Acoustic Node Positioning for Marine Seismic Survey
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Solution Overview
Problem
Marine seismic surveys face challenges in accurately tracking and controlling the positions of seismic sensors due to shifting streamers caused by water currents, leading to inconsistencies in seismic data collection.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a marine seismic surveying system that utilizes a network of acoustic nodes and steering nodes, equipped with GPS, accelerometers, and compass devices, to periodically calibrate and predictively maintain the positions of seismic receivers and sources, allowing for more accurate tracking and longer intervals between calibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If streamers are towed in water currents, then seismic survey can be conducted, but sensor positions shift leading to data inconsistencies
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs acoustic nodes that continuously measure sensor positions and provide feedback to the control system. This feedback loop enables real-time monitoring of streamer positions and allows the vessel to adjust its course to maintain accurate sensor positioning despite water currents, thereby resolving the contradiction between survey productivity and position measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical position tracking methods with acoustic positioning systems. Acoustic nodes transmit sound signals to determine sensor positions acoustically rather than relying on mechanical tethering or visual tracking, enabling accurate position measurement in the marine environment while maintaining survey efficiency
2Measurement precision
If calibration is performed frequently to maintain accuracy, then position precision improves, but survey time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic positioning system operates continuously throughout the survey, providing uninterrupted position monitoring and calibration. This eliminates the need for discrete calibration stops, as the system maintains accurate position data continuously, thereby improving position precision without increasing survey time
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-calibration through the acoustic nodes that automatically measure and report their positions. This self-service capability eliminates the need for external calibration operations or manual intervention, maintaining high position accuracy while minimizing time loss
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the accuracy of seismic data by precisely tracking sensor movements, reducing the need for frequent recalibrations and preventing gaps in data coverage, thereby improving the overall quality and reliability of subsurface geological information obtained.
Implementation Method 1
acoustic nodes spaced apart on the multiple streamers form an acoustic node array... acoustic transceivers communicate acoustic signals between each other
Implementation Method 2
The streamers may have global positioning system (GPS) receivers that periodically determine absolute positions of the streamers
Implementation Method 3
The acoustic nodes may have accelerometers that measure forces acting on the acoustic nodes
Implementation Method 4
Compass devices on the acoustic nodes may be used to determine directional orientations of the acoustic nodes
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are apparatus and methods acoustic node positioning during a marine survey. In one embodiment, positions of a plurality of nodes are calibrated using acoustic transceivers. In addition, changes in the positions of the nodes are tracked using accelerometers. In another embodiment, a traveling wave is detected, and an effect of the traveling wave is projected on steering devices in a projected path of the traveling wave. Time-dependent control signals are computed and applied to the steering devices to maintain a local streamer geometry. Other embodiments, aspects, and features are also disclosed.