Seismic Pilot Sweep Cross-Talk Mitigation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Simultaneous seismic surveys in close proximity face significant interference due to cross-talk from nearby seismic sources, leading to reduced productivity and increased costs, as existing methods struggle to effectively separate signals from different surveys, especially when the interfering source's signal is unknown or uncontrollable.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that allow a first seismic survey to select a pilot sweep with reduced cross-correlation noise by detecting and analyzing interference from a second survey, selecting an alternative pilot sweep with lower noise correlation, and continuously adjusting the pilot sweep to minimize cross-talk, using a computing device and seismic sensors to record and process signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If time-share agreements are used to reduce cross-talk between seismic surveys, then interference is minimized, but productivity is cut in half and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the frequency domain parameters of the pilot sweep signal to minimize cross-correlation with interfering seismic surveys. By adjusting the frequency content and temporal characteristics of the pilot sweep, the system maintains survey productivity while reducing cross-talk interference through optimized signal parameters rather than time-sharing constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors the seismic signals for cross-talk interference and dynamically adjusts the pilot sweep selection based on detected interference levels. This feedback mechanism allows real-time optimization of the pilot sweep to minimize cross-correlation noise while maintaining continuous survey operations without time-share restrictions
2Use of energy by moving object
If impulsive sources are used for seismic surveys, then frequency content is generated, but safety and environmental concerns arise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces impulsive mechanical sources with vibratory sources that generate seismic energy through controlled vibration rather than sudden expansion. This substitution eliminates the safety and environmental hazards associated with impulsive sources while maintaining the ability to generate the necessary frequency content for seismic surveys through sustained vibratory excitation
3Duration of action of moving object
If vibratory sources with sweep excitation are used, then continuous emission is achieved, but cross-correlation noise from other surveys increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the frequency domain parameters of the pilot sweep signal to minimize cross-correlation with interfering surveys. By carefully selecting and adjusting the frequency content, sweep rate, and temporal characteristics of the pilot sweep, the system maintains continuous emission capability while reducing cross-correlation noise through parameter optimization
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors for cross-talk interference and dynamically selects or adjusts pilot sweeps based on detected interference patterns. This feedback allows the maintenance of continuous emission while adapting the signal parameters to minimize cross-correlation noise from other simultaneous surveys
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
Enables independent simultaneous seismic surveys by reducing cross-talk noise, improving data quality and reducing operational costs by allowing surveys to proceed with minimal interference from adjacent seismic activities.
Implementation Method 1
When source array 103 is activated, acoustic energy is coupled into the water and transmitted into the earth
Implementation Method 2
Streamers 117, which are also towed by vessel 101, include seismic sensors 109, which are used to record the reflected energy
Implementation Method 3
selecting another first survey pilot sweep, which has less cross-correlation noise with the second survey seismic signals than the first survey pilot sweep
Data Source
AI summary
A computing system and method for mitigating, in a first seismic survey, cross-talk generated by a second seismic survey. The method includes performing the first seismic survey with a first survey seismic source driven by a first survey pilot sweep, performing the second seismic survey with a second survey seismic source, simultaneously with the first seismic survey, recording with first survey seismic sensors (i) first survey seismic signals that originate from the first survey seismic source and (ii) second survey seismic signals that originate from the second survey seismic source, selecting another first survey pilot sweep, which has less cross-correlation noise with the second survey seismic signals than the first survey pilot sweep, and continuing the first seismic survey with the another first survey pilot sweep.