Resonating Gas Marine Seismic Source for Low Frequency Acoustic Energy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current marine seismic sources face limitations in producing high acoustic energy at lower frequencies, particularly below 10 Hz, which is essential for deeper water seismic surveys, due to high manufacturing and operating costs, and limited frequency control.
Innovation Solution
A marine seismic source comprising an electromechanical device with piezoelectric components and a gas reservoir system, where the device includes a pair of discs with piezoelectric components and a gas-filled cavity, coupled via a conduit to a gas reservoir, allowing for resonating gas flow and optimized dynamic pressure to generate acoustic energy in the desired frequency range.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional marine seismic sources are used to produce acoustic energy at lower frequencies, then the acoustic energy output is improved, but the manufacturing cost and operating cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two functional segments: a compact electromechanical device for generating acoustic energy and a separate gas reservoir for providing resonating gas. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining low-frequency acoustic energy output capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes pneumatic principles by introducing a gas reservoir connected to the electromechanical device, where resonating gas flow is established. This pneumatic mechanism enables the system to produce high acoustic energy at low frequencies without requiring large, expensive conventional sources, thereby reducing manufacturing costs while improving power output.
2Power
If conventional marine seismic sources are used to produce acoustic energy at lower frequencies, then the acoustic energy output is improved, but the operating cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic resonating gas flow driven by the electromechanical device operating at resonant frequencies. This periodic action maximizes acoustic energy output efficiency, allowing the system to achieve high power output at low frequencies with reduced energy consumption and lower operating costs compared to conventional continuous-operation sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operating parameters by utilizing resonant frequencies and gas flow dynamics to optimize acoustic energy generation. By operating at resonant conditions rather than conventional parameters, the system achieves higher acoustic energy output at lower frequencies with improved energy efficiency and reduced operating costs.
3Power
If conventional marine seismic sources are used, then acoustic energy is produced, but the frequency control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates dynamic frequency control through the electromechanical device that can be operated at various resonant frequencies. The frequency of the resonating gas flow can be adjusted by changing the operating parameters of the electromechanical device, providing flexible and precise frequency control that is not available in conventional fixed-frequency seismic sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables frequency control by allowing changes in operating parameters such as voltage frequency applied to the electromechanical device. This parameter adjustment capability provides flexible frequency control for optimizing acoustic energy production at different low frequencies, directly addressing the limited frequency control of conventional sources.
4Adaptability or versatility
If marine seismic surveys are conducted in increased water depths, then the survey capability is improved, but the requirement for low-frequency acoustic energy becomes more critical and harder to achieve cost-effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The system is designed as a universal solution that can be deployed in various water depths by adjusting operating parameters. The combination of electromechanical device and gas reservoir creates a multi-functional system capable of producing the required low-frequency acoustic energy for deep-water surveys without requiring specialized expensive equipment, thereby maintaining cost-effectiveness while improving adaptability to deep-water conditions.
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 solution enables efficient generation of acoustic energy at frequencies below 10 Hz, enhancing survey capabilities in deeper waters while maintaining low costs and improving frequency control, thus overcoming the limitations of existing sources.
Implementation Method 1
An apparatus including a marine seismic source comprising an electromechanical device with piezoelectric components
Implementation Method 2
at least a portion of the volume of gas resonates as the marine seismic source is actuating
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An apparatus includes a marine seismic source having a volume of gas and a gas reservoir, and the marine seismic source and the gas reservoir are coupled to permit a resonating gas flow to pass therebetween. The apparatus may be a component of a marine seismic survey system. The apparatus may be utilized in a method of marine seismic surveying.