Time-Based Marine Seismic Source Triggering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current marine seismic survey techniques are limited by minimum shot intervals, record lengths, and maximum acquisition speeds, requiring synchronized recording and source triggering based on position, which restricts data acquisition efficiency and environmental friendliness.
Innovation Solution
Implementing near-continuous seismic data recording and source triggering based on time rather than position, allowing for fewer restrictions on shot intervals, record lengths, and acquisition speeds, with the ability to emit signals without a required listening period and trigger sources simultaneously or in coordinated sequences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If synchronized recording and source triggering based on position is implemented, then data acquisition follows traditional protocols, but acquisition speed and efficiency are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional triggering paradigm by switching from position-based triggering to time-based triggering. Instead of determining when to fire sources based on vessel position and predetermined shot intervals, the system fires sources at predetermined times regardless of position, thereby eliminating the synchronization constraints that limited acquisition speed and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous recording that operates independently of discrete shot events. By recording seismic data continuously without interruption between shots and without requiring synchronized start/stop based on position, the system eliminates dead time and maintains continuous useful action, thereby increasing overall data acquisition efficiency and speed.
2Adaptability or versatility
If minimum shot intervals and record lengths are enforced, then traditional seismic protocols are maintained, but data acquisition flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reverses the conventional approach by making recording independent of shot timing rather than shots independent of recording. This inversion eliminates the need to enforce minimum shot intervals and fixed record lengths, as the continuous recording system naturally captures all seismic events without protocol-based constraints, thereby increasing flexibility while reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter from position-based discrete triggering to time-based continuous operation. By altering the control parameter from spatial coordinates to temporal sequencing, the system eliminates the need for complex protocol enforcement regarding shot intervals and record lengths, allowing greater flexibility in acquisition design.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sources are triggered based on position, then traditional shot point spacing is maintained, but environmental impact increases due to required listening periods
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains continuous recording operation that captures seismic signals from multiple sources simultaneously without requiring idle listening periods between shots. This continuous operation eliminates the time losses associated with traditional listening periods, allowing sources to be fired in rapid succession with minimal environmental disruption while maintaining data quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic, rapid firing of multiple sources at predetermined time intervals rather than sequential position-based shooting. This periodic action allows sources to be triggered in coordinated sequences with short intervals, reducing the overall time required and minimizing environmental impact by eliminating long listening periods between individual shots.
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 data accuracy, reduces environmental impact, and increases acquisition speed and efficiency, enabling more precise and comprehensive seismic imaging with improved signal-to-noise ratio and reduced edge effects.
Implementation Method 1
Each acoustic signal is essentially a sound wave that travels down through the water and into the subterranean formation
Implementation Method 2
Each streamer includes a number of seismic receivers that detect pressure and/or particle motion changes in the water created by the sound waves reflected back into the water from the subterranean formations
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A method for seismic data acquisition can include near-continuously recording seismic data received from a number of seismic receivers and triggering a plurality of source elements, based upon time and not based upon position,at a predefined sequence of times relative to a start of a near-continuous recording.