Abstract:
A seismic data acquisition system is configured to collect seismic data. The system includes a marine source array configured to be attached to a fixed structure floating at the water surface and including vibratory source elements; and a controller configured to control the vibratory source elements so that a beam formed by the source array is steerable.
Abstract:
There is a method for determining a shape and structure of a piston for a vibratory seismic source element. The method includes generating a cost function J that is function of plural variables; applying plural constraints to the cost function J; calculating a piston shape and piston design that fulfills the plural constraints; and modifying the calculated piston shape and piston design based on practical implementations of the vibratory source element.
Abstract:
Method, source array and seismic vibro-acoustic source element for seismic data acquisition. The method includes storing in a controller a library of beam form factor sets associated with a source array and corresponding regions to be surveyed; towing the source array along survey lines over the regions to be surveyed; selecting a beam form factor set from the library to be applied to the source array for each region; and actuating the source array based on the selected set of beam form factors and a position of the source array relative to the regions. Each set of beam form factors maps to a corresponding region of an area to be surveyed.
Abstract:
There is a method for finding a best distribution of source elements that form a vibratory source array. The method includes inputting plural constraints for the source elements; generating plural distributions of the source elements that fulfill the plural constraints; calculating for each distribution a performance index characterizing the source array; and selecting the best distribution from the plural distributions based on a value of the performance index.
Abstract:
There is a method for obtaining control of a source array configured to generate seismic waves. The method includes accessing an interface unit attached to a fixed structure that is substantially stationary in water, the interface unit being connected to a source array; entering a passcode to the interface unit to gain access to the source array; downloading a shooting sequence or a driving signal to a controller of the source array; and actuating the source array to generate seismic energy into water.
Abstract:
Method, source array and source element that generate seismic waves. The source element includes an enclosure having an opening covered by a piston; a local supply accumulator fluidly communicating with an interior of the enclosure, a pressure of the fluid inside the local supply accumulator being larger than a pressure of the fluid inside the enclosure; a local supply valve located between the local supply accumulator and the enclosure and configured to control a flow of the fluid from the local supply accumulator to the interior of the enclosure; and a controller configured to control the local supply valve such that the pressure inside the enclosure does not fall below a first preset value based upon an ambient pressure of the enclosure while seismic waves are generated.