SLB presented QI-FWI at IMAGE 2026, a solution that obtains rock and fluid properties directly from the seismic wavefield. SLB launched QI-FWI, a quantitative interpretation solution using full waveform inversion designed to connect the seismic data more directly with the properties of the rocks and fluids of a reservoir.
Presented during IMAGE 2026 the technology uses a data-driven workflow to extract information from the seismic wave field. Its goal is to reduce several of the intermediate steps traditionally used between obtaining a subsurface image and interpreting a reservoir. In this way, QI-FWI can provide data to evaluate prospects, characterize reservoirs, and support well planning during development.
How does SLB’s QI-FWI work?
In technical terms, the solution analyzes the behavior of the seismic waves when they pass through rock formations. To do this, it compares the seismic records obtained in the field with a computer model of the subsurface.
Subsequently, the model is iteratively adjusted until it more accurately reproduces the observed behavior of the waves. This process of full waveform inversion it allows the recorded signals to be correlated with physical characteristics of the subsurface. QI-FWI works with both pressure waves and shear waves (S-waves). Because both propagate differently through rocks, their analysis provides information related to density, stiffness, composition, and possible changes in fluid content.
Furthermore, the solution generates reservoir properties such as Vp, impedance P and the Vp/Vs ratio through elastic inversion of the entire waveform. The impedance P relates the rock density to the speed of the pressure waves. Meanwhile, Vp/Vs compares the propagation speed of the pressure waves with that of the S waves.
SLB reduces steps between seismic data and the reservoir
Conventional workflows may separate seismic image generation, amplitude analysis, and AVO inversion. These stages can require data conditioning, technical assumptions, and information transfer between different teams. QI-FWI proposes a more integrated process. The solution derives the P and Vp/Vs impedances from the seismic wavefield within the full-waveform inversion flow itself.
According to SLB, this architecture reduces processing steps and technical transfers. At the same time, it maintains a closer relationship between the recorded data, the subsurface model, and the interpreted properties.
QI-FWI offers a more agile and data-driven approach, directly using the seismic wave field to provide early information about the reservoir.
Andrea Lovatini
Well logs allow for comparison of results
Another element of the workflow is the ability to compare the properties obtained through seismic data with well logs.
This verification allows geoscientists to check whether the properties calculated from seismic data are consistent with measurements taken inside the well and with known subsurface conditions.
The comparison is relevant because it connects the interpretation obtained at seismic scale with information measured directly at the reservoir.
QI-FWI can be used during different phases of the deposit
During exploration and evaluation, QI-FWI can be used to study prospective areas and analyze rock and fluid properties before making subsequent development decisions. At a more advanced stage, its results can support the characterization of the deposit and well planning.
The solution also supports seismic survey data obtained at different times, allowing users to observe changes in a reservoir as production progresses. Therefore, the workflow can extend from the initial evaluation of a prospect to monitoring the reservoir’s evolution throughout its productive life.
With QI-FWI, SLB aims to shorten the gap between seismic data acquisition and its use in exploration, drilling, and development decisions. The key is obtaining quantitative subsurface properties directly from the wavefield and reducing additional seismic processing steps.
Source: SLB
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