Segmented Baseplate Seismic Sweeps for Shear Wave Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seismic survey technologies face challenges in generating reproducible and powerful shear waves for deep penetration and high-resolution surveys, as existing shear wave energy sources lack sufficient reproducibility, frequency bandwidth, and control over direction and amplitude.
Innovation Solution
A segmented baseplate vibrator technology that allows independent control of each segment, enabling the generation of shear waves by sequential activation of baseplate components, which can be directed and focused to produce complex wave patterns, including shear waves, and other unconventional wave types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional single baseplate vibrators are used, then the device complexity is low, but the control over wave direction and amplitude is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The baseplate is divided into multiple independently controllable segments or elements arranged in an array. Each segment can be activated separately to generate seismic waves in specific directions and amplitudes, enabling precise control over wave propagation characteristics without requiring a completely complex new device design.
2Reliability
If conventional shear wave energy sources are used, then the equipment is simple, but the reproducibility and frequency bandwidth are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented baseplate elements can be dynamically controlled to activate in specific sequences and patterns. This dynamic activation allows the system to consistently reproduce shear wave characteristics by controlling the timing and order of segment activation, improving reproducibility while managing device complexity through software control rather than mechanical complexity.
3Length of stationary object
If deep penetration surveys are conducted, then the survey depth increases, but the signal quality and resolution deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Different segments of the baseplate can be activated with different characteristics (frequency, amplitude, timing) tailored to specific survey requirements. This allows optimization of signal quality for deep penetration by adjusting local segment activation patterns to maintain higher frequency content and better resolution even at greater depths.
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 enhances the propagation of shear waves, allowing for more precise and consistent seismic data acquisition, with improved control over wave direction and amplitude, enabling deeper penetration and higher resolution surveys.
Implementation Method 1
activating the segments in a pattern across the array, so as to generate shear waves reflecting the pattern
Implementation Method 2
Vibrators work on the principle of introducing a user-specified band of frequencies, known as the 'sweep,' into the Earth
Data Source
AI summary
Vibrators for producing seismic signals for use in oil and gas exploration are equipped with segmented base plates, each segment being independently controlled and activated. The use of an array of base plate segments allows the individual segments of the array to be activated in a particular pattern, thus generating S-waves and other unconventional wave patterns for seismic use.