Multicomponent Seismic Sensor Spacing for Noise Attenuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Seismic surveys face challenges in differentiating and removing surface and interface wave noise, such as ground roll, which interferes with the detection of seismic signals, limiting sensor spacing and increasing costs due to the need for closer sensor placement to effectively attenuate noise.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of multicomponent noise attenuation process using multicomponent seismic sensor stations spaced at least 20 meters apart, which receive and process seismic data to identify and attenuate noise components through model-based constraints and matching pursuit techniques, allowing for effective noise separation and signal reconstruction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If sensor spacing is increased to reduce costs and improve efficiency, then productivity and cost-effectiveness improve, but noise attenuation capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesurvey efficiencyVSAvoidnoise attenuation
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from single-component to multicomponent sensors, adding vertical measurement dimension to horizontal sensor spacing. This dimensional enhancement allows sensors to detect both horizontal and vertical ground motion components, enabling effective noise attenuation even at larger spacing intervals of 20-50 meters by utilizing the additional measurement dimension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the measurement parameters from single-component (horizontal only) to multicomponent (horizontal and vertical). By measuring multiple motion parameters simultaneously, the system can differentiate between surface wave noise and seismic signals more effectively, maintaining noise attenuation capability while increasing sensor spacing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If multicomponent sensors are used to enable larger sensor spacing, then device complexity increases, but productivity improves

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor spacing capabilityVSAvoidsensor configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The multicomponent sensor is segmented into multiple single-component sensors arranged in a specific geometry (e.g., vertical and horizontal components). This segmentation allows the complex multicomponent measurement to be achieved using simpler, well-understood single-component sensor technologies, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining the capability for larger sensor spacing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If traditional single-component sensors are used with close spacing, then noise attenuation is improved, but cost increases due to more sensors required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise attenuationVSAvoidnumber of sensors
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The multicomponent sensor performs multiple functions simultaneously: it measures both horizontal and vertical ground motion, enabling it to function as both a single-component sensor and a noise attenuation device. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of sensors needed while maintaining effective noise attenuation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3384321B1Land seismic sensor spread with adjacent multicomponent seismic sensor pairs on average at least twenty meters apart
Publication Date: 2023.04.12 SCHLUMBERGER TECHNOLOGY BV
  • EP3384321B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3384321B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3384321B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system and method for multicomponent noise attenuation of a seismic wavefield is provided. Embodiments may include receiving, at one or more computing devices, seismic data associated with a seismic wavefield over at least one channel of a plurality of channels from one or more seismic sensor stations. Embodiments may further include identifying a noise component on the at least one channel of the plurality of channels and attenuating the noise component on the at least one channel of the plurality of channels based upon, at least in part, the seismic data received from the one or more seismic sensor stations.