Wave Imaging Technology Inc.

The offset Vertical Seismic Profile (VSP) is an extremely powerful subsurface exploration tool, which is under-utilized in many regions. Put simply, a VSP may illuminate the subsurface in ways which are simply impossible with surface reflection data. In the example shown to the right (»»), a two-well VSP program yields an accurate subsalt image because energy does not have to pass through salt twice. With a VSP, you may be able to "undershoot" salt or other velocity features like shallow volcanics that hamper surface reflection data.

WIT Inc. has the capability to efficiently and effectively image 3D offset VSP data in "lookahead" mode, using our 3D Wave Equation Shot Record Migration. VSP imaging can be thought of simply as imaging from a topographic datum, albeit one where the source and receiver planes are roughly orthogonal.

Once the rig has stopped to acquire the VSP, the timetable to process and interpret the VSP image is critically short. Thus, any time spent in preparation of VSP acquisition can reduce turnaround time and improve the results. Our 3D Acoustic Wavefield Simulation algorithm can perform wave modeleling of a VSP prior to acquisition, helping processors to understand head waves and multiples that may lead to spurious interpretations when the real VSP is acquired. By migrating the simulated data, you can decide on which VSP geometry gives the best illumination, and perhaps decide that the VSP is not worth the expense.

The offset Vertical Seismic Profile (VSP) is an extremely powerful subsurface exploration tool, which is under-utilized in many regions. Put simply, a VSP may illuminate the subsurface in ways which are simply impossible with surface reflection data. In the example shown to the right (»»), a two-well VSP program yields an accurate subsalt image because energy does not have to pass through salt twice. With a VSP, you may be able to "undershoot" salt or other velocity features like shallow volcanics that hamper surface reflection data. WIT Inc. has the capability to efficiently and effectively image 3D offset VSP data in "lookahead" mode, using our 3D Wave Equation Shot Record Migration. VSP imaging can be thought of simply as imaging from a topographic datum, albeit one where the source and receiver planes are roughly orthogonal. Once the rig has stopped to acquire the VSP, the timetable to process and interpret the VSP image is critically short. Thus, any time spent in preparation of VSP acquisition can reduce turnaround time and improve the results. Our 3D Acoustic Wavefield Simulation algorithm can perform wave modeleling of a VSP prior to acquisition, helping processors to understand head waves and multiples that may lead to spurious interpretations when the real VSP is acquired. By migrating the simulated data, you can decide on which VSP geometry gives the best illumination, and perhaps decide that the VSP is not worth the expense.
Interested in seeing case studies of WIT's VSP simulation and imaging technology? Take a look an example from the Covenant Field in Utah, where a shallow volcanic layer inhibits surface reflection seismic imaging, but a VSP effectively "undershoots" the volcanics, leaving a quality image of the steeply dipping trap structure.
Not happy with your seismic status quo? Contact us today for a quote.