Subterranean Radar Mapping for High-Resolution Fracture Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current geoscience technology lacks the capability for high-resolution imaging of detailed fissures, fractures, and faults in the Earth's crust, which are crucial for understanding subterranean biospheres and hydrocarbon migration, as existing seismic technology is insufficient for detailed mapping of the Earth's crust.
Innovation Solution
A radar system that uses RF waves to map subterranean regions, employing interferometric radar arrays and continuous wave techniques to provide high-resolution images of stationary and nonstationary formations, including fractures, faults, and fluid flows, by transmitting and receiving signals over extended periods to achieve detailed three-dimensional imaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If seismic technology is used to detect large geological formations, then information about oil and gas deposits can be obtained, but high resolution imaging of detailed fissures, fractures, and faults cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the subterranean imaging task into multiple frequency components, using a plurality of radar signals at different frequencies to image different depth ranges and structural details. Lower frequencies penetrate deeper while higher frequencies provide finer resolution for shallow features, allowing the system to overcome the limitation of single-frequency seismic methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical seismic imaging systems with an electromagnetic radar-based system. By using radar signals that propagate through the ground and reflect off subsurface features, the system achieves higher resolution imaging without the mechanical constraints and lower resolution limitations of conventional seismic technology.
2Loss of information
If radar signals at multiple frequencies are used to image different depth ranges, then comprehensive subterranean mapping can be achieved, but signal processing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system combines multiple radar signals at different frequencies into a unified subsurface image through coherent integration. By merging the information from various frequency components and depth ranges, the system creates a comprehensive three-dimensional map of subterranean structures, resolving features that would be invisible to single-frequency systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the frequency dimension to traditional radar imaging by systematically varying signal frequencies to probe different depth ranges. This transforms a two-dimensional spatial imaging problem into a three-dimensional problem incorporating frequency as an additional dimension, enabling comprehensive mapping of subsurface structures at multiple scales.
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
The radar system enables accurate mapping of subterranean structures, improving the safety and stability of man-made structures, identifying potential hydrocarbon deposits, and facilitating commercial transactions by providing precise location, depth, and concentration data of minerals and hydrocarbons.
Implementation Method 1
transmitting energy in the form of radio frequency (RF) waveforms into the ground and receiving reflected waveforms
Implementation Method 2
employing interferometric radar arrays and continuous wave techniques to provide high-resolution images
Data Source
AI summary
A system comprises a radar transmitter configured to generate a radar signal at a predetermined frequency and a radar receiver configured to receive a reflected signal produced by a reflection of the radar signal. The system further includes a radar antenna system configured to transmit the radar signal into a subterranean region and to receive the reflected signal from the subterranean region. A control system is used for controlling a dwell time of the radar antenna system, and a processor is adapted to generate an image of at least a portion of the subterranean region based at least in part on the reflected signal.