Electric Seismic Vibrator for Consistent Ground Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hydraulic reciprocating seismic vibrators face limitations in delivering sufficient power at high frequencies due to cavitation effects and struggle to generate low-frequency waves, as they require extensive movement and are constrained by hydraulic flow limitations, leading to inconsistent ground deflection across the frequency spectrum.
Innovation Solution
An electrically powered seismic source utilizing a grid of linear electric motors that maintain consistent ground deflection by delivering acoustic energy through a sweep of frequencies from 15 Hz to 40 Hz, with each motor thrusting and recoiling to ensure uniform amplitude across the spectrum, overcoming the limitations of hydraulic systems by providing instant power control and high-frequency capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If hydraulic reciprocating seismic vibrators are used, then low-frequency wave generation is possible with sufficient travel, but high-frequency power delivery is insufficient due to cavitation effects and hydraulic flow limitations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic mechanical system with an electric linear motor system. The electric motors directly drive the baseplate without hydraulic fluid, eliminating cavitation effects. The motors can rapidly change direction and maintain high velocity at high frequencies, providing sufficient power delivery across the entire frequency spectrum including frequencies above 80 Hz where hydraulic systems fail.
2Speed
If hydraulic reciprocating seismic vibrators are used, then sufficient power can be delivered at low frequencies, but high-frequency capability is limited due to hydraulic flow constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The electric linear motors provide direct electromagnetic force to the baseplate, enabling instantaneous response to control signals. The motors can rapidly accelerate and decelerate the baseplate, achieving the high response speeds needed for high-frequency operation (above 80 Hz) while maintaining the power necessary for effective seismic energy delivery.
3Speed
If hydraulic systems operate at very high velocities, then high-frequency response is improved, but cavitation effects limit the amplitude of movement and energy input
Solution Approach 1:
The electric linear motors eliminate the hydraulic fluid medium entirely, replacing it with direct electromagnetic actuation. This allows the system to operate at very high velocities without cavitation, maintaining consistent amplitude across the frequency spectrum. The motors can sustain high-speed operation reliably, delivering consistent energy input even at frequencies where hydraulic systems would cavitate.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a broad spectrum of wavelengths is delivered, then comprehensive seismic data is obtained, but consistent ground deflection across the spectrum is difficult to achieve with hydraulic systems
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically adjusts the operation of multiple electric linear motors to maintain consistent baseplate displacement amplitude across the entire frequency spectrum (15-200 Hz). The system can independently control each motor's contribution at different frequencies, ensuring that ground deflection remains uniform regardless of frequency changes, thereby achieving both broad spectrum coverage and consistent deflection.
Solution Approach 2:
The array of electric linear motors works cooperatively to perform multiple functions simultaneously: delivering power across a broad frequency spectrum (15-200 Hz), maintaining consistent ground deflection amplitude, and adapting to different operational requirements. This multi-functional capability allows the system to achieve uniform seismic energy delivery across all frequencies, something hydraulic systems cannot accomplish.
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 solution enables consistent ground deflection across a broad frequency spectrum, allowing for more effective seismic prospecting by delivering uniform seismic energy, which is not attainable with traditional hydraulic systems, and potentially extends to higher frequencies like 200 Hz, providing high-resolution data while maintaining energy delivery efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an array of linear electric motors that have been actuated to repeatedly and forcefully press against the ground
Implementation Method 2
delivering a sweep of frequencies to the ground with the ground deflection being substantially consistent across the frequency spectrum
Data Source
AI summary
An electric sweep type seismic vibrator source of the type used in seismic prospecting for hydrocarbons is provided. In one example, 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. 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.