Vibroseis Seismic Acquisition Controller
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vibroseis seismic acquisition techniques face inefficiencies due to prolonged sweep generation times and interference noise from multiple seismic vibrators, which reduce data quality and productivity in seismic surveys.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system that monitors and regulates the acquisition activity of multiple seismic vibrators, using a controller to coordinate sweep sequences and minimize interference noise by ensuring orthogonal or pseudo-orthogonal sweeps, and optimizing the signal-to-noise ratio through real-time control of sweep parameters and timing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple seismic vibrators operate simultaneously to increase productivity, then survey speed improves, but interference noise increases reducing data quality
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic action by assigning different sweep sequences with specific time periods and frequencies to multiple vibrators. Each vibrator operates in a periodic manner with coordinated start times and sweep durations, allowing simultaneous operation while maintaining signal separability through temporal and spectral differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by giving each vibrator a unique local characteristic through individual sweep parameters (frequency ranges, sweep rates, phase offsets). This ensures that while all vibrators operate simultaneously, each contributes a distinct signal signature that can be separately identified and processed, reducing mutual interference.
2Reliability
If sweep generation time is extended to improve signal quality, then signal-to-noise ratio improves, but acquisition time increases reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-planning and pre-coordinating sweep sequences for multiple vibrators before acquisition begins. The source manager pre-assigns sweep parameters, timing, and sequencing to maximize signal quality while minimizing total acquisition time, allowing parallel execution of optimized sweep patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges multiple sweep operations by overlapping the operation of multiple vibrators in carefully coordinated time windows. Instead of sequential operation, multiple vibrators generate sweeps simultaneously or in overlapping intervals, with the source manager combining their contributions through signal processing to achieve both speed and quality.
3Manufacturing precision
If strict orthogonal sweep sequences are enforced to minimize interference, then data quality improves, but system complexity and coordination overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves data quality through parameter changes rather than strict structural constraints. By dynamically adjusting sweep parameters (frequency ranges, sweep rates, time offsets, phase angles) the source manager can achieve sufficient signal separation without requiring perfectly orthogonal sequences, reducing coordination complexity while maintaining data quality.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique includes monitoring acquisition activity of a plurality of seismic vibrators. The technique includes receiving signals from the seismic vibrators during the monitoring. Each of the signals indicates that at least one of the seismic vibrators is available for an associated seismic operation. The technique includes, in response to the signals, regulating the operations based on the monitored acquisition activity.