Dual-Range Marine Seismic Channels for Saturation Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional marine seismic receivers are prone to saturation when recording short, zero, or negative offset seismic reflections due to the close proximity of the seismic source, leading to loss of direct wave information and desired reflection energy.
Innovation Solution
Implementing seismic data acquisition channels with extended dynamic range by deploying channels with different saturation limits and sensitivities, such as using separate subchannels with varying sensor properties and hybrid waveform generation to capture a wider range of seismic energy amplitudes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional seismic receivers are used to record short, zero, or negative offset seismic reflections, then the receivers are positioned close to the seismic source to capture desired reflection energy, but the receivers become saturated due to the strong direct wave from the close proximity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides a single seismic receiver into multiple independent data acquisition channels, each with different saturation limits. Specifically, it uses a first data acquisition channel with a first saturation limit and a second data acquisition channel with a second saturation limit (where the second limit is higher than the first). This segmentation allows each channel to handle different amplitude ranges of the seismic signal, preventing overall saturation while capturing both direct wave and reflection energy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the saturation limit parameter of the data acquisition channels by using different sensor types or different sensor gain settings. The first channel uses a sensor with a first saturation limit, while the second channel uses a sensor with a second saturation limit that is higher. This parameter variation enables the system to handle the full dynamic range of seismic signals without saturation.
2Measurement precision
If multiple data acquisition channels with different saturation limits are deployed, then the extended dynamic range captures both direct wave and reflection energy, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple data acquisition channels with different saturation limits into a unified seismic recording system. The first and second data acquisition channels are integrated within the same receiver system, and their outputs are merged to create a complete seismic record that captures both the strong direct wave (handled by the second channel) and the weaker reflection energy (handled by the first channel). This merging approach achieves extended dynamic range while maintaining a cohesive system architecture.
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 accurate recording of both direct and reflection seismic energy across varying offset distances, reducing saturation issues and enhancing data quality for seismic imaging.
Implementation Method 1
one or more marine seismic sources are activated at intervals to produce acoustic energy that propagates through a body of water into a subsurface earth volume
Implementation Method 2
The reflected energy is detected by sensors—also referred to as receivers—that are disposed at intervals along the lengths of towed streamers
Data Source
AI summary
A marine seismic data acquisition system may include first and second containers deployable in a body of water. The first container includes a first seismic data acquisition channel capable of transducing seismic energy in the body of water having a first maximum amplitude, and the second container includes a second seismic data acquisition channel capable of transducing seismic energy in the body of water having a second maximum amplitude. The first seismic data acquisition channel is associated with at least a first seismic sensor, and the second seismic data acquisition channel is associated with at least a second seismic sensor. The second sensor corresponds to a same sensor type as the first seismic sensor, and the first maximum amplitude is higher than the second maximum amplitude.