Autonomous Weight-Drop Seismic Source for Remote Broadband Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seismic sources for carbon capture and storage monitoring are limited by frequency range, energy requirements, maintenance needs, and suitability for remote deployment, posing challenges for accurate subsurface characterization and compliance with environmental regulations.
Innovation Solution
A novel seismic source system featuring an unassisted weight-drop mechanism within a vertical shaft, an engineered impact plate assembly, and a control box with renewable energy sources, enabling autonomous operation and broadband seismic excitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If surface orbital vibrator or electromagnetic linear motor is used, then seismic excitation can be provided, but frequency range is limited and energy requirements are high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electromagnetic or orbital vibrator mechanisms with a simple gravity-based weight-drop system. The seismic excitation is generated by dropping a weight onto the ground, utilizing gravitational potential energy conversion to kinetic energy, thereby eliminating the need for high-energy electromagnetic systems while achieving broadband frequency content through variable drop heights and weights.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves variable frequency content by changing physical parameters of the weight-drop mechanism: drop height, weight mass, and impact point. These parameter variations allow the same simple mechanism to produce different frequency spectra, providing adaptability without complex electronics or multiple fixed-frequency sources.
2Reliability
If surface orbital vibrator or electromagnetic linear motor is used, then seismic excitation can be provided, but maintenance needs increase due to multiple moving parts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates all complex moving parts, electromagnetic components, and control systems from the seismic source. Only the essential weight-drop mechanism remains, which has no moving parts during operation. The weight is simply lifted and released, impacting the ground to generate seismic waves, thereby maximizing reliability for remote deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses simple, replaceable components such as the weight and impactor that can be easily replaced if worn or damaged. This approach prioritizes extreme simplicity and low maintenance over long component life, allowing quick replacement in remote locations without requiring complex repair capabilities.
3Ease of operation
If surface orbital vibrator or electromagnetic linear motor is used, then seismic excitation can be provided, but deployment in remote locations is difficult due to energy supply requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The weight-drop system operates periodically, lifting and releasing the weight at intervals. During the longer intervals between drops, the system consumes minimal energy for monitoring and control. This periodic operation pattern allows the use of small battery systems or even manual operation, eliminating the need for continuous high-power electrical infrastructure required by orbital vibrators or electromagnetic motors.
4Adaptability or versatility
If frequency sweep approach is used, then seismic excitation can be provided, but only limited range of frequencies is emitted
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the frequency content of the seismic signal by varying the drop parameters (height, weight, impact point) between measurements. This dynamic adaptability allows the same physical system to target different frequency ranges as needed, providing comprehensive frequency spectrum coverage that a fixed-frequency sweep system cannot achieve.
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
The system provides reliable, low-maintenance seismic excitation capable of producing a broad spectrum of frequencies, reducing energy consumption, and facilitating long-term deployment in remote areas, enhancing subsurface data acquisition and compliance with environmental standards.
Implementation Method 1
an unassisted weight-drop mechanism within a vertical shaft... configured to release a weight from a drop height
Implementation Method 2
an engineered impact plate assembly... to receive the weight
Implementation Method 3
a winch with a permanent electromagnet
Data Source
AI summary
A system for providing seismic excitation for subsurface monitoring, the system can include a vertical shaft extending into the ground, an unassisted weight-drop mechanism disposed within the shaft and configured to release a weight from a drop height, where an unassisted weight-drop mechanism disposed within the shaft and configured to release a weight from a drop height, where the unassisted weight-drop mechanism is operably configured to retrieve the weight from the base of the shaft, and raise the weight to the drop height; an engineered impact plate assembly located at the bottom of the vertical shaft to receive the weight; a control box housing control and communications equipment; an energy source coupled to the control box to supply power; and at least one accelerometer positioned to record seismic source characteristics upon the weight's impact. In some embodiments, the seismic source system may be configured to operate autonomously and may be configured to communicate with a monitoring network for performance assessment.