Marine Bubble Source Signature Determination via Motion Estimation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current marine seismic survey techniques face challenges in accurately determining the source signature of bubbles produced by impulsive sources, which affects the accuracy of seismic data acquisition and interpretation, especially due to deviations in depth, pressure, and subarray separations, and the inability to account for motion effects in near-field measurements.
Innovation Solution
The method involves estimating the position of bubbles as a function of time using a combination of receivers positioned to account for motion effects, allowing for improved modeling of notional source signatures by de-ghosting seismic data and using field measurements to correct for variations in recorded signatures, thereby enhancing the accuracy of seismic data processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional near-field measurements are used to determine source signature, then the measurement process is simple, but the accuracy of source signature determination deteriorates due to inability to account for motion effects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by estimating bubble position as a function of time and using this dynamic position information to correct the source signature determination. Instead of assuming a static source position, the system continuously updates the bubble position based on its motion through the water column, thereby accounting for motion effects and improving measurement accuracy without requiring overly complex measurement equipment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary computational process that uses recorded signature variations and estimated bubble positions to derive corrected source signatures. This intermediary processing step acts as a mediator between the simple near-field measurements and the accurate source signature determination, resolving the contradiction by adding computational complexity rather than physical measurement complexity
2Measurement precision
If bubble position is not estimated, then the processing is simpler, but the accuracy of notional source signature modeling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by estimating bubble position as a function of time before using this information to determine the notional source signature. This preliminary position estimation allows the system to pre-correct for motion effects in the signature modeling process, improving accuracy while managing processing time through efficient sequential computation rather than iterative refinement
3Reliability
If motion effects are not accounted for, then the measurement process is simpler, but the reliability of seismic data deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by using recorded signature variations from multiple receivers to infer bubble position, and then using this position information to correct the source signature determination. This feedback loop continuously refines the position estimate and corresponding signature correction, improving seismic data reliability through iterative refinement rather than requiring complex real-time measurement systems
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
This approach facilitates more accurate identification of far-field signatures and improves the stability and processing of seismic data by accounting for the motion of impulsive sources and receivers, leading to enhanced reservoir monitoring and hydrocarbon extraction capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Each signal is essentially a wave called a wavefield that travels down through the water and into the subterranean formation
Implementation Method 2
a portion of the wavefield may be reflected, which may include some scattering, back toward the body of water to propagate toward the water surface
Implementation Method 3
At each interface between different types of rock, a portion of the wavefield may be refracted
Implementation Method 4
determination of a notional source signature of a bubble produced by actuation of an impulsive source in a marine seismic survey
Data Source
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AI summary
A notional source signature of a bubble may be determined. For example, a method for determining a notional source signature of a bubble can include estimating a position of a bubble created by actuation of an impulsive marine source below a surface of water. A notional source signature of the bubble can be determined based on the estimate.