Seismic Acquisition Synchronization via Pre-Measured Delays
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current seismic acquisition systems face inefficiencies in synchronization due to time-consuming initial delay measurements and post-acquisition checks, particularly in vibroseis surveys, where radio transmission delays and oscillator accuracy require frequent adjustments, leading to prolonged data analysis processes.
Innovation Solution
A seismic acquisition system that includes a central system determining the desired start time for sweep cycles, with a recorder source system controller and vibrator units communicating to initiate sweeps precisely, utilizing synchronized real-time clocks and GPS for accurate timing, enabling synchronized start times across multiple vibrator units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If radio transmission delays are measured and adjustments are made to synchronize vibrator units, then synchronization accuracy is improved, but the initial measurement and confirmation process becomes time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary synchronization measurements and stores delay values before actual seismic acquisition. The recorder vibrator control system pre-measures radio transmission delays for each vibrator unit and stores these values for immediate use, eliminating the need for time-consuming measurements during the acquisition process itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a reference sweep signal that is copied and distributed to all vibrator units. Each vibrator unit receives and stores this reference signal, allowing them to synchronize their actual sweeps by comparing against this pre-established reference, eliminating repeated measurement needs.
2Measurement precision
If similarity checks are performed during acquisition to verify synchronization accuracy, then timing accuracy is improved, but the data analysis process becomes time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-verification by having each vibrator unit record a test sweep and immediately compare it against the reference sweep stored in the recorder. The vibrator control systems autonomously determine whether their sweep timing matches the reference within acceptable tolerances, eliminating the need for external operators to manually analyze timing data.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the recorder receives timing information from each vibrator unit and automatically determines if synchronization is within tolerances. This real-time feedback allows immediate detection and correction of timing issues without delayed manual analysis.
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 solution streamlines the synchronization process, allowing all vibrator units to start sweeps at the correct time, reducing the time-consuming nature of initial measurements and post-acquisition checks, thereby enhancing the efficiency of seismic data acquisition.
Implementation Method 1
a GPS receiver in communication with the vibrator timing system. The GPS receiver may be configured to determine a time of a pulse from the timing pulse
Data Source
AI summary
Various technologies for a seismic acquisition system, which may include an acquisition central system configured to determine a desired start time for a sweep cycle in one or more vibrators and a recorder source system controller in communication with the acquisition central system. The recorder source system controller may be configured to receive the desired start time from the acquisition central system. The seismic acquisition system may further include one or more vibrator units in communication with the recorder source system controller. Each vibrator unit may be configured to start a sweep cycle in a vibrator at the desired start time.