Segmented Baseplate for Seismic Vibrator Durability
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing seismic vibratory sources face baseplate failure due to intense energy transfer, leading to costly maintenance and interruptions in seismic surveys, as the single large metal or composite slab baseplates are prone to damage from the high forces and frequencies applied during energy transmission.
Innovation Solution
A baseplate design featuring plural individual plates attached to a support structure, eliminating gaps between structural members and plates, which reduces the likelihood of cracks and enhances durability by distributing force more evenly across the ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a single large slab baseplate is used to transmit seismic energy to the ground, then the energy transmission capability is improved, but the baseplate is prone to damage and detachment from the support structure due to intense hammering forces
Solution Approach 1:
The baseplate is divided into multiple individual plates (e.g., three plates) instead of using a single large slab. Each plate is separately attached to the support structure, allowing the intense hammering forces to be distributed across multiple attachment points and individual plates, reducing the likelihood of any single plate detaching or cracking while maintaining overall energy transmission capability
2Ease of manufacture
If gaps exist between structural members and the baseplate, then manufacturing is easier, but cracks are more likely to form and propagate under intense vibratory forces
Solution Approach 1:
The design proactively eliminates gaps between the individual plates and the support structure through proper alignment and attachment mechanisms. By addressing the gap elimination in the design phase rather than accepting it as a manufacturing tolerance, the structure is prepared in advance to resist crack formation under the intense vibratory forces experienced during operation
3Area of stationary object
If a single large baseplate is used, then the contact area with the ground is maximized for energy transmission, but the force distribution is uneven causing localized stress concentration and damage
Solution Approach 1:
The baseplate is segmented into multiple individual plates that collectively provide the necessary ground contact area. Each individual plate distributes the hammering forces over its own contact area with the ground, creating more uniform force distribution across the entire baseplate assembly and preventing localized stress concentration that would occur with a single large slab
Data Source
AI summary
A vibratory source for generating seismic signals includes a baseplate, and a lift and hydraulic actuator system configured to actuate the baseplate to impart seismic waves into the ground. The baseplate includes plural individual plates for contacting the ground.