Elastic Tether Seismic Node Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Towed marine seismic surveys face challenges with noise interference, leading to inaccurate subsurface imaging due to noise propagation through streamers and the water column, and current technologies either suffer from power inefficiencies or have limitations in scalability and data quality.
Innovation Solution
A nodal seismic system with autonomous seismic nodes towed using ropes or cables, equipped with elastic tethers and control surfaces to modulate acceleration and position, reducing noise and improving seismic image quality by minimizing drag and flow noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional towed streamers are used for marine seismic surveys, then seismic data can be collected, but noise interference propagates through the streamers and water column reducing data quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the traditional continuous streamer into multiple independent autonomous seismic nodes (120) distributed along a simple rope or cable (112). Each node operates independently with its own sensors, processing capability, and storage, allowing individual nodes to be optimized for noise reduction while maintaining overall array functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
Elastic tether members (124) are introduced as intermediary elements between the tow rope (112) and the seismic nodes (120). These tethers act as mechanical filters that selectively transmit or isolate different frequency components of motion, reducing the transmission of acceleration noise from the towing vessel to the sensitive seismic sensors while allowing the nodes to be towed effectively.
2Measurement precision
If autonomous seismic nodes with position control are used, then noise is reduced and data quality improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each autonomous seismic node (120) is equipped with self-contained positioning and depth control capabilities including control surfaces (130), navigation systems, and autonomous decision-making electronics. The nodes independently adjust their own positions and orientations to optimize seismic data collection while maintaining formation, eliminating the need for complex external control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The autonomous nodes integrate multiple functions into single units: seismic sensing, acoustic communication, navigation, position control, depth control, and data storage. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized equipment and simplifies the overall system architecture despite the advanced capabilities of individual nodes.
3Loss of energy
If simple ropes or cables are used to tow nodes instead of traditional streamers, then drag is minimized and fuel costs are reduced, but noise control becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
Elastic tether members (124) serve as intermediary elements between the simple tow rope (112) and the seismic nodes (120). These tethers are specifically designed to filter mechanical vibrations and acceleration forces, allowing the use of simple, low-drag ropes while protecting the sensitive sensors from noise. The tethers act as mechanical low-pass filters that attenuate high-frequency vibration noise while transmitting the lower-frequency motion necessary for effective towing.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If elastic tether members are used to modulate acceleration transmission, then noise is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic tether members (124) are designed with specific physical parameters (length, diameter, material composition, elasticity) that are optimized to achieve the desired noise filtering characteristics. By carefully selecting and adjusting these parameters, the tethers naturally filter out noise frequencies without requiring active control systems or complex mechanisms, achieving noise reduction through passive physical properties.
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 enhances seismic data quality, reduces noise, and lowers fuel costs by minimizing drag, while maintaining improved productivity compared to both towed streamer and ocean bottom systems.
Implementation Method 1
The coupling includes one or more elastic coupling members adapted to modulate the transmission of one or more frequency components of the acceleration of the rope
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
A marine seismic sensor system includes a seismic node having at least one seismic sensor. The sensor is configured for sampling seismic energy when towed through a water column on a rope. The coupling can be adapted to modulate transmission of acceleration from the rope to the seismic node.