Predictive Seismic Vibrator Pad Timing for Shorter Sweep Cycles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Seismic survey operations face inefficiencies due to delays in the cycle time between seismic energy sweeps, primarily caused by the time taken for the pad to acoustically couple with the ground and the subsequent communication of readiness to the central control.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a 'predictive ready message' system where the seismic source sends a message indicating the start of the pad lowering process, allowing the central control to estimate the time of acoustic coupling and initiate sweeps accordingly, combined with terrain mapping and optimal pad positioning using sensors to minimize movement and delays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the seismic source waits for the pad to fully couple with the ground before initiating the sweep, then the acoustic coupling quality is improved, but the cycle time between sweeps increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by sending a predictive ready message when the pad lowering process starts, allowing the central control to estimate the coupling time in advance. This enables the sweep to be initiated at the optimal moment without waiting for full coupling confirmation, thus reducing cycle time while maintaining coupling quality.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the pad is lowered slowly to ensure stable acoustic coupling, then the coupling stability is improved, but the time to complete the lowering process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback from sensors that detect when the pad has made contact with the ground to trigger the predictive ready message. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust the sweep initiation timing based on actual coupling conditions, ensuring stability while optimizing the lowering process speed.
3Ease of operation
If the seismic source follows the traditional sequence of pad lowering then sweep initiation, then the operational simplicity is maintained, but the productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The predictive ready message acts as an intermediary signal between the pad lowering process and the sweep initiation. This intermediary enables the central control to coordinate the sweep start time optimally without complicating the operator's workflow, thus maintaining ease of operation while increasing productivity through better time utilization.
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
Reduces cycle time by allowing simultaneous pad lowering and sweep initiation, optimizing pad positioning based on terrain conditions, thereby enhancing productivity and reducing equipment damage.
Implementation Method 1
a vibrator that acoustically couples to the ground using a moveable pad
Implementation Method 2
introduce acoustic energy into the earth so that reflection and refraction seismometry can be employed
Implementation Method 3
mapping a surface of a terrain to be traversed by the truck using at least one sensor carried by the truck
Implementation Method 4
positioning a moveable pad based on the mapped surface to provide a physical gap between the surface and the moveable pad
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 6~7
AI summary
A seismic survey (10) uses a central control (12) and a seismic source (14). The seismic source has a vibrator that acoustically couples to the ground using a moveable pad (18). A method for performing a seismic survey includes sending a first message (60) from the seismic source to the central control indicating a time at which the pad is being lowered; estimating a time at which the pad will be acoustically coupled to the ground based on the first message; and sending a message (62) from the central control to the seismic source to begin a sweep, the sweep beginning no sooner than the estimated time. Another method includes: mapping a surface of a terrain to be traversed by the truck using at least one sensor carried by the truck; positioning a moveable pad based on the mapped surface to provide a physical gap between the surface and the moveable pad; and traversing the mapped terrain with the truck.