Linear Electric Motor Seismic Vibrator Actuator

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Solution Overview

Problem

Hydraulic reciprocating seismic vibrators face limitations in delivering sufficient power at high frequencies due to hydraulic flow constraints and cavitation issues, and struggle to generate low-frequency waves requiring extensive movement, making them inefficient for seismic prospecting.

Innovation Solution

A vibratory seismic source utilizing a grid of linear electric motors powered by an electric generator, which move vertically to contact the ground and deliver acoustic energy, allowing for controlled vibration and energy input across a wide frequency spectrum, including high frequencies, without the limitations of hydraulic systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If hydraulic reciprocating seismic vibrators are used, then the system can deliver seismic energy across a range of frequencies, but the system fails to provide sufficient power at high frequencies due to hydraulic flow limitations and cavitation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower output at high frequenciesVSAvoidfrequency range capability

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hydraulic mechanical system with an electrical system consisting of linear motors and reaction masses. This substitution eliminates hydraulic flow limitations and cavitation issues, enabling sufficient power delivery at high frequencies while maintaining broad frequency range capability through electronic control of the linear motors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Power

If hydraulic reciprocating seismic vibrators are used, then the system can operate at low frequencies, but the system fails to generate adequate low frequency waves due to insufficient travel distance of the reaction mass

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower output at low frequenciesVSAvoidtravel distance of reaction mass

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamically adjustable linear motors that can vary their stroke length and operating parameters electronically. This allows the system to achieve sufficient low-frequency wave generation by increasing the effective travel distance of reaction masses through controlled extension of the linear motor strokes, without requiring permanently longer mechanical structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Speed

If hydraulic systems operate at very high hydraulic velocities to achieve high frequency output, then the frequency response improves, but cavitation occurs that limits the amplitude of movement and energy input

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehydraulic velocityVSAvoidamplitude stability

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the hydraulic system with an electrical linear motor system that does not suffer from cavitation. The linear motors can operate at high velocities corresponding to high frequencies while maintaining stable amplitude control through electronic feedback systems, eliminating the reliability issues inherent in high-velocity hydraulic operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Power

If the reaction mass is moved extensively to generate low frequency waves, then the low frequency output improves, but the system complexity and size increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelow frequency wave generationVSAvoidsystem configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses dynamically controllable linear motors with electronic control systems that can adjust stroke length, frequency, and amplitude in real-time. This dynamic capability allows the system to generate adequate low-frequency waves with moderate physical dimensions, avoiding the need for permanently large and complex mechanical structures while maintaining flexibility across the frequency spectrum.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 efficient delivery of acoustic energy across a broad frequency range from 1 Hz to 80 Hz or higher, overcoming hydraulic system limitations, with improved power output and frequency range, enhancing seismic data acquisition and resolution.

Implementation Method 1

A vibratory seismic source utilizes a grid of linear electric motors powered by an electric generator, which move vertically to contact the ground and deliver acoustic energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLinear motor: Linear Motor

Implementation Method 2

The movement of the rods is controlled such that the rods vibrate the ground and deliver acoustic energy into the ground

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS9164186B2Alternative vibrator actuator source

Publication Date: 2015.10.20 CONOCOPHILLIPS CO

AI summary

The invention is an electric sweep type seismic vibrator source of the type used in seismic prospecting for hydrocarbons. The source uses an engine and generator combination to create electric power to drive a frame of linear electric motors that direct a rod or piston to contact the ground in a recurring fashion. Preferably, 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.