Linear Electromagnetic Marine Vibrator for Seismic Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine vibrators, particularly those driven hydraulically, face issues such as fluid leakage and non-linear energy production, which can disrupt marine environments and limit frequency control, making lower frequency sources desirable but difficult to achieve without changing equipment.
Innovation Solution
A linear electromagnetic motor-driven marine vibrator with a displacement member that alternates between retracted and extended positions, producing a controlled volume displacement of at least 25 L per cycle, allowing for frequency control within 1-15 Hz and minimizing environmental disruption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hydraulic motor is used to drive the marine vibrator, then the vibrator can produce desired displacement, but hydraulic fluid may leak into the ocean and the system produces undesired harmonics due to non-linear operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the hydraulic motor system with a linear electromagnetic motor system. The electromagnetic motor uses electrical fields and magnetic forces to directly drive the displacement member, eliminating hydraulic fluid entirely. This substitution resolves the environmental safety issue by removing the source of fluid leakage while maintaining the ability to produce controlled displacement for seismic exploration.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromagnetic motor enables precise control of the displacement member's motion parameters including frequency and amplitude. By controlling the electrical input parameters (voltage, current, frequency), the system can operate linearly within the elastic range of the displacement member, avoiding the non-linear harmonic generation associated with hydraulic systems. The frequency can be precisely maintained within the 1-15 Hz range.
2Power
If impulsive acoustic sources are used to generate maximum energy, then high frequency components are produced, but this disrupts mammalian activities and lower frequency control is needed
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic motor provides dynamic control over the displacement member's oscillation frequency and amplitude. Unlike fixed-frequency impulsive sources, this system can continuously adjust operating parameters to maintain frequencies in the 1-15 Hz range that are effective for seismic exploration while avoiding high frequencies that disrupt marine mammals. The system adapts its output characteristics in real-time based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the frequency parameter from high frequency (impulsive sources) to low frequency (1-15 Hz) operation. By controlling the electromagnetic motor's electrical input frequency, the displacement member oscillates at lower frequencies that reduce harmful effects on marine life while still generating sufficient acoustic energy for effective seismic surveying.
3Adaptability or versatility
If different sources are selected for different frequency ranges, then frequency control is achieved, but the complexity of equipment interchange increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic motor system is designed as a universal platform that can operate across the entire required frequency spectrum (1-15 Hz and beyond) without requiring physical replacement of the source equipment. By adjusting electrical control parameters, the single device adapts to different surveying needs, eliminating the complexity of managing multiple specialized sources while maintaining full frequency adaptability.
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 solution enables efficient and controlled energy pulses in marine seismic exploration, reducing environmental impact and providing improved frequency control without the need for multiple source exchanges, while avoiding hydraulic fluid leakage and harmonic issues.
Implementation Method 1
A linear electromagnetic motor interacts with the displacement member and alternates the displacement member between the retracted position and the extended position
Data Source
AI summary
A marine vibrator has a housing that comprises a displacement member, the displacement member having a first position and a second position, the housing and the displacement member together defining an internal volume. A linear electromagnetic motor interacts with the displacement member so as to move the displacement member between a first position and a second position and correspondingly strokes the displacement member to cover a volume. The linear electromagnetic motor comprises magnets and coils that when energized create an electromagnetic force there between, wherein the linear electromagnetic motor comprises a piston and a guide that substantially surrounds the piston. The piston has incorporated therein either the coils or the magnets, and the guide having incorporated therein the other of the coils or the magnets. The piston is in interaction with the displacement member.