1666 ProMAX® Reference

ProMAX® 4D
This document contains an overview and the helpfiles
associated with the ProMAX® 4D Macros and 4D processes.

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Overview1667 ProMAX® Reference

Overview

4D seismic technology uses multiple 3D seismic surveys,

acquired over time, to monitor fluid flow and pressure
changes in oil and gas reservoirs. Application of 4D seismic
technology enables E&P companies to monitor reservoirs and
help them identify bypassed reserves. Leveraging 4D to
improve reservoir management decisions will optimize the
return on an oil-producing asset.

The ProMAX® 4D software allows users working with time-

lapse seismic to remove the non-geologic differences between
successive surveys. This will highlight the changes in the
seismic due to production of the reservoir. The result is a
better understanding of changes in the reservoir as fluids are
produced, which can support better reservoir management
decisions.

Removes Differences

Successive seismic surveys always have differences in the

seismic due to effects that are unrelated to the rocks and
fluids within the reservoir. In many cases, the surveys were
not designed for time-lapse, and have very different recording
parameters and orientation. Even when successive surveys
were designed for time-lapse, there can be differences in data
collection such as actual recording layout, collection noise,
seasonal changes, and tidal variations. There may also be
differences due to previous processing that can mask the
changes in the reservoir, including velocities, statics,
processing parameters and algorithms. The ProMAX® 4D
software gives you the tools to remove these differences
between seismic data volumes.

Easy-to-follow workflows, macros, and documentation

The normal workflow consists of orienting and aligning

successive surveys and matching the seismic signal
character to remove structural differences. These normally
tedious and time consuming tasks are made simple and easy
with the ProMAX® 4D system, which provides easy-to-follow
workflows, macros, utilities and documentation to guide you
through the task of preconditioning and calibrating time-
lapse surveys to each other.

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Overview1668 ProMAX® Reference

Cross equalization technology

Cross-equalization consists of special image processing

techniques applied to two or more time-lapse seismic data
cubes. The algorithms are designed to minimize image
differences caused by imperfectly repeated seismic
acquisition and data processing of the repeat surveys. The
goal of cross-equalization is to enhance the repeatability of
time-lapse images to make image differences more
meaningful and interpretable in terms of reservoir fluid flow.

If significant reservoir changes have occurred due to

production fluid flow in the time interval between repeat
seismic surveys, then real seismic image differences may be
seen within the reservoir zone. However, after standard
processing, image differences are often visible throughout the
entire cube, including the non-reservoir zone where ideally
the earth should not have changed. In this case, where image
differences are seen both inside and outside the reservoir, it
is doubtful that these image differences can be meaningfully
interpreted. The reason that time-lapse survey images may
exhibit this undesirable difference noise is due to an inability
to repeat the exact same seismic survey each time, or to
process the seismic data in exactly the same repeatable
manner. This phenomenon is called non-repeatable noise.

Some common reasons for non-repeatable noise due to

survey-to-survey acquisition include:
• Different acquisition geometry (grid orientation, bin
sizes, offset-azimuths)
• Different source waveform or shooting direction
• Different receiver hardware or deployment method
• Positioning errors for source and receiver locations,
including cable feather
• Different acquisition crew and equipment
• Changing near-surface conditions (weather, water table,
tides, ambient noise)

Some common reasons for non-repeatable noise due to

survey-to-survey data processing include:
• Different processing contractors and algorithm imple-
mentations

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Overview1669 ProMAX® Reference

• Inaccuracies in processing navigation data and defining

geometry
• Use of data-dependent processing operators
• Differences in processing flows
• Differences in processing input data (such as velocity
models, statics time picks)
• Advances in seismic processing methods

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Macros and 4D Processes1670 ProMAX® Reference

Macros and 4D Processes

The ProMAX® 4D processing package contains processes and

macros. We have included the macros for better usability of
the 4D processes. The processes require different input
sorting order. Although we have documented the sorting
requirements, the macros are more efficient in inputting data
in proper order.

Running standalone

The 4D macros provide all the required functionality to run

and meet the input sort requirements of the individual
processes. The processes can be run in a standalone
environment. However, it is rarely done except for specific
testing and debugging.

Processes to Macro Mapping

For a better understanding of the macros, the following table

lists the macro, its description, and processes associated
with it:

Preprocessing macros

Macro Processes

4D PostStack Geometry Macro* puts Disk Data Input

multiple poststack 3D seismic volumes onto 3D Poststack Geometry
the same inline, crossline, and 3D CDP Trace Header Math
number grid for 4D processing. Disk Data Output

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Macros and 4D Processes1671 ProMAX® Reference

Preprocessing macros

Macro Processes

4D Preprocessing Macro* establishes Disk Data Input

processing trace length, mutes, setting statics Trace Kill / Reverse
header words to safe zero values, roughly Header Statics
gaining the data, and setting header values Trace Length
4D Trace Utility
Database / Header Transfer
First Break Picking
Find Mask
Mask Union
Apply Mask
Automatic Gain Control
Trace Equalization
Trace Header Math
Disk Data Output

4D CDP Intersect Macro* performs the Disk Data Input

spatial cross equalization of the two input Disk Data Insert
volumes and passes only the traces that are in Trace Header Math
common between the two volumes. Database / Header Transfer
CDP Intersection
Disk Data Output

4D Time Intersection Macro performs the Disk Data Input

temporal (or time) cross equalization of the Find Mask
two input volumes and passes only the traces Time Mask Union
that are in common between the two Apply Mask
volumes. Trace Length
Trace Header Math
Disk Data Output

4D Pad after CDP/Time Intersect Macro Disk Data Input

ensures that each line of the intersected Pad Traces
volumes have the same number of CDPs (or Trace Header Math
traces). Disk Data Output

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Macros and 4D Processes1672 ProMAX® Reference

Processing, Cross Equalization, and Inversion Macros

Macro Processes

4D Amplitude Envelope Macro performs Disk Data Input

one of the amplitude cross equalization Envelope
options. Smooth XY
Cube Math
Trace Header Math
Disk Data Output

4D Frequency Balance Macro ensures that Disk Data Input

both datasets share a common amplitude Disk Data Insert
spectrum Frequency Balance
Trace Length
Trace Header Math
Disk Data Output

4D Global Shift Macro* computes and Disk Data Input

applies the global inline, crossline, time and Disk Data Insert
phase shifts that best align two datasets. This 4D Compute Global Shifts
process is generally run early in the 4D Disk Data Input
processing sequence as a very long 4D Apply Global Shifts
wavelength partial solution. It can take time Trace Header Math
to run. Disk Data Output

4D Differential Statics Macro computes Disk Data Input

and applies the trace-by-trace time shifts that Disk Data Insert
best align two datasets. Trace Length
4D Differential Statics
Trace Header Math
Disk Data Output

4D Phase Independent Statics Macro* Disk Data Input

computes and applies the trace-by-trace time Disk Data Insert
shifts that best align two datasets. The Trace Length
method used is insensitive to phase 4D Phase Independent Statics
differences and completely independent of Trace Header Math
constant phase rotations. Disk Data Output

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Macros and 4D Processes1673 ProMAX® Reference

Processing, Cross Equalization, and Inversion Macros

Macro Processes

4D Correlation Statics Macro* calculates a Disk Data Input

static correction in a trace by trace mode and Disk Data Insert
stores those values in the database. This Cross Correlation
macro uses a cross correlation procedure in Database / Header Transfer
to compute the statics. Header Statics
Apply Fractional Statics
Trace Header Math
Disk Data Output

4D Differential Phase Macro computes and Disk Data Input

applies the trace-by-trace phase shifts that Disk Data Insert
best align two datasets. 4D Differential Phase Rotation
Trace Length
Trace Header Math
Disk Data Output

4D Phase Match Macro* calculates the Disk Data Input

optimal phase rotation in a trace by trace Disk Data Insert
mode and stores those values in the database. Trace Math
It uses Derive Match Filter in a phase only Remove Pad Traces
mode to compute the phase; a Weiner filter is Derive Match Filter
used. Database / Header Transfer
Phase Rotation
Trace Header Math
Disk Data Output

4D Global Gain Macro* computes and Disk Data Input

applies a single global gain that minimizes Disk Data Insert
the amplitude differences between two 4D Compute Global Gain
datasets. This process is generally run as a Disk Data Input
fine-tuning step very late in the 4D 4D Apply Global Gain
processing sequence. Trace Header Math
Disk Data Output

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Macros and 4D Processes1674 ProMAX® Reference

Differencing Macros

Macros Processes

4D Variable Gain Macro* corrects one data Disk Data Input

volume to match another data volume in Disk Data Insert
amplitude. This is a time invariant, but Variable Gain
potentially space variant solution. That is, Trace Header Math
the options exist to generate varying Disk Data Output
correctional values over the volume. This
process is generally run as a fine tuning step
very late in the processing sequence.

4D Moving Window Matched Filter* Disk Data Input

calculates and applies a set of match filters Disk Data Insert
that convert the dataset to change into a best 4D Moving Window Matched Filter
match to the control dataset. The filters are Trace Header Math
constant in time, but vary in space. This Disk Data Output
process can be run at different spots in the
4D processing sequence.

4D Smoothed Correlation Match Filter Disk Data Input

Macro* generates the Cross and Auto Disk Data Insert
correlations, runs them through a 3D mix Trace Math
operation (2x2d) and then computes the Trace Header Math
match filters and applies them. The match Cross Correlation
filters force the phase and amplitude Trace Header Math
characteristics of one dataset to match those Smooth XY
of another. Remove Pad Traces
Design Match Filter
Filter Application
Disk Data Output
Delete ProMAX® Dataset

4D Time Variant Stretch Macro* Disk Data Input

computes and applies on a trace-by-trace Disk Data Insert
basis the time-variant stretch that best aligns 4DTime Variant Stretch
two datasets. Trace Header Math
Disk Data Output

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Macros and 4D Processes1675 ProMAX® Reference

Differencing Macros

Macros Processes

4D Warp Macro computes and applies Disk Data Input

warp vectors that are spatially-dependent Disk Data Insert
shifts. These shifts correct one data volume 4D Compute Warp
to match another data volume. 4D Apply Warp
Trace Header Math
Disk Data Output

4D Volume Similarity Macro* Disk Data Input

computes the variance, correlation or Disk Data Insert
semblance between two datasets and outputs 4D Volume Similarity
either the time shifts that produce the best Trace Header Math
values or the values themselves. Disk Data Output

4D Difference Macro* takes the difference Disk Data Input

between the two input datasets (Second Disk Data Insert
Input minus First Input). Cube Math
Trace Header Math
Disk Data Output

4D Volume Comparison Macro* is a utility Disk Data Input

macro used to generate comparison displays Disk Data Insert
of a series of inlines or crosslines from Inline Sort
several data volumes. Trace Display

4D Input Macro* is a utility macro that is Disk Data Input

used when running the processes in a Disk Data Insert
standalone manner.

4D Cube Math Macro provides general Disk Data Input

arithmetic operations between two stack Disk Data Insert
cubes. Cube Math
Trace Header Math
Disk Data Output

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Macros and 4D Processes1676 ProMAX® Reference

Utility Processes

Utility Function

4D Trace Utilities This utility performs a variety of utility

function used in 4D macros and flows. The
functions are very specialized and are
probably not of much use outside of 4D.

Delete ProMAX® Dataset* This utility is inserted in a flow to delete a

ProMAX® dataset. It is used by some of the
ProMAX® 4D macros to delete temporary
datasets needed during the processing
sequence of the macro.

Database Smooth This utility offers a variety of smoothing and

despiking options that can be applied to
attributes stored in the ProMAX® database.

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Workflows1677 ProMAX® Reference

Workflows

The first section describes a basic workflow. It is followed by

a description of the 4D processing sequence.

Basic Workflow
Landmark suggests running the following workflow the first
time you run the ProMAX® 4D software.

Preprocessing Macros
4D PostStack Geometry Macro

4D Preprocessing Macro

4D CDP Intersect Macro

4D CDP Time Intersection Macro

4D Pad after CDP Macro (Only needed for Macros requiring ILINE_NO
ensemble. Landmark suggests including this macro in your flow.)

Processing / Cross Equalization / Inversion Macros

4D Amplitude Envelope XEQ Macro

4D Frequency Balance Macro

4D Compute/Apply Global Shifts Macro

4D Statics Macro/Time Variant Stretch Macro

4D Differential Phase Macro

4D Scalar Gain Macro/4D Variable Gain Macro

4D Moving Window Match Filter

Differencing Macros (used throughout for comparison)

4D Difference Macro

4D Input Macro

4D Cube Math Macro

Workflow Rules
You must run the following macros as required prior to
running any of the geophysical processes.

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Workflows1678 ProMAX® Reference

• You must run 4D PostStack Geometry Macro with the

same parameters for both cubes making sure the num-
bers are same.
• You must run 4D Preprocessing Macro because it cre-
ates certain header words that other tools depend on.
• You must run 4D CDP Intersection Macro and 4D
Time Intersect Macro because they create the LIN data-
base used for ILINE and XLINE ranges for many of the
tools.
• You must run 4D Pad after CDP/Time Intersect Macro
before 4D Moving Window Match Filter Macro, 4D
Variable Gain Macro, or Smooth XY.

4D Workflow Description
The 4D workflow is divided into four major stages:
• Preprocessing
• Processing / Cross Equalization / Inversion
• Differencing
• Interpretation using other Landmark products

Preprocessing Stage

The first stage is preprocessing. It ensures that the live

sample range of the input traces is understood. This is
handled by the 4D Preprocessing Macro.

Processing Stage

The Processing stage can include many different processes in

many different orders. The general idea here is to minimize
the difference in amplitude, phase, time and frequency
content between the two volumes. Processing can also
include inversion of the processed data volumes.

With each vintage’s desirable and undesirable data

characteristics identified, the vintage with the desirable
characteristic is use depends on the current stage of 4D
processing.

The ProMAX® 4D system has 4 stages of processing:

• Amplitude

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Workflows1679 ProMAX® Reference

• Phase
• Frequency
• Time

For each stage, pick the vintage of data with the best
characteristics for use for the Control.

Differencing Stage

The Differencing stage is the final stage, but is utilized all

through the processing stages to quality control and assess
the results of the processing. The final difference cube is the
final result.

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Data Volumes Relationship1680 ProMAX® Reference

Data Volumes Relationship

The final product from 4D processing is a difference volume.

This difference volume is the arithmetic difference between
two seismic stack datasets (volumes), inversions of the
volumes, or attribute cubes generated from the volumes.
These volumes represent different vintages of seismic data
that are recorded over the same area at different times.

Because we are interested in mapping fluid flow, only the

seismic from the two vintages covering the reservoir need
processed. These subsets of surveys become the data
volumes.

Subsetting Input Data

Subsetting the data decreases run time by eliminating data
outside the reservoir. It is possible to reduce samples needing
processing by 75%.

The 4D project below shows the live data area as the variably
colored part inside the outline. The CDP bin centers are the
red points outside the outline. This is the area covering the
reservoir that will be processed.

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Data Volumes Relationship1681 ProMAX® Reference

Input datasets

The next diagram shows the 4D project (dashed line) as bin

centers. It is one vintage of seismic data. This is the first
input dataset that will be processed.

The bin centers of the second vintage dataset is shown in

blue (solid line). This is the second input dataset (control).

The live data area is shown in green (oval). This is the area of
interest. In this area, you will align the two vintages to the
same coordinates. Once aligned, the ambient and known
differences can be removed. With the output, you can
generate a difference section. These plots show seismic
response difference due to fluid property differences between
the vintages.

Regridding

To align the two vintages, use 3D PostStack Regrid to regrid

the first input dataset to the same x,y coordinate system as
the second input (control) dataset. The live area of the first
input dataset is rebuilt with traces falling on the same grid as
the second input dataset (control).

After regridding the first input dataset, you can overlap the
two vintages to show the live area.

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Data Volumes Relationship1682 ProMAX® Reference

Macro Input Requirements

Once data has been subsetted into volumes (cubes), it is
ready for input into the 4D macros. The 4D macros and
processes basically do one of two things to the data volumes.
They either do something to both volumes or do something to
one to make it look like the other. Therefore, we call the
macros that do something to both volumes the First Input and
Second Input macros. The Input and Control macros do
something to the first input to make it look like the control
volume.

First Input and Second Input Macros

Separate data volumes are input for each vintage of data.

Although the input dataset order is irrelevant, Landmark
suggests that you first input the dataset that you expect to
change the most over the entire processing sequence. The
second input dataset is the control.
• 4D Poststack Geometry Macro*
• 4D Preprocessing Macro*
• 4D CDP Intersection Macro*
• 4D Time Intersect Macro*
• 4D Pad after CDP/Time Intersect Macro*
• 4D Frequency Balance Macro*
• 4D Difference Macro*
• 4D Cube Math Macro*
• 4D Volume Comparison Macro*

Input and Control Macros

Separate data volumes are input for each vintage of data. The
input dataset order is important where the first input is the
dataset that you want to change to match the other. The
second input dataset is the control.
• 4D Differential Phase Macro*
• 4D Phase Match Macro*
• 4D Differential Statics Macro*
• 4D Correlation Statics Macro*

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Data Volumes Relationship1683 ProMAX® Reference

• Time Variant Stretch Macro*

• 4D Global Gain Macro*
• 4D Variable Gain Macro
• 4D Global Shifts Macro*
• 4D Amplitude Envelope XEQ Macro*
• 4D Moving Window Match Filter Macro*
• 4D Smoothed Correlation Match Filter Macro*
• 4D Input Macro*

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Examples1684 ProMAX® Reference

Examples

Below are a few examples of output data. As processing

continues, more and more of the differences are removed.

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Examples1685 ProMAX® Reference

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