Marine Survey Acquisition Using Frequency-Diverse Source Arrays
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Solution Overview
Problem
Seismic data acquisition is expensive and challenging due to the need for dense grid arrangements to achieve sufficient resolution in subsurface structure imaging, with existing methods struggling to separate coherent wavefields effectively.
Innovation Solution
A marine survey acquisition system that includes a vessel towing a marine survey spread with streamers, low frequency seismic sources, and high frequency seismic source arrays distributed in a crossline direction, allowing for simultaneous data acquisition and separation using simultaneous source techniques to prevent spatial aliasing and enhance resolution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If dense grid arrangements are used to achieve sufficient resolution in subsurface structure imaging, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and operational cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The seismic source array is divided into multiple independent source groups that can be activated separately. Each source group covers a specific frequency range, allowing the system to achieve high-resolution imaging without requiring a dense grid of sources. The sources are segmented both spatially (distributed along the streamer) and functionally (different frequency ranges), resolving the contradiction between resolution and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces frequency as an additional dimension for source differentiation. Instead of relying solely on spatial density (one dimension), the system uses frequency diversity (another dimension) to enable separation of coherent wavefields. This allows achieving high measurement precision without increasing spatial device complexity.
2Measurement precision
If dense grid arrangements are used to achieve sufficient resolution in subsurface structure imaging, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the source array into frequency-specific groups, the system can selectively activate only the necessary sources for each imaging task. This reduces the total number of sources needed compared to a dense grid approach, thereby reducing operational costs and energy consumption while maintaining imaging resolution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters by using frequency-based source activation patterns. Different frequency ranges are activated based on the specific imaging requirements, allowing optimal energy utilization. This parameter-based control reduces unnecessary energy expenditure compared to activating all sources in a dense grid continuously.
3Measurement precision
If traditional seismic source arrays are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but measurement precision and resolution are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates real-time monitoring and control of source activation based on recorded wavefields. The controller adjusts which source groups are activated based on feedback from the recording system, optimizing the separation of coherent wavefields. This feedback mechanism improves measurement precision while keeping operation manageable through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
A controller acts as an intermediary between the operator and the complex source array system. The controller automatically manages the activation of different source groups based on imaging requirements, shielding the operator from the complexity of coordinating multiple frequency-specific source groups. This intermediary enables high measurement precision without proportionally increasing operational difficulty.
4Device complexity
If sources are distributed sparsely to reduce cost, then device complexity and operational cost decrease, but spatial aliasing occurs and resolution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the critical parameter from spatial density to frequency diversity. By distributing sources sparsely in space but covering diverse frequency ranges, the system avoids spatial aliasing through frequency-based separation rather than spatial sampling. This parameter change allows reduced device complexity while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from relying on spatial sampling density to using frequency domain separation. Sources are distributed sparsely in space (reducing complexity) but cover different frequency ranges (adding another dimension). This dimensional shift prevents spatial aliasing without requiring dense spatial arrangement, resolving the contradiction between complexity and resolution.
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 reducing the need for dense grid arrangements while maintaining or improving resolution, allowing for better subsurface imaging and reducing operational costs.
Implementation Method 1
a seismic energy source to generate acoustic signals that propagate into the earth and partially reflect off subsurface seismic reflectors
Implementation Method 2
The high frequency seismic source arrays may emit energy at a high frequency range
Implementation Method 3
The one of the marine vibrators may emit energy at a high frequency range
Data Source
AI summary
A marine survey acquisition system. The system may include a vessel for towing a marine survey spread. The marine survey spread may include streamers, marine vibrators and a cable. The cable may be coupled to a respective streamer from among the streamers and one of the marine vibrators. The cable may power the respective streamer and the one of the marine vibrators. The one of the marine vibrators may emit energy at a high frequency range.