Deep Towed Seismic Source String for 20m Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional towed seismic source arrays are limited to depths of up to 12 meters, failing to meet the requirements of certain marine seismic applications that need sources to be deployed at greater depths.
Innovation Solution
The development of deep towed seismic source modules and arrays, comprising seismic source strings with protective cages, decoupled seismic sources, steering systems, and dampening mechanisms, allowing for deployment at depths exceeding 12 meters with neutral buoyancy and advanced steering capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If conventional towed seismic source arrays are used, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the deployment depth is limited to about 12 meters
Solution Approach 1:
The seismic source array is divided into multiple modular units, each containing a seismic source, protective cage, and associated components. These modules can be independently deployed and configured to achieve different depths, with the first module containing the head assembly and subsequent modules arranged in series along the towing direction
Solution Approach 2:
The seismic source is placed within a protective cage structure, creating a nested configuration where the seismic source module is contained within the larger array structure. This nested design allows the seismic source to be protected while maintaining the overall array integrity at greater depths
2Length of moving object
If seismic sources are towed at depths greater than 12 meters, then deeper seismic source deployment is achieved, but conventional source array arrangements cannot facilitate these deployments
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates active steering mechanisms including birds and cables that can dynamically adjust the position and depth of seismic source modules during towing. The birds can be positioned at different depths and angles to control the vertical and lateral positioning of the source array, enabling adaptation to various deployment depths and sea conditions
Solution Approach 2:
Buoyancy modules are introduced as intermediary elements between the seismic sources and the water surface. These buoyancy modules provide the necessary buoyant force to maintain the desired depth of seismic sources, acting as mediators that enable deep towing while compensating for the weight of the seismic sources and maintaining array geometry
3Stability of the object's composition
If seismic sources are decoupled from the protective cage, then source stability is improved, but additional decoupling mechanisms are required
Solution Approach 1:
The seismic source is extracted from direct rigid connection with the protective cage and surrounding water. By decoupling the seismic source from the cage structure, the system isolates the sensitive seismic source from external disturbances, vibrations, and hydrodynamic forces, thereby improving measurement stability and signal quality
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
Enables seismic source deployment at depths of at least 20 meters, maintaining source stability and geometry while reducing dependence on surface conditions, and accommodating both impulse and vibrational sources.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of seismic sources has neutral buoyancy
Implementation Method 2
at least one of a rotational dampening mechanism and a tensional dampening mechanism disposed between the attachment mechanism and the protective cage
Implementation Method 3
at least one of a rotational dampening mechanism and a tensional dampening mechanism disposed between the attachment mechanism and the protective cage
Implementation Method 4
Each seismic source module includes a steering system in communication with the protective cage that is configured to move the seismic source module in three dimensions
Data Source
AI summary
Seismic source modules are combined into seismic source strings that are grouped into seismic source arrays. The seismic source array includes a plurality of seismic source strings arranged in parallel and towed behind a seismic source vessel. Each seismic source string includes a plurality of seismic source modules coupled in series along the seismic source string. Each seismic source module includes a protective cage, at least one seismic source disposed within the protective cage and decoupled from the protective cage and a pair of couplers in communication with the protective cage. The seismic source string also includes a plurality of tethers attached to couplers between adjacent pairs of seismic source modules in the series of seismic source modules.