Small Transmitter and SQUID Receiver for Combined Geophysical Survey
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electromagnetic exploration methods face challenges with large, heavy receivers that make it difficult to set up distributed receiver stations, and they lack the capability to simultaneously acquire three-dimensional seismic and electromagnetic data or derive magneto-telluric data from highly populated receivers.
Innovation Solution
The development of a small-sized electromagnetic transmitter with high dynamic range and sensitivity magnetic field sensors, allowing for easy movement and setup of multiple receivers, along with the use of geophones or MEMS accelerometers to acquire both electromagnetic and seismic data, enabling combined field exploration and derivation of magneto-telluric data from three-component magnetic field measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional big loop or long grounded wire transmitters are used, then enough transmitting moment is generated, but the transmitter size and weight make it difficult to move and set up multiple distributed stations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electromagnetic surveying system into multiple small-sized transmitters distributed across the survey area, each capable of independent operation. This segmentation allows the system to achieve the required transmitting moment through multiple smaller units rather than one large transmitter, making them easier to move and deploy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple small transmitters to work together in achieving the required transmitting moment. By coordinating multiple smaller transmitters, the system achieves the cumulative effect needed for deep sounding while maintaining the mobility advantages of smaller individual units.
2Measurement precision
If conventional air loops or coils with magnetic flux concentrator are used, then magnetic field detection is achieved, but the receiver size and weight prevent creation of distributed receiver stations with hundreds or thousands of receivers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical magnetic field sensors (air loops, coils with magnetic flux concentrators) with SQUID (Super-conducting Quantum Interference Device) magnetometers. This substitution enables extremely small, lightweight receivers with high sensitivity, allowing deployment of hundreds or thousands of distributed receiver stations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operating parameters and technology basis of magnetic field detection by using SQUID magnetometers, which operate on quantum interference principles. This parameter change enables receivers to be both extremely small and highly sensitive, resolving the contradiction between detection capability and deployable quantity.
3Device complexity
If one-dimensional inversion interpretation is used with big transmitter, then interpretation is simplified, but source effect occurs and interpretation results change with transmitter location
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements receivers that can simultaneously acquire three-dimensional magnetic field data, electrical field data, and seismic data. This multi-functionality allows the system to gather comprehensive data for various interpretation methods, enabling both simplified one-dimensional inversion and more sophisticated three-dimensional inversions with consistent results regardless of transmitter location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from one-dimensional inversion to three-dimensional inversion by acquiring three-component magnetic field data and electrical field data from highly populated receivers. This dimensional expansion eliminates source effects and makes interpretation results independent of transmitter location while providing more comprehensive subsurface imaging.
4Reliability
If separate electromagnetic and seismic survey equipment is used, then each survey type can be optimized, but the complexity of setup and operation increases and combined field exploration cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges electromagnetic and seismic survey capabilities into a single integrated receiver system. Each receiver simultaneously houses SQUID magnetometers for magnetic field detection, electrodes for electrical field detection, and geophones or MEMS accelerometers for seismic detection, enabling combined field exploration without requiring separate equipment setups.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal receiver that performs multiple functions: detecting three-component magnetic fields, measuring electrical fields, and recording seismic waves. This multi-functional design allows simultaneous acquisition of electromagnetic and seismic data using the same distributed network of receivers, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining optimization for each survey type.
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
Enables efficient and flexible electromagnetic and seismic exploration with the ability to set up hundreds or thousands of receivers, allowing for detailed subsurface structure analysis and overcoming the limitations of previous methods by facilitating simultaneous data acquisition and improved data interpretation.
Implementation Method 1
variations in the earth's magnetic field are measured in two, non-parallel directions at one point in the exploration area
Implementation Method 2
The eddy currents induce magnetic field changes in the subsurface which can be measured at the surface of the earth with a magnetometer or induction coil
Implementation Method 3
seismic data could be acquired using the same receiver setup
Implementation Method 4
the electrical field could be derived from the vertical component of the magnetic field of the highly populated receivers and the magneto-telluric data could be derived by measuring the three components of the magnetic data
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic and its combined surveying apparatus and method, utilizing small-sized one or three-dimensional magnetic field sensors with high dynamic range and high sensitivity, which can be used together with highly populated receivers for the electromagnetic exploration. The electrical field could be derived from the vertical component of the magnetic field of the highly populated receivers and the magneto-telluric data could be derived by measuring the three components of the magnetic data. Moreover, by means of connecting the same populated receivers with geophones or MEMS accelerometers, and moving the seismic sources together with the mobile electromagnetic source, seismic survey could be carried out. It is therefore able to undertake the interpretation of the seismic, electromagnetic and magneto-telluric data and perform a combined field exploration.