Spaced Source Activation Lines for Accurate Seismic Velocity Models
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional seismic surveys face challenges in accurately imaging and correcting velocity models in areas with complex subsurface structures, requiring additional source points and specialized, high-powered sources, which increase time and expense.
Innovation Solution
A method for performing seismic surveys using spaced activation lines with velocity-source activation patterns, comprising conventional seismic sources like airguns, to achieve a sufficient signal-to-noise ratio for accurate velocity model correction, minimizing the number of source points and reducing survey time and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional seismic surveys use additional source points and specialized high-powered sources to accurately image complex subsurface structures, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The survey area is divided into multiple spaced activation lines rather than using a single dense source array. Each activation line contains multiple source points activated in sequence, segmenting the complex imaging task into manageable linear sections that collectively cover the survey area with adequate spacing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement parameter from a dense two-dimensional source array to a segmented linear configuration with controlled spacing. This parameter change maintains measurement precision by ensuring adequate source-receiver coverage while reducing device complexity through the simplified linear activation line structure
2Measurement precision
If conventional seismic surveys use additional source points and specialized high-powered sources, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple source points within each activation line are activated in a predetermined sequence before moving to the next activation line. This preliminary activation sequence allows data collection from multiple sources to be completed systematically, reducing total survey time while maintaining the precision needed for accurate velocity modeling
Solution Approach 2:
The spaced activation lines are configured to provide continuous coverage across the survey area. As one activation line completes its source activations, the next activation line is ready to begin, ensuring continuous data acquisition without idle time, thus maintaining measurement precision while minimizing survey duration
3Measurement precision
If conventional seismic surveys use specialized high-powered sources, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of substance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses conventional, readily available seismic sources in a spaced activation line configuration rather than expensive specialized high-powered sources. By optimizing the spatial arrangement and activation sequence of these conventional sources, the system achieves sufficient signal-to-noise ratio for accurate velocity modeling while avoiding the need for costly specialized equipment
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 allows for efficient and cost-effective seismic surveys that produce accurate velocity models and images by optimizing source placement and density, reducing the need for exotic sources and minimizing survey duration.
Implementation Method 1
The one or more seismic sources may be activated to generate seismic waves which travel through a seabed positioned beneath the column of water and into and through a subterranean formation
Implementation Method 2
As the seismic waves encounter an interface between two materials of the subterranean formation, some of the wave energy is reflected off of the interface
Implementation Method 3
some of the wave energy refracts through the interface and penetrates deeper into the subterranean formation
Implementation Method 4
The returned wave energy may be captured by nodes positioned at or above the seabed
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A method for performing a seismic survey of an earthen subterranean formation includes deploying a node patch including a plurality of seismic receivers to an offshore seabed in a survey area, deploying a surface vessel towing an array of seismic sources to the survey area located, and activating the array of seismic sources to generate seismic waves as the array of seismic sources are transported in an inline direction through the survey area whereby an imaging activation pattern and a velocity activation pattern are formed, wherein a lateral offset between the velocity activation pattern and the node patch is greater than a lateral offset between the imaging activation pattern and the node patch.