Marine Survey Source Firing Control for Seabed Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reflection-based seismic surveys are inefficient in detecting small shallow objects on the seabed due to limited coverage and resolution, leading to increased survey times and costs, and difficulties in accurately mapping obstacles, which can cause delays in wind turbine and marine construction projects.
Innovation Solution
A seabed object detection system utilizing a source array and a data processing system with multiple sources and processors to determine precise firing times and positions, initiating source shots based on target and estimated positions, and adjusting for differences to improve imaging accuracy and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If reflection-based seismic surveys are used to detect seabed objects, then the survey can cover a certain area, but the detection precision for small shallow objects is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The source array is divided into multiple individual sources (first source, second source, third source, fourth source) that can be controlled independently. Each source can be fired separately with precise timing control, allowing the system to target specific areas with high precision while maintaining overall survey coverage. This segmentation enables both high detection precision for small shallow objects and efficient productivity through coordinated multi-source operation.
2Productivity
If traditional seismic survey methods are used, then the survey process is simpler, but the survey time is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary positioning and timing calculations for multiple sources before actual data collection. The data processing system determines positions and calculates firing times in advance, allowing the survey to proceed efficiently without real-time decision delays. This preliminary preparation reduces overall survey time while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sources in the array can be fired in rapid succession with precise timing control, maintaining continuous useful action during the survey. Rather than sequential single-source operation, the system achieves overlapping coverage and continuous data acquisition, significantly reducing total survey time while improving productivity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sources are used in the source array, then the detection accuracy improves, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The data processing system performs multiple functions: determining source positions, calculating firing times, coordinating source activation, and processing seismic data. This universal system handles all complexity internally, allowing the physical source array to remain relatively simple while achieving high imaging accuracy through sophisticated multi-functional control and processing.
4Manufacturing precision
If precise position determination and timing control are implemented, then the imaging accuracy improves, but the operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The data processing system automatically determines source positions, calculates optimal firing times, and coordinates source activation without requiring manual intervention for each measurement. The system serves itself by performing all positioning and timing calculations internally, maintaining high imaging accuracy while preserving operational simplicity through automation.
Data Source
AI summary
A seabed object detection system can include a source array and a data processing system. The source array can include a first source and a second source. The data processing system can include one or more processors. The data processing system can determine a first position of the first source and can identify a first firing time of the second source. The data processing system can initiate a first source shot of the first source at the first position and the second source at the first firing time. The data processing system can determine a target position and estimated position for the first source. The data processing system can determine a second position of the first source based on a difference between the target position and the estimated position. The data processing system can initiate a second source shot of the first source at the second position.