Lorentz Force Marine Seismic Source for Deep Water

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional piezoelectric benders used in marine seismic surveying are labor-intensive, expensive, prone to cracking, and sensitive to pressure variations, limiting their effectiveness and scalability, especially in deep water environments where lower frequency seismic energy is needed for longer distance transmission.

Innovation Solution

A marine seismic source utilizing the Lorentz force, generated by interacting magnetic fields and wire coils, to produce seismic energy, which is more cost-effective and robust, capable of producing broadband low-frequency energy in the range of 2 Hz to 10 Hz, suitable for deep water surveys.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If piezoelectric benders are used for marine seismic surveying, then seismic energy can be generated, but the device is labor-intensive, expensive, and prone to cracking

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the piezoelectric mechanical system with an electromagnetic system using wire coils and permanent magnets. The Lorentz force generated by the interaction between the magnetic field and current in the coils produces seismic energy without the fragility and complexity of piezoelectric materials, particularly eliminating cracking issues under pressure variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters from piezoelectric effect to electromagnetic Lorentz force effect. This parameter change enables the system to operate more reliably under deep water pressure conditions while reducing operational complexity and maintenance requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If piezoelectric benders are used, then seismic energy is produced, but the device is sensitive to pressure variations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure resistanceVSAvoidpressure sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent substitutes the pressure-sensitive piezoelectric system with a pressure-resistant electromagnetic system. The wire coils and permanent magnets are not sensitive to pressure variations, allowing reliable operation in deep water environments where piezoelectric materials would fail or require complex protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Speed

If traditional seismic sources are used, then seismic surveying can be conducted, but lower frequency energy transmission over long distances is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal transmission distanceVSAvoidseismic energy frequency range

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the frequency characteristics of the seismic source by using the Lorentz force mechanism, which naturally produces lower frequency vibrations. These lower frequencies experience less attenuation in water, enabling transmission over longer distances and improving the effectiveness of deep water seismic surveys.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Productivity

If piezoelectric benders are used, then seismic surveying is possible, but operational costs are high

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurveying efficiencyVSAvoidoperational cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a simpler, more robust electromagnetic design that is cheaper to manufacture and operate. The wire coils and permanent magnets are more cost-effective than piezoelectric materials, and the system requires less maintenance, reducing operational costs while maintaining surveying efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 Lorentz force-based seismic source provides efficient and cost-effective seismic energy transmission at lower frequencies, overcoming the limitations of piezoelectric benders, enabling more effective subsurface exploration in increased water depths with improved durability and reduced operational costs.

Implementation Method 1

A marine seismic source utilizing the Lorentz force, generated by interacting magnetic fields and wire coils, to produce seismic energy

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLorentz force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentEP2891524B1Low-frequency Lorentz force based marine seismic source

Publication Date: 2022.04.20 PGS GEOPHYSICAL AS

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Figure 2A~2B
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AI summary

This disclosure is related to marine seismic sources, for example marine seismic sources known in the art as benders. Some embodiments of this disclosure use Lorentz forces to produce seismic energy. For example, magnets (210) and wire coils (260) may be attached to one or more plates of a marine seismic source, and the Lorentz interaction between them may cause deformation of the plates to produce seismic energy. Such marine seismic sources may be components of a marine seismic survey system, and may be used in a method of marine seismic surveying. Methods of making marine seismic sources are also disclosed.