Marine Seismic Source Positioning Randomization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current marine seismic data acquisition methods rely on regular spatial sampling of seismic energy sources, which limits the ability to randomize source positions, thereby reducing the quality of seismic data due to noise interference and constraints in sensor positioning within streamers towed behind vessels.
Innovation Solution
The method involves actuating seismic energy sources at randomly spaced positions along a vessel's path, allowing for continuous recording of seismic data and randomization of source positions, both parallel and perpendicular to the vessel's direction, to enhance data quality by reducing noise interference.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If regular spatial sampling of seismic energy sources is used, then the acquisition process is simple and systematic, but the data quality is reduced due to noise interference and fixed sensor positioning constraints
Solution Approach 1:
The system pre-determines a set of possible source positions along the vessel track before acquisition begins. During the survey, the system randomly selects from these pre-planned positions, allowing randomization without real-time complex calculations or adjustments to sensor positions.
Solution Approach 2:
The source positioning system transitions from fixed regular intervals to dynamic random positioning within predefined constraints. The source can be actuated at any predetermined position along the track, enabling adaptive randomization that improves data quality while maintaining operational simplicity.
2Reliability
If source positions are fixed at regular intervals, then the acquisition process is straightforward, but noise interference reduces the signal-to-noise ratio
Solution Approach 1:
All possible source positions are predetermined and stored in memory before the survey begins. The random selection from these pre-planned positions eliminates the need for complex real-time decision-making, maintaining operational simplicity while achieving randomization benefits for noise reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a pre-recorded set of position options that can be randomly selected during acquisition. This copying approach allows the same set of positions to be used repeatedly with different random selections, simplifying the operational process while maintaining data quality improvements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sensor positions within streamers are fixed, then the streamer deployment is simple and stable, but the ability to randomize sampling positions is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system overcomes fixed sensor constraints by pre-determining multiple possible source positions along the vessel track. Random selection from these pre-planned positions enables sampling position randomization without requiring physical repositioning of sensors within the streamers.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of attempting to randomize sensor positions within the streamer (one dimension), the system randomizes source positions along the vessel track (different dimension). This approach achieves position randomization benefits while maintaining the simplicity and stability of fixed sensor deployment.
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 improves the signal-to-noise ratio and data resolution by randomizing source positions, enabling more effective noise reduction and improved seismic data quality through continuous recording and processing techniques.
Implementation Method 1
Seismic energy which emanates from the source travels through the earth formations until it reaches an acoustic impedance boundary in the formations
Implementation Method 2
At an acoustic impedance boundary, some of the seismic energy is reflected back toward the earth's surface, where it may be detected by one or more of the seismic sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A method for acquiring marine seismic data includes towing a seismic energy source in a body of water and towing a seismic sensor at a selected distance from the seismic energy source. The seismic energy source is actuated a plurality of positions, a distance between each of the plurality of actuations being randomly different than any other such distance. Seismic energy detected by the seismic sensor is substantially continuously recorded through a plurality of actuations of the at least one seismic energy source. The recording includes recording a geodetic position of the at least one seismic energy source and the at least one seismic sensor at each actuation.