Simultaneous Multi-Source Seismic Acquisition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional marine seismic data acquisition methods are time-consuming and expensive due to the need for high sail line density to achieve high-resolution data.

Innovation Solution

Simultaneously towing multiple seismic sources along source lines with a large source separation and a streamer spread with a cross-line width greater than (N+1) times the source cross-line distance, allowing receivers to detect underground reflections from at least one source towed above the streamer spread.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If high sail line density is used to achieve high-resolution seismic data, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases and productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseismic data resolutionVSAvoidsurvey time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple seismic sources (at least two sources) into a single survey operation, allowing simultaneous acquisition of data from multiple source lines. This merging of sources enables the system to cover multiple sail lines concurrently, reducing the total survey time while maintaining high-resolution data quality through the combined illumination from multiple sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a vertical dimension by towing sources at different depths (at least one source above the streamer spread and at least one source below or at the same level as the streamer spread). This three-dimensional source configuration allows the system to achieve high-resolution coverage across multiple sail lines simultaneously, effectively adding a depth dimension to the traditional horizontal survey approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Measurement precision

If high sail line density is used to achieve high-resolution seismic data, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseismic data resolutionVSAvoiddata acquisition efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple source operations into a single productivity unit by simultaneously towing and operating multiple seismic sources together with one streamer spread. This consolidation allows the system to acquire data from multiple source lines in parallel, significantly increasing the volume of high-resolution data acquired per unit time and improving overall survey productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The streamer spread configuration is designed to universally receive and process seismic signals from multiple sources positioned at different locations and depths. This multi-functional setup allows a single streamer spread to simultaneously survey multiple sail lines, making the system highly productive by eliminating the need for separate survey operations for each source line.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If multiple sources are towed simultaneously with large source separation, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurvey speedVSAvoidsource configuration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the seismic survey system into distinct vertical layers: sources above the streamer spread, sources at the same level as the streamer spread, and sources below the streamer spread. This segmentation allows each source to be independently positioned and controlled at large separations while maintaining manageable complexity through organized spatial distribution. The streamer spread acts as a central reference point that simplifies the coordination of multiple separated sources.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 reduces survey time and costs by enabling high-resolution seismic data acquisition faster and more efficiently, with increased azimuth coverage and improved data quality.

Implementation Method 1

acquire seismic data corresponding to underground reflections of seismic waves generated by the seismic sources

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSeismic wave reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

seismic energy is emitted into the water and propagates into the rock formation under the seafloor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic energy propagation: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS11480700B2Method and system for simultaneous seismic data acquisition of multiple source lines

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 SERCEL SAS

AI summary

Systems and methods for reducing survey time while enhancing acquired seismic data quality are provided. Data corresponding to plural source lines are acquired simultaneously, using sources at cross-line distance at least equal to their illumination width, with at least one source being towed above a streamer spread.