Abstract:
A plurality of sensors and a controller are disposed in a marine seismic streamer. Each of the sensors comprises an enclosure having two opposing interior walls, first and second piezoelectric elements disposed on the opposing interior walls, a third piezoelectric element disposed on a flexible substrate within the enclosure between the opposing interior walls, a pressure signal output node and an acceleration signal output node disposed on the exterior surface of the enclosure. A combined pressure signal derived from the pressure signal output nodes of the plural sensors is coupled to a pressure signal input of the controller. A combined acceleration signal derived from the acceleration signal output nodes of the plural sensors is coupled to an acceleration signal input of the controller. The streamer may be towed, and the combined pressure and acceleration signals may be recorded in a computer-readable medium.
Abstract:
A system can include a first array of hydrophones and a second array of hydrophones. Each of the hydrophones can include a first detector and a second detector. A sensitivity of the first detector can be matched with a sensitivity of the second detector and a combined sensitivity of the first array of hydrophones can be matched with a combined sensitivity of the second array of hydrophones.
Abstract:
Techniques are disclosed relating to geophysical surveying. In various embodiments, a computer system may access seismic data for a geological formation, where the seismic data is recorded, using one or more sensors, during a seismic survey in which a first vibratory source was driven using a first digital code for at least a first time interval. The first digital code, in some embodiments, may include a first plurality of subsections corresponding to portions of the first time interval. In some embodiments, the computer system may image a first location of the geological formation using a correlation of only a first sub-section of the first plurality of sub-sections with the seismic data. Further, in some embodiments, the computer system may image a second location of the geological formation using a correlation of two or more of the first plurality of sub-sections with the seismic data.
Abstract:
Techniques are disclosed relating to calibrating sensors configured to measure both pressure and acceleration. In various embodiments, a system detects a first voltage produce by a first piezoelectric material in a hydrophone when the hydrophone is exposed to an acceleration and detects a second voltage produced by a second piezoelectric material in the hydrophone when the hydrophone is exposed to the acceleration. The system, in some embodiments, compares the first voltage and the second voltage. Based on the comparing of the first and second voltages, in some embodiments, the system determines a resistance for a variable resistor coupled to one of the first and second piezoelectric materials.
Abstract:
Embodiments related to addition of a variable mass load to the shell of a marine vibrator to compensate for air spring effects. An embodiment provides a marine vibrator, comprising: an outer shell; a driver disposed at least partially within the outer shell and coupled thereto; and a mass load coupled to an exterior surface of the outer shell; wherein the marine vibrator has a resonance frequency selectable based at least in part on the mass load.
Abstract:
Embodiments relate to marine acoustic vibrators that incorporate one or more piston plates that act on the surrounding water to produce acoustic energy. An example marine acoustic vibratory may comprise: a containment housing; a piston plate; a fixture coupled to the containment housing; a spring element coupled to the piston plate and the fixture; and a driver coupled to the piston plate and the fixture and configured to move the piston plate back and forth.
Abstract:
Disclosed are methods and systems for marine surveying that use electrically powered seismic sources that are distributed at spaced apart locations. In one example, a marine seismic survey system comprises: a survey vessel; a plurality of seismic sources configured to be towed by the survey vessel, wherein the seismic sources are electrically powered and are distributed behind the survey vessel at spaced apart locations with a spacing of about 50 meters or more; and a plurality of sensor streamers configured to be towed.
Abstract:
Embodiments related to restriction of gas flow in a marine acoustic vibrator to compensate for gas spring effects. An embodiment provides a marine acoustic vibrator, comprising: an outer shell; and a variable gas flow restrictor disposed within the outer shell; wherein the marine acoustic vibrator has a resonance frequency selectable based at least in part on the variable gas flow restrictor.
Abstract:
Embodiments relate to marine seismic vibrators for use in seismic surveying and associated methods of use. An embodiment provides a marine seismic vibrator comprising: a shell having a spring constant selected to provide a first resonance frequency within an operational frequency range of about 1 Hz and about 300 Hz; a driver disposed within the shell and having a first end and a second end; and a spring element coupled to the shell between the first end and the second end of the driver, wherein the spring element has a second mode of oscillation that provides a second resonance frequency within the operational frequency range.
Abstract:
Techniques are disclosed relating to marine geophysical surveys. Various output characteristics of a vibratory source may be modified based on whether a source is targeting an identified portion of a survey area. The portion of the survey area may be detected during the survey or may be pre-identified. In some embodiments, a survey system drives a vibratory source using digital codes having different lengths based on whether the source is targeting an identified portion of a survey area. The disclosed techniques may improve imaging of geology under certain types of formations or may reduce environmental impact, in various embodiments.