Marine Seismic Source Array Positioning via Acoustic Trilateration
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Solution Overview
Problem
In marine seismic surveys, the variations in seismic source arrays due to physical factors such as airgun depths, pressure, and geometry lead to inconsistent wavefields, making it difficult to accurately monitor and correct for these variations, especially in four-dimensional or time-lapse seismic data acquisition, where small differences in seismic data sets are obscured by noise.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for determining the positions of towed marine seismic source-array elements using seismic transmitters and near-field sensors, where seismic signals are transmitted and received to calculate travel times and distances, allowing for the calculation of relative positions of the source-array elements, employing a trilateration network and additional geometric information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional GPS positioning is used for marine seismic source arrays, then positioning can be obtained, but the system is vulnerable to failures causing downtime and lacks sufficient reliability for continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces acoustic signals as an intermediary medium for position determination. Seismic transmitters emit acoustic signals that are received by near-field sensors, creating an acoustic-based positioning system that operates independently of GPS. This intermediary acoustic communication channel provides reliable positioning data even when GPS fails, eliminating survey downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an alternative positioning system that copies the functionality of GPS using entirely different physical principles (acoustic rather than electromagnetic). By determining positions through acoustic travel time measurements and trilateration, the system replicates GPS positioning capabilities while being immune to GPS failures, thus improving reliability without loss of time.
2Productivity
If source-array elements are towed through water, then seismic data acquisition is enabled, but position variations occur making accurate positioning difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where near-field sensors continuously monitor acoustic signals from seismic transmitters to determine real-time positions of source-array elements. This continuous feedback loop allows for dynamic tracking and correction of position variations during towing, maintaining measurement precision despite the mobile nature of the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/GPS-based positioning systems with an acoustic-based system. By using acoustic travel time measurements and trilateration mathematics instead of mechanical GPS receivers, the system achieves more accurate and reliable position determination that is better suited for the marine environment and towing conditions.
3Ease of operation
If GPS receiver units are deployed on seismic source arrays, then positioning is provided, but failures occur requiring repair or replacement causing expensive downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the seismic source array to determine its own position using its existing seismic transmitters and near-field sensors. The system is self-sufficient, requiring no external GPS infrastructure or vulnerable GPS receiver units. This self-service capability eliminates the need for repair or replacement of positioning components, ensuring continuous operation without expensive downtime.
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 provides accurate and reliable positioning of seismic source-array elements, enhancing the quality of seismic data by accounting for source variations, and offering a backup system for conventional GPS positioning, thus improving data consistency and reducing downtime during surveys.
Implementation Method 1
seismic signals are transmitted from the seismic transmitters and received at the near-field sensors on the seismic source array
Implementation Method 2
The processor is adapted to determine relative positions of the seismic source-array elements on the seismic source array from the seismic signals transmitted by the seismic transmitters and received at the near-field sensors on the seismic source array
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprises a plurality of seismic transmitters, at least one seismic source array, and a processor. Each seismic source array comprises a plurality of seismic source-array elements, mounted within the seismic source array; and a plurality of near-field sensors, wherein each near-field sensor is mounted within the seismic source array in the vicinity of one of the seismic source-array elements. The processor is adapted to determine relative positions of the seismic source-array elements on the seismic source array from the seismic signals transmitted by the seismic transmitters and received at the near-field sensors on the seismic source array.