N066 An Objective Approach to Seismic Processing
N066 An Objective Approach to Seismic Processing
This course covers fundamental issues and linkages involved in acquiring and processing seismic data. The course focuses on the questions that seismic interpreters need to ask to determine whether, and how, to re-acquire or re-process existing seismic data. Participants will interactively process real data from field records to migration and will gain an understanding of the latest techniques and how to apply them effectively and efficiently to meet their objectives.
This course is applicable to all parts of the E&P life cycle where new seismic data is required to image, or better image, the subsurface.
This is a five-day classroom course. It consists of lectures and interactive exercises illustrating the basic theory and techniques discussed. The purpose of this course is to teach fundamentals rather than a particular software suite. To this end, the participants will use a specially developed series of web-based software modules to experience the processing options available and learn how to combine the basic tools together to build a flow which meets objectives.
Participants will learn how to:
Seismic technology is changing continuously in the drive towards better imaging and better amplitude preservation but of course turnaround should be quicker and at lower cost.
The course is divided into two main themes which are not extensively covered in the geophysical literature. Following an overview of relevant theory, the first part addresses in a non-prescriptive way the type of questions geoscientists have to answer to meet objectives. A set of geophysical tools and rules are provided to help assess the quality and value of seismic data in a given area. We then use the methodology to assess the benefits (and costs) of re-processing and re-acquisition using the latest technologies. Seismic modelling provides a central theme to the methodology.
The second main aim of the course is to provide a demonstration of current geophysical and processing techniques that can be applied to seismic data. From a basic knowledge of seismic processing, the attendees will be given an overview of standard practice, and then for each method we will introduce the basic theory (with few equations), parameterisation, benefits, limitations, pitfalls and likely value. Where possible we will focus on the applications of the techniques using real examples and common terminology. The whole processing sequence is extensively covered, including data preparation for land and marine data, noise and multiple suppression, velocity analysis and model building, statics, time and depth imaging including anisotropy and issues affecting resolution. Interactive processing, using land and marine synthetic and real data examples, is provided throughout the course presentation to enable the attendees to grasp the importance of key parameters. We will also cover the generation of specialised outputs used in quantitative interpretation including AVO and inversion volumes.
Day 1: Workstation Based Workflow: Objective Setting
Day 2: Basic Building Blocks
Technical Aspects of Survey Design
Signal Processing Workflow
Day 3: Noise and Multiple Suppression Workflow
Day 4: Imaging Workflow Including Velocity Model Building
Day 5: Land Processing Workflow
Amplitude and Amplitude Extraction Workflows
Conclusions and Recap
This course is aimed towards geoscientists seeking an overview of new geophysical techniques and processing methods. A geophysics refresher is provided, but participants should have a basic knowledge of seismic acquisition and processing terminology.
A geophysics refresher is provided, but participants should have a basic knowledge of seismic acquisition and processing principles and terminology.
Course N080 (Geophysics for Sub-Surface Professionals) or N085 (Introduction to Seismic Interpretation) provide a suitable introduction for those unfamiliar with the basic concepts.
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Background
Rob established Tonnta-Energy Limited in 2008 - a Dublin based company concentrating on seismic processing, seismic modelling, seismic survey design and specialized seismic processing including research, training and independent peer review. Basic and advanced seismic processing courses using specially developed web-based processing technology for data analysis have been given to over 800 industry based geoscientists worldwide.
Between 2015 and 2018 Rob worked for PETRONAS in a value assurance role overseeing all aspects of research geophysics from exploration through to monitoring, including technical adviser for high-performance computing within PETRONAS and member of most senior exploration technical team approving international and domestic well locations, acreage acquisitions and relinquishments.
Rob has extensive experience of seismic acquisition and processing from North Sea (UK, Norway, Denmark), West of Shetland & Faroes, Ireland, Poland, Algeria, West Africa, Central Africa, Mexico, South Atlantic, Brasil, Suriname, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia, Indonesia and Vietnam.
Rob has a background in both industry and academia. He worked with Amerada Hess between 1990 to 2001, where he helped establish and eventually ran the geophysical operations group in London working with the research centre in Houston. In 2003, Rob formed and co-led a research program on seismic reflection processing and interpretation funded by the oil industry within the Geology Department at Trinity College, Dublin. This program investigated the Irish continental shelf, publishing more than 20 articles with 7 Ph.D. students and Hardy is still involved in current collaborations and research in Ireland.
His research interests include reflection seismic acquisition, signal and image processing and modelling including determination and visualization of uncertainty due to seismic processing technologies. Hardy has publications on multiple suppression, velocity model sensitivity, imaging beneath complex topography and imaging and positioning of faults on seismic data.
Affiliations and Accreditation
PhD Cambridge University, England - Marine Geophysics
BSc Durham University, England - Geology and Geophysics
Memberships: SEG, EAGE, PESGB, SEAPEX
Courses Taught
N066: An Objective Approach to Seismic Acquisition, Processing and Reprocessing
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