Marine Seismic Far Field Measurement via Direct Sensor Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current marine seismic surveys face challenges in accurately identifying and processing far field seismic source signatures, which are crucial for representing subsurface earth formations, due to the reliance on approximations rather than direct measurements, leading to potential misinterpretation of geological variations.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for directly measuring far field seismic signatures by deploying seismic sensor units on the sea floor and in the water column, synchronized with seismic source emissions, and automatically retrieving them for processing, allowing for accurate correlation and representation of far field signatures in seismic data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional marine seismic surveys use approximations to represent far field source signatures, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates leading to misinterpretation of geological variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary far-field sensor system that directly measures the far-field source signature of seismic sources. This intermediary measurement system acts as a mediator between the seismic source and the processing system, providing accurate far-field signature data without requiring complex approximation models, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/computational approximation systems with direct acoustic measurement systems. Instead of using complex computational models to approximate far-field signatures, the system uses hydrophones and other sensors to directly measure the acoustic signals in the far-field, substituting mechanical measurement for computational approximation and achieving both precision and simplicity
2Measurement precision
If seismic sensor units are deployed on the sea floor to directly measure far field signatures, then measurement precision improves, but loss of time increases due to deployment and retrieval operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by deploying the far-field sensor system before the main seismic survey operations begin. The sensors are positioned and configured in advance to capture far-field signatures throughout the survey period, allowing measurements to be taken without interrupting the main survey workflow, thereby minimizing time loss while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The far-field sensor system operates autonomously once deployed, continuously measuring and recording far-field signatures without requiring repeated intervention. The system self-manages the measurement process throughout the survey period, reducing the time investment required for manual deployment and retrieval operations while maintaining high measurement precision
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 enables more accurate seismic data processing by directly measuring far field signatures, reducing the need for complex approximations and improving the representation of subsurface formations, even in varying water depths and conditions.
Implementation Method 1
seismic signals are emitted from the sources and seismic energy reflected from a formation are detected
Implementation Method 2
seismic reflection surveying is a technique that involves sending acoustic pulses into a subterranean formation and measuring reflected signals
Implementation Method 3
actuating a retrieval device disposed at the at least one seismic sensor unit to cause the at least one seismic sensor unit to rise to the surface
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of measuring seismic signals generated by marine acoustic sources includes deploying at least one seismic sensor unit to a location on a floor of a body of water within a survey area, and recording seismic signals that include a real measured far field signature generated by a seismic source during a marine seismic survey. The method further includes automatically actuating a retrieval device to cause the at least one seismic sensor unit to rise to the surface, in response to expiration of the selected time period or an actuation signal from the surface, retrieving the at least one seismic sensor unit from the surface, and processing seismic data collected from the return signal. Processing including identifying a far field signature of the seismic source based on the signals detected by the seismic sensor, and designaturing the seismic data based on the far field signature.