Dynamic Seismic Vibrator Group Selection for Source Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seismic data acquisition methods face challenges in achieving high-quality data due to limitations in source separation and energy distribution among multiple vibrators, leading to suboptimal signal-to-noise ratios and inefficient data collection.
Innovation Solution
The method involves dynamically selecting and activating groups of seismic vibrators based on geometrical relationships and real-time survey conditions, using optimized sweep parameters and phase encoding to ensure uniform energy propagation and continuous data acquisition, thereby improving source separation and data quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple seismic vibrators are operated simultaneously to increase productivity, then data acquisition efficiency is improved, but source separation quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the simultaneous operation of multiple vibrators into sequential groups. Vibrators are divided into first, second, third, and fourth groups that operate in sequence rather than simultaneously. This segmentation maintains high productivity by keeping multiple vibrators active while improving source separation by reducing the number of concurrent sources, making it easier to distinguish individual vibrator signals in the recorded data.
2Productivity
If the number of vibrators is increased to reduce acquisition time, then productivity is improved, but energy distribution uniformity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic group selection where the composition of active vibrator groups changes based on real-time survey conditions and geometrical relationships. The system dynamically determines which vibrators to activate in each group based on their positions and the survey area requirements, ensuring uniform energy distribution across different survey locations while maintaining high productivity through continuous operation of multiple groups.
3Productivity
If vibrators are activated continuously to minimize downtime, then productivity is improved, but signal-to-noise ratio deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic activation patterns where vibrators are turned on and off in structured sequences. Each vibrator group operates for a defined period, then is replaced by the next group in the sequence. This periodic action ensures continuous data acquisition (high productivity) while allowing individual vibrators to rest between activations, reducing cumulative noise and improving the signal-to-noise ratio in the recorded seismic data.
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 enhances the efficiency and quality of seismic data acquisition by minimizing downtime, increasing effective sweep time, and maintaining uniform energy distribution across survey areas, resulting in improved signal-to-noise ratios and reduced acquisition costs.
Implementation Method 1
A reaction mass in association with a baseplate is driven by a system to produce vibratory motion which travels downward into the earth via the base plate
Implementation Method 2
Each time the energy source is activated it generates a seismic signal that travels into the earth, is partially reflected, and, upon its return, may be recorded at many locations on the surface
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system of operating single vibrator source points for seismic data acquisition includes acquiring real-time field survey locations for a first plurality of seismic vibrators, determining at least one geometrical relationship between each of the first plurality of seismic vibrators as a function of the field survey locations, selecting a second plurality of seismic vibrators from the first plurality of vibrators as a function of the at least one geometrical relationship, selecting source parameter data for the second plurality of seismic vibrators as a function of the field survey locations and driving the second plurality of seismic vibrators to propagate seismic energy into the earth. A third plurality of vibrators is selected based on geometrical relationships and associated source parameters are determined based on vibrator locations. Multiple vibrator groups may acquire data continuously without interruption.