Electric Seismic Source Linear Motor Grid High Frequency Power
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seismic sources, such as hydraulic reciprocating vibrators, face limitations in delivering sufficient power at high frequencies due to fluid limitations and cavitation effects, and struggle to generate low-frequency waves with adequate amplitude, making them inefficient for seismic prospecting.
Innovation Solution
A vibratory seismic source utilizing a vehicle chassis with a grid of linear electric motors that convert electrical power into vertical movements to deliver acoustic energy into the ground, overcoming the limitations of hydraulic systems by providing controlled and high-frequency energy delivery across a wide spectrum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If hydraulic reciprocating vibrators are used to deliver seismic energy, then the system can provide sufficient power at low frequencies, but the system fails to deliver sufficient power at high frequencies due to fluid limitations and cavitation effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic mechanical system with an electric linear motor system. The linear motors directly convert electrical energy to mechanical motion without hydraulic fluid, eliminating cavitation effects and fluid flow limitations that restrict high-frequency performance. This substitution enables reliable high-frequency power delivery while maintaining low-frequency capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters by using electric linear motors that can independently control the motion of each rod across the entire frequency spectrum. Unlike hydraulic systems constrained by fluid dynamics, the electric system can adjust velocity, acceleration, and position parameters freely, enabling consistent power delivery from low to high frequencies.
2Power
If hydraulic reciprocating vibrators are used, then the system can generate low-frequency waves, but the system struggles to generate low-frequency waves with adequate amplitude due to insufficient travel distance
Solution Approach 1:
The electric linear motor system replaces the hydraulic reaction mass mechanism. The linear motors directly drive the rods to contact the ground, eliminating the need for long travel distances of a separate reaction mass. The motors provide sufficient force and displacement directly at the ground-contacting rods, enabling adequate low-frequency wave generation without requiring extended mechanical travel.
3Measurement precision
If a broad spectrum of seismic energy wavelengths is delivered, then the seismic data quality improves, but the system complexity increases to achieve sufficient power across the spectrum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the seismic source into multiple independent linear motors, each capable of operating across the full frequency spectrum. This segmentation allows each motor to be optimized for broad-spectrum performance while the collective array delivers the required power. The modular structure manages complexity by distributing functions across identical, standardized units rather than requiring a single complex mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric linear motors are designed to perform multiple functions across the entire frequency spectrum, from low to high frequencies, within a single device. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate systems or mechanisms for different frequency ranges, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining broad-spectrum capability for high-quality seismic data acquisition.
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 electric seismic source effectively delivers a broad spectrum of seismic energy from 1 Hz to 80 Hz or higher, with increased power and control, allowing for improved seismic data acquisition and resolution, while being portable and adaptable to various terrain conditions.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of linear motors are arranged in a grid and each linear motor includes a rod that is arranged to move generally vertically to contact the ground
Implementation Method 2
A control system is provided for controlling movement of the rods such that the rods vibrate the ground and deliver acoustic energy into the ground
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is an electric sweep type seismic vibrator source of the type used in seismic prospecting for hydrocarbons. The source uses an engine and generator combination to create electric power for all systems on the source such as driving a frame of linear electric motors that direct a rod or piston to contact the ground in a recurring fashion along with driving the source from location to location through a survey area. Preferably, a foot is arranged on the bottom end of the rod or piston for contact with the ground and by engaging the grid of motors to push down against the ground in a rapid progression, acoustic energy is created and delivered into the ground for geophones to sense and record.