Seabed Seismic Sensor Non-Linear Motion Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Seabed seismic data acquisition is sub-optimal due to inadequate coupling of sensors to the seabed and rotational, rolling, or pivoting motions caused by currents or seismic waves, leading to distorted signals and poor data quality.

Innovation Solution

The use of seabed seismic sensors and cables equipped with linear motion sensing units that can measure and correct for non-linear motions, such as rotation, rolling, or pivoting, by employing micro-machined-electro-mechanical sensors and geophones to decompose signals into vertical and horizontal components, and modeling non-linear motions based on historical and real-time data for quality control and correction of multi-component measurements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sensors are deployed on the seabed for seismic data acquisition, then seismic data can be collected, but rotational and rolling motions of the sensor housing distort the seismic signals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseismic data qualityVSAvoidrotational motion distortion

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is segmented into multiple independent sensing units: linear motion sensors for vertical seismic detection and separate rotational sensors (rate integrators) for detecting housing rotation. This segmentation allows independent measurement and compensation of rotational effects on the seismic signal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring the rotational motion of the sensor housing using rate integrators and using this information to correct the seismic signal in real-time, compensating for the distortion caused by rotational motion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the sensor housing is designed to minimize rotation, then signal distortion is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignal distortionVSAvoidsensor housing design

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Rate integrators are introduced as intermediary devices that measure rotational motion without requiring complex mechanical constraints on the housing. These sensors act as mediators between the rotating housing and the seismic detection system, enabling software-based compensation instead of complex mechanical design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex mechanical anti-rotation mechanisms with a combination of simpler sensors (rate integrators and linear motion sensors) and computational correction, substituting mechanical complexity with electronic and software-based solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multi-component data acquisition is implemented, then comprehensive seismic surveying is achieved, but inadequate sensor coupling to the seabed reduces effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-component surveying capabilityVSAvoidsensor coupling effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is designed with multi-functionality by integrating both vertical linear motion sensors and rotational rate integrators into a single housing, enabling the system to perform both traditional vertical seismic detection and rotational compensation functions simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the measurement parameters by incorporating rotational rate measurements in addition to vertical acceleration measurements, allowing the system to adapt to varying seabed conditions and rotational motions while maintaining effective coupling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 improves the accuracy and quality of seabed seismic data by compensating for non-linear motions, reducing noise and instability, and allowing for more precise recording of seismic data even in challenging environments like non-flat sea floors.

Implementation Method 1

a seabed seismic sensor including at least one linear motion seismic sensing unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInertial sensing: Inertia

Implementation Method 2

means for sensing one or more non-linear motions of the seabed seismic sensor. The non-linear motion may be rotation, rolling, or pivoting

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational acceleration sensing: Accelerometer

Implementation Method 3

one or more micro-machined-electro-mechanical sensors

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9835749B2Rotational motion compensated seismic sensors and methods of use in seismic data acquisition

Publication Date: 2017.12.05 REFLECTION MARINE NORGE AS

AI summary

Apparatus and methods for acquiring seismic data using a seabed seismic data cable positioned on a seabed are described, including correcting for the effect of one or more sensor non-linear motions, which improves accuracy of seismic data. One or multiple non-linear movements of the sensor may be corrected for. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.