Seismic Cable Positioning via Drone Ballast and Dynamic Shot Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Marine seismic data acquisition methods are hindered by the influence of currents, which affect the position of seismic cables and receivers, leading to suboptimal data quality due to cable drift and deviation from desired trajectories.
Innovation Solution
A method where seismic cables with zero buoyancy are kept at a speed lower than the seismic source, using drones to maintain tension and position, and shot positions are determined based on receiver positions relative to the terrestrial reference frame to optimize seismic signal quality, employing GPS and acoustic triangulation for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If cables are kept stationary or move at low speed relative to terrestrial reference frame, then receiver position stability is improved, but current influence on cable position increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the counterweight principle by using drones equipped with ballast systems that actively compensate for current forces acting on the cables. The drones adjust their ballast configuration to counterbalance the drift caused by currents, maintaining the desired cable position and geometry despite the harmful current influence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control through continuous monitoring of cable positions using GPS and acoustic positioning systems. The measured position data is fed back to the control system, which adjusts the drone positions and ballast configurations in real-time to maintain the desired cable geometry, thereby compensating for current-induced deviations.
2Manufacturing precision
If shot positions are adjusted as a function of receiver positions, then seismic data quality is improved, but acquisition complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the shot position determination adaptive and dynamic. Instead of using fixed predetermined shot positions, the system continuously calculates optimal shot positions based on the actual measured receiver positions. This dynamic adjustment ensures optimal seismic data quality while the system manages the complexity through automated real-time computation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of shot positions from fixed values to dynamically calculated values based on receiver position measurements. This parameter change allows the system to adapt to current conditions and maintain optimal acquisition geometry, with the complexity managed through algorithmic processing of position data.
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 minimizes cable drift and ensures optimal seismic data acquisition by maintaining cable position and adjusting shot positions to maintain uniform distribution of midpoints and azimuths, thereby improving data quality and coverage.
Implementation Method 1
the positions of the receivers are determined from the absolute positions of the ends of the cables obtained using GPS antennas
Implementation Method 2
relative positions of the receivers with respect to said ends obtained using acoustic triangulation networks installed in the cables
Data Source
AI summary
A method is proposed for acquiring seismic data relative to an area of the subsoil, wherein at least one seismic source is moved and seismic waves are emitted in successive shooting positions of the source so as to illuminate said area of the subsoil, and the signals resulting from this emissions are picked up using a set of cables having a substantially zero buoyancy and provided with receivers. The cables have a substantially zero speed or a speed substantially slower than the source in the terrestrial reference frame. And said successive shot positions are determined as a function of the position of the receivers relative to the terrestrial reference frame to optimize at least one quality criterion relating to the set of seismic signals acquired by the receivers in respect of said area. Such a method enables improved seismic data acquisition.