SERVICES
2D PROCESSING
3D PROCESSING
ADVANCED IMAGING
RESERVOIR SERVICES
SPECIAL SERVICES
ARCHIVAL SERVICES
Services
Tricon Geophysics, Inc. provides quality 2D and 3D seismic imaging services for the oil and gas industry. Tricon has experience in many areas including Alaska, Rocky Mountains, California, Gulf Coast, and international locations on land and marine environments.- 2D and 3D seismic imaging.
- Advanced seismic imaging services include full 2D and 3D pre-stack time
and 3D depth migration, and
amplitude variation with offset (AVO).
- Integrated reservoir services include pre-stack imaging and reservoir characterization services.
- Special processing services include Field QC, volume cuts, Trivariate analysis, and spectral decomposition.
- Data archiving and retrieval services including tape to tape copying, media transfers, and various other data services are provided through Z-Byte Data Services.
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2-D Seismic Imaging
Tricon Geophysics provides 2-D seismic imaging services for the following needs:
- Land / Marine / Transition Zone
- New acquisition
- Reprocessing existing 2-D seismic lines
- Deconvolution
- Including source signature, multi-component and band-limited deconvolution. Also includes wavelet matching.
- Static Corrections
- Interactive and automatic programs. Includes tomographic solution, least squares relaxation solution and pilot-driven solutions.
- Velocity Analysis
- Interactive analysis with horizon controls and automatic picking available.
- Multiple Suppression
- Radon Transforms, tau-p predictive decon and free surface multiple attenuation with match filter.
- Migration
- Over 30 migration options including pre and post-stack time or depth imaging.
- Signal Enhancement
- For improved imaging in poor signal to noise areas and/or complex environments. Includes FK filtering and FX predictive filtering.
- Phase matching
- Applications for mixed source signatures and mixed receivers.
3D Seismic Imaging
Tricon Geophysics, Inc. is recognized as a specialist
in 3-D volume merges, including rebinning/flex binning and trace
interpolation methods.
Tricon Geophysics provides 3-D seismic imaging services for
the following needs:
- Land / Marine / Transition Zone
- New acquisition
- Reprocessing existing 3-D seismic volumes
- Knowledgeable and experienced geophysicists
- Fast and efficient turn-around time
- Deconvolution5
- Including source signature, multi-component and band-limited deconvolution. Also includes wavelet matching.
- Static Corrections
- Interactive and automatic programs. Includes tomographic solution, least squares relaxation solution and pilot-driven solutions.
- Velocity Analysis
- Interactive analysis with horizon controls and automatic picking available.
- Multiple Suppression
- Radon Transforms, tau-p predictive decon and free surface multiple attenuation with match filter.
- Migration
- Over 30 migration options including pre and post-stack time or depth imaging.
- Signal Enhancement
- For improved imaging in poor signal to noise areas and/or complex environments. Includes FK filtering and FX predictive filtering.
- Phase matching
- Applications for mixed source signatures and mixed receivers.
- Functionality
- Utilization of Focus allows for easy integration into Paradigm Geophysical GeoDepth structural (POWER) and stratigraphic (PROBE) AVO modeling, processing and inversion packages. This integration procedure ensures the truest solutions for complex processing such as prestack depth and/or time migration.
- Productivity
- Parallel processing is available on our computer architecture. The Focus Parallel Executive features automatic partitioning of job sequences into parallel and sequential segments. This allows for a broad range of applications to be run in a rapid manner as demanded by today's 3-D volumes.
Advanced Seismic Imaging
- 2D and 3D Pre-stack migration
- 3D Pre-stack depth migration
- Amplitude variation with offset (AVO)
Pre-Stack Migration
Pre-Stack migration can be performed on 2D and 3D seismic lines and volumes in both time and depth domains.
Key Benefits
- Enhances the final image
- Improves the signal-to-noise ratio
- Minimizes raypath induced effects
- Depth migration eliminates velocity pull-ups and push-downs
Capabilities
Tricon Geophysics has full capabilities for 2D and 3D time and depth migrations. Migration algorithms are available for a variety of different geologic and geophysical settings.
Pre-stack Time Migration
Tricon uses the Tsunami Imaging Suite and the GeoDepth pre-stack time migration software package running on a 32-node, 64-cpu platform. This software has the unique capability to perform pre-stack time migrations utilizing curved ray and turning wave geometries, resulting in superior images. These images enhance the interpretation process including depth and velocity models for pre-stack depth migration.
Pre-stack Depth Migration
Tricon Geophysics utilizes three different 3D pre-stack depth migration methods. The use of a particular method depends on the seismic interpreter's goals and objectives and the geologic setting, as well as the geophysical setting.
3D Pre-Stack Depth Migration Methods
Tricon Geophysics utilizes three different 3D pre-stack depth migration methods. The use of a particular method depends on the seismic interpreter's goals and objectives and the geologic setting, as well as the geophysical setting. These methods are:
Gridded Velocity Model
The velocity model consists of interval velocity values on a xyz grid filling the entire earth volume for the 3D project volume.
No structural interpretation of the geology is used in this method. One popular method of constructing this type of model uses
residual depth move out to update vertical interval velocity functions on a grid of xy location in the project area. This is
similar to time migration velocity analysis which uses residual time move out analysis to update RMS velocity functions.
In the depth migration application, residual move out on pre-stack depth migrated gathers are analyzed to update vertical, interval velocity functions. The Deregowski method provides a common method of updating each interval velocity function. This method ignores lateral velocity changes in the analysis for each function, but the velocity volume incorporates lateral changes by interpolating a smooth velocity field using all of the vertical functions. An iterative cycle through this analysis is carried out until the pre-stack depth gathers are flat for the primary reflection events. For sufficiently slow lateral changes, this method works very well.
Development efforts are underway for tomographic correction of the gridded interval velocity field using residual depth delays from a grid of pre-stack depth migration gathers. Such a method offers the potential for better results in the presence of such rapid lateral changes in velocity that the Deregowski methods is not adequate.
Gridded Earth Velocity Model
This type of velocity model is most appropriate where the rock velocities are primarily a function of depth of burial and vary smoothly in both the vertical and horizontal directions. The Central and Western Region of the Gulf of Mexico provide good examples of this type of geology if one excludes the salt. Gridded models developed with the Deregowski method work quite well in these areas.
Geological factors
Technical Characteristics
Economic factors
In the depth migration application, residual move out on pre-stack depth migrated gathers are analyzed to update vertical, interval velocity functions. The Deregowski method provides a common method of updating each interval velocity function. This method ignores lateral velocity changes in the analysis for each function, but the velocity volume incorporates lateral changes by interpolating a smooth velocity field using all of the vertical functions. An iterative cycle through this analysis is carried out until the pre-stack depth gathers are flat for the primary reflection events. For sufficiently slow lateral changes, this method works very well.
Development efforts are underway for tomographic correction of the gridded interval velocity field using residual depth delays from a grid of pre-stack depth migration gathers. Such a method offers the potential for better results in the presence of such rapid lateral changes in velocity that the Deregowski methods is not adequate.
Gridded Earth Velocity Model
This type of velocity model is most appropriate where the rock velocities are primarily a function of depth of burial and vary smoothly in both the vertical and horizontal directions. The Central and Western Region of the Gulf of Mexico provide good examples of this type of geology if one excludes the salt. Gridded models developed with the Deregowski method work quite well in these areas.
Geological factors
- velocity determined primarily by depth of burial
- Smooth changes in velocity both laterally and vertically
- structural complexity not a factor for velocity field
Technical Characteristics
- structural interpretation not required for model
- pre-stack depth migration for grid of depth gathers at each iteration
- iteration of steps until depth gathers are flat
Economic factors
- requires a medium use of computer resources at each iteration since 1% +/- of a full volume pre-stack depth migration is required at each iteration
- requires a medium commitment of people resources since the seismic analysis does not require a structural interpretation and the process usually converges with a few iterations
- requires high level of processing skill sets for all steps, but interpretation skills may only be needed occasionally
Layered Earth Model Velocity Model
The 3D velocity model consists of a parameterized, interval velocity within a structural model derived from a structural
interpretation of the volumes. The parameterized velocity within each layer of the model is most commonly described as either
constant interval velocity or a Vo+kz function at each x-y location. This parameterized velocity field for each layer can vary
in the horizontal direction.
To update the velocity field, pre-stack depth gathers are generated for a set of target lines over the project area. Residual depth delays at horizon boundaries for all layers are extracted from the pre-stack gathers along each target line. These delays drive the analysis. Both Deregowski and tomographic analysis methods are available for updating the velocity fields. With good seismic volumes and a good current velocity/structural mode, the tomographic method can be used to update the entire model at once. Iteration of this analysis continues until the pre-stack depth gathers are flat for the horizon events and the model boundaries fit the seismic events.
For very complex structures and/or poor seismic volumes, it is often necessary to develop the model from the top down (layer stripping) through the difficult areas, after which one may revert back to the whole model tomography approach. The Deregowski adjustment may also have to be used in lieu of tomography in these cases. Tomography honors the lateral changes in velocity, while the Deregowski method does not honor lateral changes at each xy location. Lateral changes are accommodated for the Deregowski method through interpolation of the velocity field throughout the volume using all of the delay analysis results. Again, iteration of this analysis continues until the pre-stack depth gathers are flat for the horizon events and the model boundaries fit the seismic events.
Layered Earth Velocity Model
This type of velocity model is most appropriate when interval velocity is strongly formation (lithology) dependent and where the complexity of the structure causes sharp lateral velocity changes. The Rocky Mountain Thrustbelt provides a good example of this type of geology.
Geological factors
Technical Characteristics
Economic factors
To update the velocity field, pre-stack depth gathers are generated for a set of target lines over the project area. Residual depth delays at horizon boundaries for all layers are extracted from the pre-stack gathers along each target line. These delays drive the analysis. Both Deregowski and tomographic analysis methods are available for updating the velocity fields. With good seismic volumes and a good current velocity/structural mode, the tomographic method can be used to update the entire model at once. Iteration of this analysis continues until the pre-stack depth gathers are flat for the horizon events and the model boundaries fit the seismic events.
For very complex structures and/or poor seismic volumes, it is often necessary to develop the model from the top down (layer stripping) through the difficult areas, after which one may revert back to the whole model tomography approach. The Deregowski adjustment may also have to be used in lieu of tomography in these cases. Tomography honors the lateral changes in velocity, while the Deregowski method does not honor lateral changes at each xy location. Lateral changes are accommodated for the Deregowski method through interpolation of the velocity field throughout the volume using all of the delay analysis results. Again, iteration of this analysis continues until the pre-stack depth gathers are flat for the horizon events and the model boundaries fit the seismic events.
Layered Earth Velocity Model
This type of velocity model is most appropriate when interval velocity is strongly formation (lithology) dependent and where the complexity of the structure causes sharp lateral velocity changes. The Rocky Mountain Thrustbelt provides a good example of this type of geology.
Geological factors
- velocity determined primarily by formation or lithology
- sharp changes in velocity both laterally and vertically
- geological structure strongly affects velocity
Technical Characteristics
- structural interpretation required for model
- pre-stack depth migration for set of target lines at each iteration
- iteration of steps until depth gathers are flat and model horizons fit seismic interpretation
- tomographic analysis of depth delays to update velocity model
- may require layer stripping through most complex zones
- many iteration required for complex areas
Economic factors
- requires a high use of computer resources at each iteration since 5% to 20% of a full volume pre-stack depth migration is required at each iteration
- requires high commitment of people resources since a structural interpretation and geophysical analysis of the seismic volumes must be made at each iteration and many iterations may be necessary
- requires a high level of both interpretation and processing skill sets for all steps
Combined Gridded and Layered Earth Velocity Model
Some geological settings call for a combination of these typed of models for depth imaging. A good
example is sub-salt imaging
for the Gulf of Mexico. A gridded earth model works well for the sediments above and below the salt. In fact, a gridded velocity
model is preferred to a layered velocity model for these sediments. A layered model with a V or Vo+kz parameterization for each xy
point in each layer forces the velocity model to have sharp breaks at horizon boundaries. This form does not fit the smooth vertical
variations in the earth velocity field, and this can cause errors in the ray tracing used in the analysis of move out. At the same time,
the abrupt large velocity change from the sand/shale section to the salt requires a model that reflects this in order to accurately image
beneath the salt. Thus, a structural model of the salt is embedded in the gridded sediment model. The gridded method is used to develop
the velocity model down to the top of salt. Then an interpretation for top of salt provides an accurate structural model for the top of
salt. The model is extended below the top of slat by "flooding" the model with "salt" velocity. The layered earth method is then used to
develop the base of salt model and final salt velocity model. Beneath the salt, a gridded or layered earth method can then be used as
appropriate for the geology and the seismic volume.
Other imaging problems also might benefit from hybrid combinations. Fault shadow problem provide an candidate when the velocity varies sharply across major growth faults, but the sediment velocities within each fault block are smooth, slowly varying functions of x, y, and z.
Other imaging problems also might benefit from hybrid combinations. Fault shadow problem provide an candidate when the velocity varies sharply across major growth faults, but the sediment velocities within each fault block are smooth, slowly varying functions of x, y, and z.
Amplitude variation with offset (AVO)
Tricon Geophysics has Hampson-Russell's avoproc for performing AVO analysis.
Integrated Reservoir Services
Leveraging on our strength of high fidelity, true amplitude pre-stack imaging, Tricon’s Reservoir Services Group now offers the following quality services:
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Tricon’s seismic driven reservoir characterization studies address a broad range of E&P objectives, from improved prospect identification and delineation, through detailed reservoir property determination for field development.
For more information on Tricon’s Integrated Reservoir Services, please contact:
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Tricon Geophysics, Inc. 10111 Richmond Ave Suite 230 Houston, Texas 77042 713-532-5006 voice 713-532-5076 fax |
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Special Services
Tricon Geophysics provides special services for:- Field QC - Tricon Geophysics has the latest in portable seismic processing systems for both marine and
land acquisition programs. This system and support team can be deployed for field QC during the acquisition phase.
- Volume Cuts - Tricon Geophysics has developed in-house software to provide our clients with volume cuts for delivery
to client's partners or for permit requirements. This software has the capability to build halos around lease holdings using
rounded or square corners. Leasehold boundaries can be imported direct from DXF files.
- Tri-variate Analysis - The Trivariate Analysis (TVA) method provides a unique statistical technique that is extremely
sensitive to seismic waveform variations. Trivariate Analysis - U.S. Patent #5,995,446.
- Spectcon Spectral decomposition - Tricon Geophysics provides Spectcon, a spectral analysis tool using the Discrete
Fourier Transform (DFT) to aid in the detection of frequency tuning effects in target zones. This technique can be effective in
stratigraphic plays by emphasizing potential stratigraphic traps. Spectcon can be very effective at emphasizing faulted zones.
- XFreq (High frequency extraction) - XFreq (pronounced ex-freek) is Tricon Geophysics' process for using cascading dipole filtering
to enhance the frequency content of coherent signal within seismic lines and volumes without raising the white noise levels. For
technical background on this subject see "Cascaded Dipole Filters: Extending the Limits of Seismic Resolution" by Colson and
Nautiyal (1996). A dipole filter has a normalized amplitude response of 0 at 0 Hz and 1 at the Nyquist frequency.
The XFreq process applies multiple iterations of a cascaded dipole filter to the input and the output results in a dataset containing a dominant frequency content that is shifted higher.
XFreq process also includes the conditioning of the input prior to applying the dipole filter.
References:
Colson, Penny B. and Nautiyal, Atul, 1996. Cascaded Dipole Filters: Extending the Limits of Seismic Resolution, CSEG Recorder, October 1996, 8-19.
Data Archival and Retrieval Services
Data archiving and retrieval services including tape to tape copying, media transfers, and various other data services are provided through Z-Byte Data Services.Z-byte Data Services, Inc. offers data management and tape copying services utilizing the latest in high speed hardware platforms and application software.
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