Seismic Streamer Sensor Tilt Correction via Gravity Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for determining the orientation of particle motion sensors on seismic streamers are either mechanically complex, costly, or require frequent calibrations, which affect the accuracy and fidelity of seismic data acquisition.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a gravity sensing sensor to calculate the tilt angle of a particle motion sensor, allowing for the rotation of recorded seismic data to correct for orientation changes, eliminating the need for expensive mechanical solutions and periodic calibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical solutions (gimbal systems, ballasting) are used to maintain particle motion sensor orientation, then orientation stability is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical orientation maintenance systems (gimbals, ballasting) with a computational approach using a gravity sensing sensor (accelerometer) to continuously measure tilt angles and apply rotational corrections to seismic data through coordinate transformation. This substitutes mechanical complexity with electronic sensing and software processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a gravity sensing sensor as an intermediary element that indirectly measures the particle motion sensor's orientation by detecting the direction of gravity relative to the sensor. This intermediary measurement enables orientation correction without direct mechanical control of the particle motion sensor.
2Measurement precision
If mechanical orientation maintenance systems are used, then orientation accuracy is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces precision mechanical orientation systems with an accelerometer-based tilt measurement system combined with computational correction. This substitution maintains orientation accuracy while dramatically simplifying the manufacturing process, as accelerometers are standard commercial components that do not require precision mechanical assembly.
3Measurement precision
If periodic calibrations are performed to maintain sensor fidelity, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous tilt angle measurement and correction throughout the seismic survey operation. The accelerometer continuously tracks the particle motion sensor's orientation, and correction is applied in real-time to the data stream, eliminating the need for periodic calibration interruptions and maintaining continuous productive operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes a feedback loop where the accelerometer continuously monitors the particle motion sensor's orientation relative to gravity, and this information is used to dynamically correct the seismic data. This continuous feedback mechanism maintains measurement precision without requiring external calibration interventions.
4Measurement precision
If tilt angle correction is continuously applied, then vector fidelity is improved, but use of energy and computational processing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from mechanical parameter control (physical orientation maintenance) to computational parameter correction (mathematical rotation of data). This allows continuous tilt compensation with relatively low computational energy requirements, as the correction involves standard coordinate transformation calculations applied to the seismic data stream.
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 continuously estimates the orientation of particle motion sensors, optimizing vector fidelity and reducing the need for costly calibrations, thereby enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of seismic data acquisition without additional mechanical complexity.
Implementation Method 1
receiving vibrational data recorded by a gravity sensing sensor also located along the streamer; calculating an angle β(t), defined by a Z axis of the particle motion sensor and a Z0 axis of a global orthogonal system of coordinates, based on (1) an angle α(t), defined by a Zt axis of the gravity sensing sensor and the Z0 axis
Data Source
AI summary
A method for rotating recorded seismic data. The method includes receiving raw seismic data recorded with a particle motion sensor located along a streamer; receiving vibrational data recorded by a gravity sensing sensor also located along the streamer; calculating an angle β(t), defined by a Z axis of the particle motion sensor and a Z0 axis of a global orthogonal system of coordinates, based on (1) an angle α(t), defined by a Zt axis of the gravity sensing sensor and the Z0 axis, and (2) an angle θ(t) defined by the Zt axis and the Z axis, wherein the Z axis is part of a first local orthogonal system of coordinates attached to the particle motion sensor, the Z0 axis is part of a global orthogonal system of coordinates attached to the earth, and the Zt axis is part of a second local orthogonal system of coordinates attached to the gravity sensing sensor; and correcting the raw seismic data by rotating the raw seismic data, recorded in the first local orthogonal system of coordinates, with the angle β(t), to obtain corrected seismic data in the global orthogonal system of coordinates. The first and second local system of coordinates share a same X axis but the other two axes of each of the first and second local systems are offset from each other by angle θ(t) while the streamer moves in water and records the raw seismic data and the vibrational data. The global orthogonal system of coordinates share the same X axis with the first and second local systems, and the global orthogonal system is fixed to the earth while the first and second local systems rotate with the streamer.