Hybrid Fiber-Optic Array for Calibrated Particle Velocity Wavefields
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seismic data acquisition systems face challenges in merging fiber-optic and particle motion sensor data due to imperfect coupling, making it difficult to extract accurate seismic data, particularly in borehole environments.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid sensor array combining fiber-optic and particle motion sensors is used to measure strain and particle motions, with a control system that estimates calibrated strain data, inverts it to particle velocity data, and merges it with geophone data to produce accurate single-component particle motion data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fiber-optic sensors are used to measure strain fields, then sensor count and deployment flexibility are improved, but the ability to directly measure particle motions is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses strain field measurements as an intermediary to indirectly obtain particle velocity data. The fiber-optic sensors measure strain fields, which are then processed through calibration and inversion algorithms to reconstruct particle velocity wavefields, serving as a mediator between the measurable strain and the desired particle motion data
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical particle motion sensors (geophones) with optical fiber sensors that measure strain fields. This substitution uses optical measurement principles instead of mechanical sensing, achieving deployment flexibility while obtaining particle velocity information through signal processing
2Quantity of substance
If hybrid sensor arrays are used, then sensor count and coverage are improved, but data processing complexity and coupling coefficient assumptions are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges fiber-optic sensor data and geophone data into a unified particle velocity wavefield. By combining the high-density strain measurements with traditional particle velocity measurements, the system achieves comprehensive coverage while using the geophone data to calibrate and validate the fiber-optic-derived velocities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms strain field parameters into particle velocity parameters through calibration and inversion processes. By changing the measurement domain from strain to particle velocity, the system enables direct comparison and merging of data from different sensor types
3Measurement precision
If strain field data is inverted to particle velocity data, then particle velocity wavefield reconstruction is improved, but measurement domain differences and calibration requirements are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses geophone measurements as feedback to calibrate the fiber-optic-derived particle velocity data. The known accurate particle velocity measurements from geophones are used to validate and adjust the inversion process, ensuring the reconstructed wavefield matches physical reality
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary calibration of the inversion process using geophone data before final wavefield reconstruction. By establishing calibration relationships in advance using reliable particle velocity measurements, the system ensures accurate transformation from strain to velocity data
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 the reconstruction of physically valid particle velocity wavefields, improving spatio-temporal resolution and enabling high-resolution imaging and reservoir characterization in geophysical applications.
Implementation Method 1
multiple fiber-optic sensors configured to measure strain fields
Implementation Method 2
The light recorder is configured to receive light signals associated with measured strain fields from the multiple fiber-optic sensors
Implementation Method 3
multiple particle motion sensors configured to measure particle motions in response to a seismic wavefield traveling along the hybrid sensor array
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods may be used to reconstruct particle velocity wavefields from coupling-calibrated fiber-optic data that subsequently enables physically valid construction of the particle velocity wavefields for a hybrid sensor array including both fiber-optic and particle motion sensors. These systems and methods may be used in a variety of borehole geophysical applications, such as structure and reservoir imaging, impedance inversion, attenuation tomography, micro-seismic fracture imaging, focal mechanism analysis, and so on. The systems and methods may also be used in other applications such as geothermal and CO2 storage monitoring.