Marine Seismic Streamer Layout for Sparse Sensing and Noise Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine seismic surveys face challenges in obtaining multi-component seismic data due to high equipment costs and noise interference, particularly in towed marine seismic surveys, where sensor placement and support structures introduce noise and structural issues.
Innovation Solution
A marine seismic streamer design featuring a tubular outer skin with an inner gel substance, non-uniformly spaced MEMS sensors and hydrophones, and a strength member core, along with decoupled sensor units using spacers and filler materials to reduce noise and structural stress.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional uniform sensor spacing is used in marine seismic streamers, then complete spatial sampling is achieved, but the number of sensors increases cost and introduces more noise sources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies non-uniform sensor spacing where different regions of the streamer have different sensor densities. Some areas have closer spacing while others have wider spacing, optimizing the balance between spatial sampling completeness and reducing the total number of sensors. This local variation in quality allows efficient acquisition of multi-component seismic data without requiring uniform high-density coverage throughout the entire streamer length
2Measurement precision
If sensors are closely spaced to improve spatial resolution, then measurement precision increases, but noise interference from structural coupling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces decoupling spacers and filler materials as intermediary elements between closely spaced sensors. These spacers physically separate the sensors while maintaining their positional relationship, preventing structural coupling and noise interference between adjacent sensors. This allows the system to achieve high spatial resolution without the harmful effects of structural coupling that would otherwise occur with closely spaced sensors
3Measurement precision
If multi-component sensors are used to obtain directional particle motion data, then data quality improves, but equipment cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the multi-component sensing function across multiple separate sensor units distributed along the streamer. Rather than using expensive multi-component sensors at every location, the system uses simpler single-component sensors positioned at strategically selected locations to collectively capture directional particle motion data. This segmentation approach maintains data quality while significantly reducing equipment costs
4Measurement precision
If streamer structure is rigid to maintain sensor positioning, then measurement precision is maintained, but structural stress and noise from towing increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible streamer structure with embedded spacers and filler materials that maintain sensor positioning while accommodating towing-induced movements. The flexible construction allows the streamer to bend and move with water currents without generating excessive structural stress or noise, while the spacers ensure sensors remain properly positioned relative to each other. This resolves the contradiction between rigid positioning and flexible stress absorption
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 design enhances data quality by reducing noise interference and structural stress, allowing for efficient acquisition of multi-component seismic data at a lower cost.
Implementation Method 1
an inner surface of the outer skin defining an internal volume containing a gel substance
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of micro-electro-mechanical ("MEMS") sensors spaced non-uniformly in the seismic streamer along an axial direction
Implementation Method 3
a plurality of hydrophones associated with the outer skin... The reverberations and/or reflections are then detected and recorded by a seismic sensor
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments included herein are directed towards a marine seismic streamer. The seismic streamer may include an outer skin formed in longitudinally extending tubular shape, an inner surface of the outer skin defining an internal volume containing a gel substance. The seismic streamer may also include a plurality of micro-electro-mechanical (“MEMS”) sensors and plurality of hydrophones associated with the outer skin, wherein in the plurality of MEMS sensors are spaced non-uniformly in the seismic streamer along an axial direction of the streamer, such that not more than 100 MEMS sensors are located in the seismic streamer over a continuous 100 meter axial length of seismic streamer. The seismic streamer may further include an electronics system extending axially through an inside portion of the outer skin and a strength member core extending axially through an inside portion of the outer skin.