Seismic Data Unit Segmentation for GPS and Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seismic data acquisition units are not robust or easily deployable, leading to increased costs and time in conducting seismic surveys, which are essential for locating and developing oil and gas reserves efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A seismic data acquisition unit comprising a housing with a data unit, a flexible tether connected to an antenna, where the tether includes signal-carrying wires and tension-conveying members, allowing for underground housing placement while keeping the antenna at the surface for GPS signal detection and facilitating easy retrieval and deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the data acquisition unit is placed entirely underground for protection, then the data unit is protected from damage, but the antenna cannot effectively detect GPS signals
Solution Approach 1:
The data acquisition system is divided into two separate components: the data unit (placed underground for protection) and the antenna (positioned at the surface for signal detection). The flexible tether connects these segmented parts, allowing each to perform its optimal function in its designated location.
Solution Approach 2:
A flexible tether acts as an intermediary element connecting the underground data unit to the surface antenna. This tether transmits both mechanical tension and electrical signals, enabling communication and power transfer while accommodating the spatial separation between the protected data unit and the signal-receiving antenna.
2Strength
If rigid structures are used for the data acquisition unit, then structural strength is improved, but ease of deployment and retrieval is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static rigid structures to a dynamic configuration where the flexible tether allows the antenna and data unit to move relative to each other during deployment and retrieval operations, while maintaining structural integrity when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible tether replaces rigid connecting structures, providing both mechanical strength and flexibility. This flexible connection enables easy deployment and retrieval of the data acquisition unit while maintaining sufficient structural strength for operational requirements.
3Measurement precision
If more equipment is exposed at the surface for antenna placement, then GPS signal detection is improved, but vulnerability to damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the vulnerable antenna component from the protected data unit, with only the antenna exposed at the surface. This segmentation minimizes the exposed equipment to the essential signal-receiving component while keeping the sensitive electronics underground.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible tether serves as a protective intermediary that connects the exposed antenna to the protected data unit, allowing the antenna to remain accessible for signal detection while maintaining a secure, shielded connection to the underground housing.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for performing a seismic survey includes a data unit disposed in a housing, a flexible tether connected to the housing at a first end and having a second end, the tether including at least signal carrying wire and a tension conveying member, and an antenna connected to the second end of the tether, the data unit in signal communication with the antenna via the at least one signal carrying wire.