signal to obtain a seismic image of the earth formation, wherein the polarization of the seismic wave at the receiver location is taken into account and wherein a seismic image value at a point in the earth formation is calculated from a sum of products of a source field component for a particular dimension and a complex conjugated back propagated wave field component for the same dimension, summed over a plurality of dimensions.Type: GrantFiled: December 12, 2008Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Shell Oil CompanyInventors: Denis Kiyashchenko, William Alexander Mulder
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Publication number: 20130080067Abstract: In response to at least one input criterion, one or more target positions in an acquisition domain are determined for processing of survey data, where the survey data is acquired by survey equipment in the acquisition domain having a first set of dimensions, and where the processing of the survey data is to be performed in a processing domain having a second set of dimensions different from the first set of dimensions.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 28, 2011Publication date: March 28, 2013Inventors: Massimiliano Vassallo, Dirk-Jan Van Manen, Ralf G. Ferber
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Patent number: 8407008Abstract: An exemplary system for managing the deployment of a seismic data acquisition system uses a module configured to execute a plurality of task in the field by receiving one or more seismic devices. The module may include a power source that provides electrical power to the seismic devices. The module may also include a processor programmed to retrieve data stored in the seismic devices, perform diagnostics, facilitate inventory and logistics control, configure seismic devices and update data or pre-programmed instructions in the seismic device.Type: GrantFiled: May 25, 2010Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Inova Ltd.Inventors: Dennis R. Pavel, Scott T. Hoenmans, Richard Eperjesi, Andra Streho, Gerardo Garcia, Richard Pedersen, Dmitry Grinblat
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Publication number: 20130030709Abstract: A method for processing seismic data. The method includes receiving the seismic data acquired by at least two receivers that are disposed at different depths. The method may then time-align the seismic data, collect a portion of the time-aligned seismic data into a gather and sum the collected time-aligned seismic data in the gather. After summing the collected time-aligned seismic data in the gather, the method may widen a spectrum of the summed seismic data and generate an image of subsurface formations in the earth based on the widened spectrum.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2011Publication date: January 31, 2013Inventor: Ralf FERBER
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Patent number: 8335651Abstract: The invention relates to methods and computer-readable medium to implement computing the propagation velocity of seismic waves in the earth. The invention computes the propagation velocity of seismic waves in the earth, which is a condition of obtaining an accurate image of subsurface geology that can be used to prospect for oil and gas deposits. In an embodiment, the method in a host of determining the propagation angles of reflected seismic waves, including inputting data representing reflected seismic waves, inputting a propagation velocity field, computing propagation direction vectors of a source wave field and a receiver wave field using a downward continuation Fourier domain shot record migration using the data representing the reflected seismic waves and the propagation velocity field, and transforming the propagation direction vectors into propagation angles of reflected seismic waves.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2009Date of Patent: December 18, 2012Assignee: Wave Imaging Technology, Inc.Inventors: Joseph H. Higginbotham, Morgan P. Brown, Cosmin Macesanu
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Publication number: 20120316792Abstract: A system, method and computer program product for seismic imaging implements a seismic imaging algorithm utilizing Reverse Time Migration technique requiring large communication bandwidth and low latency to convert a parallel problem into one solved using massive domain partitioning. Several aspects of the imaging problem, including very regular and local communication patterns, balanced compute and communication requirements, scratch data handling and multiple-pass approaches. The partitioning of the velocity model into processing blocks allows each sub-problem to fit in a local cache, increasing locality and bandwidth and reducing latency.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2012Publication date: December 13, 2012Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Lurng-Kuo Liu, Ligang Lu, Michael P. Perrone
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Patent number: 8326542Abstract: A computer implemented method for retrieving seismic data from a seismic section provided in a bitmap format. The method includes reconstructing a two dimensional matrix of seismic interpolated data in which a value at a given pixel in the matrix is proportional to local density of wiggles in the seismic section with an added value of a previously calculated pixel. The method may be implemented in either of computer hardware configured to perform said method and computer software embodied in a non-transitory, tangible, computer-readable storage medium. Also disclosed are corresponding computer program product and data processing system.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2009Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Dan Shmuel Chevion, Yaacov Navon
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Patent number: 8321130Abstract: Well logs are selected, annotated and correlated. In one example, a display of a well log showing logged information and well depths corresponding to the information is presented. Data related to the well log is searched to find a named formation near a selected depth and a name of a formation near the named formation is selected. The selected adjacent formation name is then presented on the display of the well log in association with the displayed depth.Type: GrantFiled: November 30, 2009Date of Patent: November 27, 2012Assignee: IHS Inc.Inventors: Carolyn Hill, Robert Michael Banks, Annette Louise deJong, Richard Eli Herrmann