Sponsor: 3DGeo Development

• Project duration: 10/1/2004 - 9/30/2006
• Total project (est.): $2,555,000
• Requested ATP funds: $1,930,000

Oil and gas exploration has benefited greatly from the development of 3-D seismic imaging, which (along with horizontal drilling) is one of the principal factors in reducing the overall costs of exploration, holding down energy costs, and allowing the U.S. to reduce dependence on foreign sources. Seismic imaging detects the presence and contours of geological features deep underground, including potential oil and gas deposits, by analyzing the echoes of sound waves sent through the earth. Given the correct acoustic propagation velocity for seismic waves in the earth's subsurface, a mathematical technique called wave-equation migration imaging can produce the highest resolution and most accurate images possible of the planet's interior. However, determining the correct acoustic propagation velocity is an expensive, time-consuming, labor-intensive process that can take months as human experts scan the seismic data to identify key reflection points and refine them iteratively. In addition, the calculations to determine wave velocity from this data today are not done using the wave-equation model, but rather a computationally less expensive and less accurate mathematical method called ray tracing. 3DGeo Development, a small company that has pioneered wave-equation migration imaging, proposes to build on recent theoretical advances at Stanford University and 3DGeo to develop improved algorithms and computational techniques to attack both of these limitations. A new automated data analysis technique will be implemented to dramatically reduce human expert time required in initial propagation velocity calculations, and an improved technique to model migration velocity will be developed using the actual wave equation in lieu of ray tracing. Key to the success of the project will be the implementation of fast and efficient new algorithms for solving the wave equation, a process normally so computational intensive as to make it impractical to attempt the required iterative solutions. If successful the project will significantly improve both the timeliness and accuracy of wave-equation migration imaging, in turn greatly reducing the risk associated with new oil and gas exploration in extremely complicated geological conditions, such as those below salt layers in the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This will lead to increased discoveries, increased U.S. oil reserves, and reduced dependence on foreign oil. 3DGeo has been unable to secure outside funding for this effort because the proposed approach is very new and considered high-risk. ATP support will allow the company to accelerate the project by an estimated five years.

For project information:

Dimitri Bevc, (408) 450-7840 x102
dimitri@3dgeo.com

ATP Project Manager

Jack Boudreaux, 301-975-3560
jack.boudreaux@nist.gov

This is the fact sheet for this project as it was announced on September 28, 2004.
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