Seismic Source Reservoir Fill Chamber for Fast Refill and Pressure Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seismic sources in marine surveys face inefficiencies in refill time and premature firing due to direct fill lines and lack of pressure regulation, leading to reduced survey speed and increased risk of leaks.
Innovation Solution
A seismic source with a shared reservoir divided by baffles into sub-chambers and an accumulation region, using direct and indirect fill lines, and pressure regulation features to evenly distribute compressed gas and prevent premature firing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If a direct fill line is used to refill the reservoir, then refill time is reduced, but the risk of premature firing increases due to lack of pressure regulation
Solution Approach 1:
A pressure regulation valve is introduced as an intermediary component in the direct fill line system. This valve mediates between the fill line and the reservoir, controlling the pressure of incoming gas to prevent premature firing while maintaining the speed benefits of direct filling. The valve acts as a buffer that allows rapid refilling without compromising safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the pressure parameter of the gas being filled into the reservoir. By regulating pressure through a control valve during the filling process, the system achieves both fast refilling and prevention of premature firing. The pressure parameter is modified in real-time to match safe operating thresholds.
2Speed
If the reservoir is filled faster, then survey speed increases, but pressure distribution becomes uneven causing premature firing
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple pressure regulation valves are installed at different locations within the reservoir system to act as intermediaries that distribute pressure evenly. These valves ensure that rapid filling does not create pressure imbalances, maintaining uniform pressure distribution throughout the reservoir while enabling high-speed refilling for increased survey speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The reservoir filling process is segmented into multiple controlled zones with individual pressure regulation. Instead of a single fill point, the system divides the filling operation into segments that can be independently regulated, ensuring uniform pressure distribution across the entire reservoir volume even during rapid refilling.
3Reliability
If pressure regulation features are added to prevent premature firing, then reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure regulation valve is designed to perform multiple functions: it regulates pressure during filling, monitors reservoir pressure status, and can trigger safety mechanisms if thresholds are exceeded. By making the pressure regulation component multi-functional, the system improves reliability without adding numerous separate devices, thus limiting the increase in complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure regulation function is merged with the existing fill line infrastructure rather than being implemented as a separate complex system. The regulation valve is integrated into the fill mechanism, combining filling and pressure control functions into a single unified system, thereby improving safety without proportionally increasing device complexity.
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
The solution allows for faster refill times and reduced risk of leaks, enabling the seismic source to fire more frequently, thus reducing survey time and enhancing operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a reservoir configured to hold compressed gas
Implementation Method 2
a first firing head coupled to the reservoir, the first firing head configured to generate seismic energy by releasing a first portion of the compressed gas from the reservoir to form a first gas bubble in a seismic medium
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein describe a seismic source that includes a reservoir configured to hold compressed gas, a first firing head coupled to the reservoir where the first firing head configured to generate seismic energy by releasing a first portion of the compressed air from the reservoir to form a first gas bubble in a seismic medium, and a second firing head coupled to the reservoir where the second firing head configured to generate seismic energy by releasing a second portion of the compressed gas from the reservoir to form a second gas bubble in the seismic medium. Moreover, at least one first fill line is coupled directly to the reservoir.