Marine Seismic Spread Simultaneous Source Gradient Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Seismic data acquisition is costly and challenging due to the need for dense grid spacing to achieve sufficient resolution of subsurface structures, as recorded wavefields are a result of superposition of waves with different paths, making it difficult to reconstruct the earth's subsurface accurately.
Innovation Solution
The method involves deploying a marine seismic spread with multiple seismic sources and a streamer with receivers, where sources are shot simultaneously to calculate pressure source gradients by selecting shot points within predetermined ranges, allowing for the determination of inline and crossline pressure source gradients, enhancing image accuracy and resolution through simultaneous source separation techniques and multi-domain interpolation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dense grid spacing is used to achieve sufficient resolution of subsurface structures, then measurement precision is improved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the seismic acquisition process by using multiple independent source locations that can be shot simultaneously or in sequence. Instead of relying on a single dense grid, the method divides the acquisition into multiple shot points with associated gradient calculations, allowing cost-effective coverage while maintaining resolution through the mathematical processing of segmented data sets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension to seismic acquisition by calculating pressure source gradients in addition to traditional pressure measurements. This gradient information, obtained by measuring pressure at multiple closely-spaced shot points and computing spatial derivatives, provides additional subsurface information that enhances resolution without requiring proportionally increased grid density across the entire survey area.
2Quantity of substance
If distance between grid points is increased to reduce cost, then quantity of substance is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the measurement parameters by computing pressure source gradients (spatial derivatives of pressure) in addition to pressure values. This parameter transformation allows the system to extract more information from fewer measurement points, effectively maintaining measurement precision while reducing the density of the grid and associated costs.
3Productivity
If multiple seismic sources are shot simultaneously to improve productivity, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the simultaneous multi-source signal into individual source contributions through gradient calculations. By computing pressure gradients at multiple shot points and using the known geometric relationships, the method can separate and attribute signals to individual sources, managing the complexity of simultaneous shooting through mathematical decomposition rather than requiring complex hardware separation mechanisms.
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 efficient seismic data acquisition by increasing the distance between grid points while maintaining resolution, allowing for the calculation of pressure source gradients that improve image accuracy and facilitate multi-component interpolation, thereby enhancing the reconstruction of subsurface structures.
Implementation Method 1
Seismic exploration may utilize a seismic energy source to generate acoustic signals that propagate into the earth and partially reflect off subsurface seismic reflectors
Implementation Method 2
The shot points within a pair may be disposed within a predetermined range that is used to calculate a pressure source gradient between the shot points within the pair
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for marine survey acquisition are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method is provided that may deploy a marine seismic spread that includes a first seismic source, a second seismic source and a streamer with a receiver. The second source may be disposed at a distance from the first seismic source in an inline direction. The distance may be selected to produce one or more pairs of shot points during a seismic survey. The shot points within a pair may be disposed within a range that is used to calculate a pressure source gradient between the shot points within the pair. The method may shoot the first seismic source and the second seismic source substantially simultaneously. The method may record seismic data associated with shooting the first seismic source and the second seismic source. The method may calculate the pressure source gradient for respective pairs of shot points.