Flexible Membrane Coupling for Borehole Seismic Sources

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional time-lapse seismic surveys face challenges due to varying soil moisture and temperature, leading to inconsistent coupling between surface sources and receivers, and are costly when using permanent underground equipment, especially in sensitive areas where soil disturbance is a concern.

Innovation Solution

A seismic source system for non-vertical boreholes, comprising a housing with an actuator mechanism, a flexible membrane, and a coupling device, connected via umbilicals and strength members to support equipment, allowing for flexible placement and improved coupling with the surrounding medium.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If surface sources are used for seismic surveys, then equipment cost is reduced, but coupling consistency between sources and receivers deteriorates due to varying soil moisture and temperature

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment costVSAvoidcoupling consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a fluid-filled flexible membrane as an intermediary coupling device between the seismic source and the borehole wall. The membrane is filled with a fluid that has similar acoustic properties to the surrounding formation, creating a consistent acoustic coupling medium that compensates for variations in soil moisture and temperature. This intermediary layer ensures reliable and repeatable coupling without requiring permanent installation in the formation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a dynamically adjustable coupling system where the fluid pressure in the flexible membrane can be varied to optimize coupling conditions. The coupling device includes a pressure control mechanism that allows the membrane to adapt to different borehole conditions and formation properties, maintaining consistent coupling throughout the survey period without permanent installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If permanent underground equipment is installed, then coupling reliability is improved, but cost increases and soil disturbance occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoupling reliabilityVSAvoidcost and environmental impact

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a temporary, non-permanent coupling device that can be deployed and removed without permanent installation in the formation. The flexible membrane with fluid filling provides reliable coupling during the survey period but does not require cementing or permanent anchoring, making it a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to permanent underground equipment that can be reused across multiple survey locations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The seismic source system with the flexible membrane coupling device is designed to be universally applicable across different borehole conditions and formation types. The system can be deployed in various locations and formations without requiring site-specific permanent installation, providing a versatile solution that eliminates the need for expensive permanent equipment while maintaining reliable coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid coupling device is used, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to non-vertical boreholes and varying formation conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to borehole conditions

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible membrane as the coupling device, which can conform to the borehole wall shape and adapt to non-vertical borehole geometries. The flexible nature of the membrane allows it to maintain structural integrity while adapting to varying formation conditions and borehole orientations, providing both stability and adaptability that rigid devices cannot achieve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 system enables reliable and repeatable seismic wave generation with improved coupling, reducing costs and environmental impact by allowing for reusable equipment and minimizing soil disturbance.

Implementation Method 1

an actuator mechanism located inside the housing and configured to generate a fluctuating pressure

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a coupling device covered by the flexible membrane and configured to generate a static pressure on the flexible membrane

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure increase: Pressure Increase

Data Source

PatentUS10557951B2Borehole seismic source and method

Publication Date: 2020.02.11 CGG SERVICES SA

AI summary

Method and seismic source for generating seismic waves in a borehole. The seismic source includes a housing; an actuator mechanism located inside the housing and configured to generate a fluctuating pressure; a flexible membrane attached to the housing and configured to hold a fluid; and a coupling device covered by the flexible membrane and configured to generate a static pressure on the flexible membrane.