Stationary Star-Shaped Antenna Array for Subsurface Beam Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional electromagnetic surveying methods for subsurface exploration face challenges such as low signal-to-noise ratios, low resolution, and difficulty in focusing on specific areas, particularly in identifying petroleum-bearing strata, due to their inherent limitations in resolving electrical properties of sedimentary rocks.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a patterned arrangement of electromagnetic receivers above the subsurface area, with repeated actuation of an electromagnetic source to record and process signals, allowing for signal stacking and beam steering to generate high-resolution images of subsurface structures by enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio and focusing on specific points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional electromagnetic surveying methods are used, then the surveying process is simple, but the signal-to-noise ratio is low and resolution is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver system is divided into multiple individual receivers arranged in a patterned array, with each receiver independently recording signals. This segmentation allows for beam steering and signal stacking operations that enhance resolution while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces temporal stacking of signals from multiple receivers and repeated source actuations, adding a time dimension to the spatial measurement. This dimensional expansion enables signal processing that improves resolution and signal-to-noise ratio without requiring a proportional increase in spatial receiver density
2Measurement precision
If traditional electromagnetic surveying methods are used, then the equipment is simple, but the ability to focus on specific areas is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic beam steering capability where the response from receivers can be electronically directed toward specific focal points in the subsurface. This dynamic focusing allows the system to concentrate electromagnetic energy and signal processing attention on areas of interest, improving accuracy without requiring physical reconfiguration of the receiver array
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality enhancement by enabling the system to focus on specific focal points in the subsurface through beam steering and signal stacking. Different regions of the subsurface can be selectively investigated with enhanced resolution and accuracy, allowing localized high-precision measurement without requiring the entire receiver array to be optimized for that specific location
3Measurement precision
If repeated source actuation and signal stacking are used, then the signal-to-noise ratio improves, but the surveying time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic actuation of the electromagnetic source in a repeated sequence, with each actuation generating signals that are recorded and subsequently stacked. This periodic action allows for coherent signal accumulation that enhances the signal-to-noise ratio while the time loss is managed through efficient processing algorithms that leverage the periodic nature of the 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 improves the resolution and accuracy of subsurface imaging by capturing subtle electrical changes and providing detailed electromagnetic attributes, enabling better identification of subsurface features, especially in complex porous structures, with the ability to form and steer beams to specific points of interest.
Implementation Method 1
An electromagnetic source is repeatedly actuated proximate the electromagnetic receivers. Signals generated by the receivers, indexed in time with respect to each actuation of the at least one electromagnetic energy source, are recorded.
Implementation Method 2
Signals generated by the receivers, indexed in time with respect to each actuation of the at least one electromagnetic energy source, are recorded.
Implementation Method 3
beam steering a response of the receivers such that the at least one point is equivalent to a focal point of a response of the plurality of receivers
Data Source
AI summary
A method for electromagnetic geophysical surveying according to one aspect of the invention includes disposing a plurality of electromagnetic receivers in a selected pattern above an area of the Earth's subsurface to be evaluated. An electromagnetic source is repeatedly actuated proximate the electromagnetic receivers. Signals generated by the receivers, indexed in time with respect to each actuation of the at least one electromagnetic energy source, are recorded. The recorded signals are processed to generate an image corresponding to at least one point in the subsurface. The processing includes stacking recordings from each receiver for a plurality of actuations of the sources and beam steering a response of the receivers such that the at least one point is equivalent to a focal point of a response of the plurality of receivers.