Analytic Seismic Source Firing Schedules for Signal Shaping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seismic surveys face inefficiencies in marine environments, particularly in designing Popcorn-type surveys, which require new approaches to control source activation properties like frequency and amplitude, and minimize peak impulses and correlation between patterns.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for marine seismic exploration that involves creating a predetermined pattern of seismic source activations, using a controller to activate seismic sources according to an analytic firing schedule, with varying firing rates and intervals to shape the seismic signal, and reconstructing data to image the subsurface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional seismic surveys are used in marine environments, then subsurface imaging can be achieved, but efficiency is reduced and peak impulses and correlation between patterns increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies periodic action by using predetermined patterns of source activations with controlled firing intervals. Multiple sources are activated in a systematic sequence rather than simultaneously or randomly, creating periodic excitation patterns that reduce peak impulses while maintaining imaging efficiency. The firing schedule systematically varies the activation timing across different sources to achieve both efficiency and reduced harmful correlations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing multiple predetermined firing patterns before the actual seismic survey. These patterns are computed in advance to optimize the balance between data collection efficiency and reduction of peak impulses. The controller selects from these pre-prepared patterns based on survey requirements, ensuring optimal performance without real-time computation delays.
2Adaptability or versatility
If Popcorn-type survey techniques are used, then seismic signal properties can be controlled, but device complexity and scheduling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by systematically varying the firing intervals and activation sequences in different predetermined patterns. Each pattern represents a specific configuration of temporal parameters that controls the seismic signal properties such as frequency content and amplitude distribution. By changing these parameters in pre-calculated patterns, the system achieves adaptability without requiring complex real-time adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through automated controller systems that manage the complex scheduling of multiple sources according to predetermined patterns. The controller automatically selects and executes appropriate firing patterns based on survey requirements, eliminating the need for manual scheduling of each source activation. This automation handles the complexity internally while presenting a simplified interface for survey design.
3Speed
If multiple sources are activated simultaneously, then data acquisition speed increases, but correlation between patterns and peak impulses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the simultaneous activation of multiple sources into sequential segments with controlled time intervals. Instead of activating all sources at once, the system segments the activation across multiple time slots according to predetermined patterns. This segmentation reduces the correlation between patterns and peak impulses while maintaining overall data acquisition speed through efficient parallel processing of different source groups.
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 allows for more efficient seismic data collection, reducing peak impulses and correlation between patterns, and providing accurate subsurface imaging by controlling the properties of seismic signals in marine surveys.
Implementation Method 1
The source of the down-going sound energy might come, for example, from explosions or seismic vibrators on land, or air guns in marine environments. Each time the source is activated, it generates a seismic signal that travels downward through the earth.
Implementation Method 2
Each time the source is activated, it generates a seismic signal that travels downward through the earth. 'Echoes' of that signal are then recorded at a great many locations on the surface.
Data Source
AI summary
According to an embodiment, there is provided a system and method of collecting seismic data using a predetermined pattern of source activations that is intended to control the properties of the resulting seismic signal. One embodiment utilizes a seismic source array (or, more generally, any collection of controllable sources) to create a series of spaced apart in time source activations, with the spacing and number of such activations being used to shape the resulting signal. In one method of building sweeps, the guns are fired at an increasing rate (decreasing time separation) as time goes by. Other patterns may be generated by decreasing the firing rate as time goes by, or some combination of the foregoing. In an embodiment, the rate of the increase or decrease in the firing rate will change from pattern to pattern.