Characterising a gas-filled low velocity producing field.
XWITM on Amazon Web Services
Introducing X-Waveform-Inversion (XWITM) technology.
S-Cube are developing the energy industry's most advanced algorithm for imaging the subsurface with near-zero human bias or intervention.
Our unique implementation XWITM driven by proprietary cost functions enables Full Waveform Inversion (FWI) to automate the velocity model build directly from raw seismic data.
This capability is required in the most complex deep-water hydrocarbon plays where conventional seismic imaging proves inadequate and tens of billions of dollars have been wasted drilling dry holes.
The Brain Behind the Earth's Audio
We are a fast-growth deep tech venture spinout from a world-leading research group at Imperial College London, known for developing revolutionary Full Waveform Inversion (FWI) technology for shaping the future of the energy industry.
S-Cube is taking this powerful technique, which can automatically reveal new understanding of the subsurface, to the next level through developments collectively known as XWITM and a cloud-native architecture for running them.
The XWITM algorithm specifically harnesses sound waves reflected from the deepest interfaces within the earth, to build a more precise subsurface "velocity" model where needed most, to target economically valuable natural resources which lie hidden in seismically obscured zones.
This is the same technology required for mapping depleted reservoir formations viable for cost-effective CO2 injection and storage - viewed as an essential component of the move to a Net Zero Emissions economy.
Next-generation Full Waveform Inversion
The differentiated capabilities which set S-Cube apart:
- adaptive (AWI) and reflection (RWI) cost functions, for more accurate model updates extending deeper down
- gradient-conditioning using total-variation based regularisation constraints (CWI), for dealing with highly contrasting geology
- multi-parameter macro-model global search (QPSO), for deriving anisotropy and other unknowns
The integrated solution is the stand-out XWITM algorithm which:
- corrects legacy velocity models, where conventional FWI fails
- achieves convergence from a low-accuracy starting guesses, where conventional FWI fails
- increases resolution and eliminates distortions at target depths, where conventional FWI fails
XWI Examples
Adaptive Waveform Inversion (AWI) was the underpinning theoretical breakthrough which led to the formation of S-Cube. Following the patented solution to a long standing problem in numerical optimisation, it was field trialed with three industry partners.
The novel cost function was able to demonstrate automated global minimum convergence (prediction error minimisation) with gradient-based steepest-descent optimisation from multiple starting points without the need for human intervention.
In each case, false local minimum convergence was avoided without the need for human-driven tomography.
S-Cube Growth and Energy Transition Milestones
Our growth is fully directed to matching the needs of the energy transition and laying the foundations for an integrated, decarbonised offshore energy system.
Three core innovations brought to you in XWITM:
- a next-generation FWI optimisation toolbox for inverting reflected soundwaves at greater depths
- a scalable cloud-native parallelisation to run the algorithm at high-speed
- an intelligent user-interface and multi-job submission system for automated hyperparameter tuning
2014- Spin out
Patented theoretical breakthrough for redefining FWI cost function. Converging from raw data without low frequencies.
2018- Cloud Transition
Taking the leap beyond vanilla FWI and homogenous constrained on-prem HPC systems.
2019- First Cloud Pilots
Stress testing the XWITM EC2 Spot cloud architecture. Making error-prone human-driven FWI without hyperparameter optimisation a thing of the past.
2020- AWI and RWI Pilots
Laser focus on developing the XWI optimisation cost function toolbox. Introduce sensitivity to reflection moveout - invisible to standard FWI.
2021- Integrated Innovation
Raw data transforms to quantitatively accurate velocity model. Enhanced pre-drill predictive power at reservoir target depths.
2021- Net Zero North Sea
Awarded multi-million pound grants for interfacing imaging with inversion and deep learning with classic optimisation techniques.
Backed by major industry players for superior Full Waveform Inversion
High Performance Computing on the Cloud on an unprecedented scale
XWITM on AWS PoC Success
1000's of EC2 Spot workers
Burst Compute Capacity
Multiple Spot Fleets running in parallel
Four pillars of differentiated capability:
Accuracy
Resolution
Predictive Power
Automation
Cloud-native architecture:
MPI-free parallelisation
Multi-scenario job submission
Parameter hyper-tuning
Woodside FutureLab
Early adopter Woodside discusses the benefits of Full Waveform Inversion in Myanmar Exploration.
XWITM unlocking value in the Barents Sea
Use of adaptive cost function
Avoiding local minima
Elimination of human bias
Industry Awards and Measures of Esteem
Academic founders internationally recognised as leaders in the field
Distinguished Awards
The first major application of time-domain waveform inversion incorporating anisotropic wave propagation was conducted by founding members of S-Cube, a study which received the 2013 Best Paper in Geophysics.
Just a few years later, Adaptive Waveform Inversion (AWI) was patented and became the recipient of the Bonarelli Award in 2015 by the EAGE, the leading European professional organisation in petroleum geoscience for the long-standing problem in localised optimisation it was able to provide a solution for.
AWI was the start of a non-stop development and growth in the story of S-Cube. This has paved the way for S-Cube to gain technical and business recognition for commercial achievement and innovation at the forefront of the energy sector.
2013 Best Paper in Geophysics
S-Cube founders are recognised by the Society of Exploration Geophysics with the Best Paper Award for the study titled "Anisotropic 3D Full Waveform Inversion".
2015 Guido Bonarelli Award at EAGE
S-Cube were awarded Best Oral Presentation - "Adaptive waveform inversion - FWI without cycle skipping - theory" for a breakthrough new seismic inversion theory.
2019 - Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Non stop growth. Our CEO, Nikhil Shah named Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2019 at the UK Asian Business Awards presented by Gareth Thomas, Member of Parliament.
Run Full Waveform Inversion on the Cloud
Use XWITM on AWS to discover a step change in accuracy and resolution of your velocity model.