Magnetic Anomaly Mapping via Streamer Compass Arrays

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing seismic streamer systems face challenges in accurately determining the location of receivers due to magnetic anomalies in the earth's magnetic field, which can affect the precision of feature and structure identification in marine environments.

Innovation Solution

The integration of multiple magnetic compasses along seismic streamers, combined with navigation systems like GPS and acoustic pods, allows for the generation of a magnetic anomaly map by comparing recorded magnetic compass data with theoretical magnetic field data to identify and quantify these anomalies, thereby determining the correct position of each compass and mapping subsurface features.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If magnetic compasses are used to determine location of receivers, then location determination is enabled, but measurement precision deteriorates due to magnetic anomalies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocation determination accuracyVSAvoidmagnetic anomalies

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful effect of magnetic anomalies into a beneficial tool for detection. By deploying multiple magnetic compasses along the streamer and comparing their readings with theoretical magnetic field data, the system identifies magnetic anomalies and uses this information to correct location determination, thereby transforming the harmful magnetic interference into a useful diagnostic signal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces theoretical magnetic field data as an intermediary reference to mediate between the magnetic compass measurements and the actual location determination. This intermediary allows the system to identify deviations caused by magnetic anomalies and correct the location data accordingly, resolving the conflict between using magnetic compasses and avoiding magnetic anomaly interference.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple magnetic compasses are deployed along the streamer, then magnetic anomaly detection is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic anomaly detection accuracyVSAvoidnumber of magnetic compasses

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the magnetic field measurement function into multiple segments by deploying several magnetic compasses at different locations along the streamer. This segmentation allows the system to detect spatial variations in magnetic anomalies and improves overall detection reliability, as each compass provides localized magnetic field data that can be compared and validated against others.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic compasses serve multiple functions: they provide location determination data, detect magnetic anomalies, and enable correction of receiver positions. This multi-functionality justifies the increased device complexity, as the same components perform multiple critical tasks rather than requiring separate specialized devices for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 enhances the accuracy of location determination and feature identification by correcting for magnetic anomalies, enabling the precise mapping of subsurface structures such as sunken ships, salt pockets, and volcanic activity.

Implementation Method 1

Each magnetic compass measures the direction of the earth's magnetic field at specified time intervals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field measurement: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS10520631B2Magnetic field measurement via streamer cables

Publication Date: 2019.12.31 CONOCOPHILLIPS CO

AI summary

A method of generating a magnetic anomaly map and a system to develop a magnetic anomaly map are described. The method includes obtaining magnetic compass data recorded by two or more magnetic compasses disposed along a seismic streamer that traverses a first area and obtaining measurements from one or more navigation systems over the first area. The method also includes determining a correct position of each of the two or more magnetic compasses based on the measurements from the one or more navigation systems, and comparing the magnetic compass data with theoretical magnetic field data at the correct positions to generate a magnetic anomaly map.