Axial Vibration Noise Attenuation in Marine Seismic Streamers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Marine seismic surveys face challenges in accurately capturing seismic signals due to axial vibration noise, which propagates along towed streamers and contaminates pressure sensor measurements, degrading the signal-to-noise ratio and image accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The integration of motion sensors within the streamers to measure axial vibration noise, allowing for its estimation and subsequent subtraction from pressure sensor data, thereby attenuating noise while preserving acoustic signals of interest.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If motion sensors are integrated into streamers to measure axial vibration noise, then the signal-to-noise ratio is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The streamer is segmented into multiple sections, each equipped with its own motion sensors and pressure sensors. This segmentation allows for localized noise measurement and correction, improving the signal-to-noise ratio while managing device complexity through modular deployment
Solution Approach 2:
Motion sensors serve as intermediary devices that measure axial vibration noise independently, providing data that is then used to correct pressure sensor measurements. This intermediary measurement approach enables noise attenuation without directly modifying the pressure sensing mechanism
2Measurement precision
If axial vibration noise is measured and subtracted from pressure sensor data, then measurement precision is improved, but the processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Axial vibration noise is measured and characterized in advance using motion sensors before it contaminates the pressure sensor data. This preliminary noise measurement allows for more effective subtraction and correction of the noise from the seismic signals
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where motion sensor measurements of axial vibration are continuously used to adjust and correct pressure sensor readings. This feedback mechanism enables dynamic noise attenuation that adapts to changing vibration conditions during streamer towing
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 effectively reduces axial vibration noise in pressure sensor measurements, enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio and improving the accuracy of seismic images produced from marine seismic surveys.
Implementation Method 1
measure axial vibration noise
Implementation Method 2
Acoustic energy generated by the source activations penetrates into the underlying earth layers and ultimately is reflected back upward to the sensors
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and apparatus are described for reducing noise in measurements made by one or more pressure sensors disposed in a cable having a generally longitudinal axis. Estimated axial vibration noise at a location along the cable is determined based at least in part on measurements from one or more motion sensors disposed along the cable. The estimated axial vibration noise is subtracted from pressure sensor measurements corresponding to the location. The result is noise-attenuated pressure sensor measurements corresponding to the location.