17935475. SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTER-WELLBORE MONITORING simplified abstract (Saudi Arabian Oil Company)

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SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTER-WELLBORE MONITORING

Organization Name

Saudi Arabian Oil Company

Inventor(s)

Ali Aldawood of Safwa (SA)

Andrey Bakulin of Dhahran (SA)

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTER-WELLBORE MONITORING - A simplified explanation of the abstract

This abstract first appeared for US patent application 17935475 titled 'SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTER-WELLBORE MONITORING

Simplified Explanation

The method described in the patent application involves using seismic data obtained from optical fibers in two different wellbores to create a virtual seismic dataset for an inter-wellbore region of interest. This virtual dataset is then used to determine a seismic velocity model for the region through seismic inversion.

  • Seismic data is collected from two different wellbores using optical fibers.
  • Seismic interferometry is applied to the collected data to create a virtual seismic dataset.
  • Seismic inversion is then used to determine a seismic velocity model for the inter-wellbore region of interest.

Potential Applications

The technology described in the patent application could be applied in various industries such as oil and gas exploration, geothermal energy exploration, and underground storage monitoring.

Problems Solved

This technology helps in accurately determining seismic velocity models for inter-wellbore regions, which is crucial for understanding subsurface structures and making informed decisions in resource exploration and monitoring activities.

Benefits

The use of optical fibers in collecting seismic data provides a cost-effective and efficient way to gather information about subsurface structures. The virtual seismic dataset created through seismic interferometry allows for detailed analysis and modeling of the inter-wellbore region.

Potential Commercial Applications

One potential commercial application of this technology could be in the oil and gas industry for optimizing well placement and reservoir characterization. Another application could be in geothermal energy exploration for identifying suitable locations for geothermal reservoirs.

Possible Prior Art

One possible prior art for this technology could be the use of seismic interferometry and inversion techniques in seismic data processing for subsurface imaging and modeling. Additionally, the use of optical fibers for collecting seismic data in wellbores may have been previously explored in the field of geophysics.

Unanswered Questions

How does the accuracy of the seismic velocity model determined through this method compare to traditional seismic imaging techniques?

The patent application does not provide information on the comparative accuracy of the seismic velocity model obtained using this method versus other conventional methods.

What are the limitations or challenges associated with implementing this technology in different geological settings?

The patent application does not address any potential limitations or challenges that may arise when applying this technology in diverse geological environments.


Original Abstract Submitted

Systems and methods are disclosed. The method includes obtaining a first seismic dataset generated by a passive seismic source at a first epoch for an inter-wellbore region of interest lying between a first wellbore and a second wellbore. The first seismic dataset includes a first plurality of seismic traces recorded by a first optical fiber in the first wellbore and a second plurality of seismic traces recorded by a second optical fiber in the second wellbore. The method further includes determining a first virtual seismic dataset by applying seismic interferometry to the first seismic dataset. The method still further includes determining a first seismic velocity model for the inter-wellbore region of interest by applying seismic inversion to the first virtual seismic dataset.