Steerable Marine Acoustic Source System Actuator Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current marine seismic data acquisition systems face challenges in accurately controlling the position of seismic source arrays due to environmental factors and the reliance on deflectors, which introduces inaccuracies and difficulties in maintaining consistent source array positions over time for 4-D geophysical imaging.
Innovation Solution
A steerable marine acoustic source system with actuator devices connected to lead-ins, allowing for controlled positioning of source arrays along a line perpendicular to the towing path, eliminating the need for deflectors and enabling precise placement of source arrays during towing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If deflectors are used to control source array position through hydrodynamic forces, then the source array can be positioned during towing, but the position accuracy deteriorates due to environmental factors such as water currents affecting the hydrodynamic lift
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes deflectors from the system entirely. Instead of using deflectors that rely on hydrodynamic forces, the invention directly connects source arrays to lead-ins, eliminating the intermediary component that causes positioning inaccuracies due to environmental factors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces actuator devices as new intermediaries between the lead-ins and source arrays. These actuators provide active, controlled positioning rather than passive hydrodynamic positioning, allowing precise control of source array positions independent of water currents.
2Ease of operation
If deflectors are used to maintain streamer separation, then the streamers can be positioned outwardly during towing, but the source array position control deteriorates because source element positions are affected by deflector positions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes deflectors from the system, eliminating the coupling between deflector position and source element position. Source arrays are now independently controlled via actuator devices connected directly to lead-ins, breaking the dependency chain that caused positioning errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the positioning functions by giving each source array its own actuator device for independent control. This allows source arrays to be positioned independently of streamer separation maintenance, which is handled by the lead-in system.
3Device complexity
If traditional source arrays are towed without active steering, then the system is simpler, but the ability to maintain consistent source array positions over time deteriorates due to cross-currents, wind, and waves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, passive source array system into a dynamic, actively controlled system. Actuator devices continuously adjust source array positions to maintain consistency despite environmental disturbances, enabling 4-D imaging requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control through actuator devices that actively monitor and adjust source array positions. This closed-loop control compensates for disturbances from cross-currents, wind, and waves, maintaining position consistency over time.
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 solution allows for precise control of source array positions, reducing inaccuracies and improving the ability to maintain consistent source array locations over time, enhancing the accuracy of 4-D geophysical imaging despite environmental challenges.
Implementation Method 1
a first actuator device connected to the first source array... positions of the first and second source arrays are controllable along a line substantially perpendicular to a path of the source system
Implementation Method 2
A marine acoustic source system for generating an acoustic wave in a body of water... The seismic wave 18 propagates downwards toward the seafloor 20
Implementation Method 3
the deflectors rely on hydrodynamic forces, e.g., lift, created by the motion through the water to pull the streamers 50 outwardly to maintain their separation
Data Source
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AI summary
A marine acoustic source system for generating an acoustic wave in a body of water. The marine acoustic source system includes a first marine acoustic source array (110a) having first and second external source sub-arrays (114a, 114c), each sub-array including one or more individual source elements; a first actuator device (200a) connected to the first external source sub-array (114a); and a first rope (220a) connecting the first actuator device (200a) to a first lead-in (122a) that is configured to connect to a head of a streamer (120a). The first actuator device (200a) is configured to control a length of the first rope (220a) in order to control a position of the first source array (110a) relative to the streamer (120a).