June 10, 2021 “Luncheon” Webinar – Scott Boyer

TrueDepth Prestack Depth Migration:  an Essential Tool for Mitigating Drilling Risk

Scott Boyer, GTSeis, Alvkarleby, Sweeden

Abstract:

The utilization of non-seismic data in the structural imaging arena has been shifting its importance from an afterthought to an essentially a priori ingredient. The necessity to image complex subsurface structures that are at the right depth, at the correct geographical location and with the correct geometry and topology has become paramount for a successful business model that combines drilling, geosteering, completion, fracking and re-fracking, as well as production and EOR efforts.

This article can be thought of as an update and continuation on our 2013 First Break publication (Stein et al 2013) that introduced the concept of TrueDepth.

Here we will describe the new developments in the technology suite, primarily spawned by our experiences processing many several surveys around the world that pointed to some shortcomings in the original ideas and implementation. Particularly important has been the development of a new workflow that increases the efficiency and robustness of the techniques. The new workflow incorporates several new pieces of technology making the resulting images more accurate. The new technologies include a global delta anisotropy tool, a tomography capable of inverting for velocity and anisotropy, and 3D QC visualization techniques.

We fill finish the article by demonstrating the value of the new workflow and technologies by applying them to a real case history.

Scott Boyer is the Manager of Geophysical Depth Imaging and Development of GT Seis, currently located in the Sweden office.  Prior to working at GTSeis he held the Position of Senior Geophysical Processing Analyst Worldwide at Geokinetics/SAExploration in Sweden, and Geotrace Technologies in Houston, starting his career in processing at Ensign Geophysics in Houston, TX.