Cyclic Marine Seismic Sources Using Irregular Shot Intervals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional marine seismic surveys face challenges in efficiently separating source energy reflections due to strict timing constraints between source activations, particularly in simultaneous shooting techniques and 4D surveys, which can lead to suboptimal data collection and resolution.
Innovation Solution
Implementing cyclic source groups with irregular nominal shot point intervals and sequential activation cycles, allowing for improved deblending and increased fold and sampling density by exploiting orthogonality in source energy propagation, while maintaining common midpoint coverage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If strict timing constraints are used between source activations, then source energy reflections can be separated, but data collection efficiency and resolution are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from fixed, regular shot point intervals to variable, irregular intervals. The system dynamically adjusts the timing between source activations based on the specific survey configuration and geological targets, allowing optimization of both reflection separation and data collection efficiency. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by enabling flexible timing that serves multiple objectives simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of shot point interval from a constant value to a variable parameter that can be irregularly spaced. By allowing the time interval between shots to vary within certain constraints, the system can improve both the separation of reflections and the overall data collection efficiency, resolving the trade-off between precision and productivity.
2Device complexity
If regular nominal shot point intervals are used, then timing constraints are simplified, but deblending performance and sampling density are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by introducing irregular shot point intervals that break the symmetry of regular timing patterns. This asymmetric timing arrangement improves deblending performance by creating more distinct temporal signatures for different source activations, while the system manages the added complexity through controlled variation within defined constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic action through cyclic source group activations that repeat in a systematic manner. Even though the intervals within each cycle may be irregular, the overall periodic repetition provides a structured framework that simplifies timing management while enabling improved deblending through the predictable cyclic pattern.
3Productivity
If simultaneous shooting techniques are used, then survey efficiency is improved, but separation of source energy reflections becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the source group into multiple cyclic source groups, each with its own activation cycle. This segmentation allows simultaneous shooting to maintain high survey efficiency while the cyclic structure enables systematic separation of source energy reflections through temporal ordering within each cycle, resolving the contradiction between efficiency and separation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses dynamics by implementing variable shot point intervals within the simultaneous shooting framework. This dynamic timing approach allows the system to maintain the efficiency benefits of simultaneous shooting while creating sufficient temporal distinction between source activations to enable effective reflection separation through the irregular interval pattern.
4Adaptability or versatility
If 4D surveys are performed, then monitoring capability is enhanced, but timing constraints and data processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action through cyclic source group activations that provide a structured, repeating timing pattern for 4D surveys. This periodic structure enhances monitoring capability by enabling consistent repeated measurements over time, while the cyclic pattern simplifies data processing complexity through predictable temporal relationships between successive surveys.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes by implementing irregular shot point intervals that can be adapted between different 4D survey cycles. This flexibility allows optimization of monitoring capability for specific geological conditions while managing data processing complexity through controlled parameter variation rather than complete redesign of the acquisition system.
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
Enhances data collection efficiency and resolution by reducing strict timing constraints, enabling more effective separation of source energy reflections and improving image quality in marine seismic surveys.
Implementation Method 1
When activated, each air gun in the array releases a sudden burst of compressed air, which generates a pressure wave in the water
Implementation Method 2
acoustic energy that propagates from the source location toward reflectors disposed beneath the water bottom while reflected energy is recorded by a set of geophysical sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A cyclic source group for marine seismic surveying includes a set of three or more impulsive marine seismic sources and at least one controller configured to activate the sources in sequential activation cycles. The activation cycles are such that exactly one nominal shot point occurs for each of the sources in the set during each activation cycle and all nominal shot points within a given activation cycle are distinct. Pairs of sequential nominal shot points within the activation cycle and across sequential activation cycles define respective nominal shot point intervals. At least two of the nominal shot point intervals are unequal, but nominal shot points for each individual source in the set occur at regular intervals.