Multi-crosswell profile 3D imaging and method

Patent · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 2002

OSTI ID:874439

Washbourne, John K ^[1]; Bube, Kenneth P ^[2]

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1. Houston, TX
2. Seattle, WA

Characterizing the value of a particular property, for example, seismic velocity, of a subsurface region of ground is described. In one aspect, the value of the particular property is represented using at least one continuous analytic function such as a Chebychev polynomial. The seismic data may include data derived from at least one crosswell dataset for the subsurface region of interest and may also include other data. In either instance, data may simultaneously be used from a first crosswell dataset in conjunction with one or more other crosswell datasets and/or with the other data. In another aspect, the value of the property is characterized in three dimensions throughout the region of interest using crosswell and/or other data. In still another aspect, crosswell datasets for highly deviated or horizontal boreholes are inherently useful. The method is performed, in part, by fitting a set of vertically spaced layer boundaries, represented by an analytic function such as a Chebychev polynomial, within and across the region encompassing the boreholes such that a series of layers is defined between the layer boundaries. Initial values of the particular property are then established between the layer boundaries and across the subterranean region using a series of continuous analytic functions. The continuous analytic functions are then adjusted to more closely match the value of the particular property across the subterranean region of ground to determine the value of the particular property for any selected point within the region.

• Research Organization: TomoSeis Inc., Houston, TX (United States)
• DOE Contract Number: FG02-94ER86019
• Assignee: TomoSeis, Inc. (Houston, TX)
• Patent Number(s): US 6388947
• OSTI ID: 874439
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

multi-crosswell
profile
3d
imaging
method
characterizing
value
property
example
seismic
velocity
subsurface
region
ground
described
aspect
represented
continuous
analytic
function
chebychev
polynomial
data
derived
crosswell
dataset
instance
simultaneously
conjunction
datasets
andor
characterized
dimensions
throughout
highly
deviated
horizontal
boreholes
inherently
useful
performed
fitting
set
vertically
spaced
layer
boundaries
encompassing
series
layers
defined
initial
values
established
subterranean
functions
adjusted
closely
match
determine
selected
surface region
subsurface region
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