258 results about "Earth model" patented technology

A method for creating an enhanced seismic image is described. Seismic data is acquired from a seismic survey conducted over a subterranean region. The seismic data is transformed into energy components, preferably Gaussian beam components. An earth model is created which is comprised of lens elements. The set of energy components is propagated or migrated through the lens elements to form image components which are combined into a seismic image. A target is identified in the seismic image for image enhancement. Ray tracing may be used to select the trial set of lens elements to be updated and to select a subset of energy components. The subset of energy components is propagated through updated earth model to form updated image components. The seismic image is updated by replacing image components with updated image components which are formed from the subset of selected energy components. This subset is ideally greatly reduced in size relative to the overall number of energy components, i.e., beam components.

A method is disclosed for generating a wellsite design, comprising: designing a workflow for an Earth Model; building an initial Earth Model based on the workflow adapted for modeling drilling and completions operations in a hydrocarbon reservoir; calibrating the initial Earth Model thereby generating a calibrated Earth Model; and generating the wellsite design using the calibrated Earth Model.

A computer implemented stochastic inversion method for estimating model parameters of an earth model. In an embodiment, the method utilizes a sampling-based stochastic technique to determine the probability density functions (PDF) of the model parameters that define a boundary-based multi-dimensional model of the subsurface. In some embodiments a sampling technique known as Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) is utilized. MCMC techniques fall into the class of “importance sampling” techniques, in which the posterior probability distribution is sampled in proportion to the model's ability to fit or match the specified acquisition geometry. In another embodiment, the inversion includes the joint inversion of multiple geophysical data sets. Embodiments of the invention also relate to a computer system configured to perform a method for estimating model parameters for accurate interpretation of the earth's subsurface.

A system and method for perceiving drilling learning through visualization is provided. In one embodiment using three-dimensional visualization of the earth model as a foundation, a new IT development strategy focuses on perceiving "Drilling Learning" by an intuitive method. Symbols, known as "Knowledge Attachments" are attached to each wellbore trajectory displayed in the three-dimensional environment, with each symbol indicating a specific event-such as one related to drilling operations or problems. A Knowledge Attachment system proves particularly useful to represent disparate data at once, in such a manner that the interdependencies between the earth model and drilling operational data are evident and correlated. Operational issues and lessons learned from prior wells are easily accessed and perceived in the context of the earth model. By understanding this information at the beginning of the well planning process, operational efficiencies may be improved.

An earth model is formed in real time during drilling of a well by incorporating up-to-the-minute knowledge derived from geology, seismic, drilling, and engineering data. The process of forming the model utilizes Logging-While-Drilling (LWD) or Measuring-While-Drilling (MWD) data directly from the drilling rig as the well is drilled. The LWD or MWD data is sent to visualization centers and compared with other data such as existing geological models, the proposed well plan and present interpretation of the subsurface stratigraphy. The results of the comparison enable experts to analyze anomalous results and update the geological model within minutes of penetration of a formation during drilling. Well drilling efficiency is improved, and an “on-the-spot” road map is provided for maximal reservoir contact and pinpoint accuracy.

A method is provided for the orthocorrection of a satellite-acquired image. This method can be applied even if ground control points are not set. Without propagation of an error throughout the image and also without needing an excessively large amount of calculations, the method makes it possible to correct ground-relief-associated distortions caused by the relief of a ground surface. According to the method, a plurality of control planes of different elevations are set relative to a control plane of a zero elevation of a reference rotating ellipsoidal earth model. A corrected image is divided into blocks by lattices of equal intervals. With respect to each of these blocks, distortion model formulas in the form of bilinear functions are determined for the respective control planes. Concerning each pixel position in the corrected image, two pixel positions in an observed image, which correspond to the elevation value of the pixel position in the block, are calculated by using distortion model formulas for two control planes which directly sandwich the value of elevation above and below the value in the corresponding block. By the value of elevation, the two pixel positions are linearly interpolated to determine the desired pixel position in the observed image.

A fast, efficient and accurate pseudo 2-D inversion scheme for resistivity determination of an anisotropic formation uses data from a tool (3DEX) comprising three transmitters and three corresponding receivers sampling the formation in a plurality of spatial directions. An initial model of the formation including invasion zones is obtained using a conventional multifrequency and / or multispacing logging tool. A pseudo 2-D inversion scheme combines an accurate full 2-D forward solution of the synthetic responses of the earth model with a 1-D approximation of the sensitivity matrix of the horizontally layered anisotropic background model. The timesaving compared to a regular 2-D inversion scheme can be tremendous. The applicability of this scheme is important in cases when borehole and near-zone effects do not allow an interpretation based on 1-D inversion. A comparison of the pseudo 2-D inversion scheme versus a full 2-D inversion using a realistic synthetic example shows that the pseudo 2-D inversion scheme performs as well as the full 2-D inversion, but in a much shorter time.