Abstract:
Methods for seismic exploration of a subsurface formation increase productivity by simultaneously actuating closely located vibratory sources. Individual vibrations generated by different sources actuated simultaneously are encoded to enable separation of seismic data corresponding to each of the individual vibrations.
Abstract:
The invention is an electric power accumulator used with an electric sweep type seismic vibrator source of the type used in seismic prospecting for hydrocarbons. The source uses an engine and generator combination to create electric power to drive a frame of linear electric motors that direct a rod or piston to contact the ground in a recurring fashion. The source may also be designed to use electric power to drive the source from location to location through a survey area. A large electric power accumulator is provided to store electric power when the generator is able to produce excess power and the accumulator may deliver power along with the generator to drive the rods and deliver acoustic energy. With a large electric power accumulator, such as a battery or capacitor, the engine and generator combination may be engineered to be somewhat smaller, less costly and more efficient than a system where the engine and generator were sized to provide the electric power at times of maximum electric draw.
Abstract:
The invention is an electric power accumulator used with an electric sweep type seismic vibrator source of the type used in seismic prospecting for hydrocarbons. The source uses an engine and generator combination to create electric power to drive a frame of linear electric motors that direct a rod or piston to contact the ground in a recurring fashion. The source may also be designed to use electric power to drive the source from location to location through a survey area. A large electric power accumulator is provided to store electric power when the generator is able to produce excess power and the accumulator may deliver power along with the generator to drive the rods and deliver acoustic energy. With a large electric power accumulator, such as a battery or capacitor, the engine and generator combination may be engineered to be somewhat smaller, less costly and more efficient than a system where the engine and generator were sized to provide the electric power at times of maximum electric draw.
Abstract:
A seismic survey method including determining an expected time when an actuation step will be performed by a seismic source device, transmitting a signal from the seismic source device to a source control system thereby alerting the source control system of the expected time when the actuation step will be performed by the seismic source device; and in response to the signal from the seismic source device, providing a communication from the source control system to the seismic source device.
Abstract:
Two tracks are mounted between a vibratory source of shear, or horizontally travelling, wave siesmic energy and its transport vehicle. The tracks are parallel to each other in the direction of horizontal movement of the source when vibrating. One track is attached to the source, and the other to the vehicle. Pressurized rounded resilient members, which may be either spherical bags or wide tires, are mounted between the tracks to isolate the vehicle from vibrations, insuring that the seismic energy enters the earth.
Abstract:
A transportable hydraulic seismic transducer has a seismic energy source connected to a pad for imparting elastic waves to the underlying ground. The energy source has a reaction mass with a single diameter cylinder formed therein, a double ended piston reciprocally mounted in the cylinder with a piston rod extending from opposite ends of the piston and a pair of bushings fitted within the cylinder at opposite ends to provide bearing surfaces for the opposite ends of the piston rod. A piston may be ringed and a liner fitted into place within the cylinder with the rings forming a seal with the liner. The piston may also be ringless and a liner made of a bushing material fitted within the cylinder so that between the piston and the liner, an adequate seal is provided. The use of the single diameter cylinder or bore permits the total machining of inserted parts such as the bushings and liners to be done before inserting in the reaction mass bore.
Abstract:
An over-the-road type vehicle for transport and powering of a seismic hydraulic vibrator which is adapted to operate in either one of two modes of operation. A first mode is the conventional mode wherein the vehicle is operated over large distances at varying road speeds, obtained by use of multiple gear ratios, and varying engine speeds. The second mode of operation is in a single gear ratio, with engine under control of a governor, to operate at constant high speed, and the movement of the vehicle is by successive short traverses. In the second mode of operation the single engine alternately powers the hydraulic vibrator, then with the engine still at high speed, moves the vehicle to a new vibration point a short distance away. A high energy efficiency is provided by the use of an hydraulic torque convertor, and a high time efficiency is provided by the hydraulic torque convertor, which with engine running at or near maximum speed and the truck at a standstill, can provide a torque magnification to a value which is greater than the engine torque.
Abstract:
A seismic signal source apparatus is mounted on the bed of a vehicle by means of a support structure. The apparatus includes a base plate coupled to ground surface beneath the vehicle as well as a seismic signal transducer to inject sweep signals into the ground through the base plate. A restraining means is connected between the upper end of the transducer support structure and the vehicle bed to prevent rocking motion of the seismic signal source. The restraining means includes a double-acting hydraulic piston. The piston is provided with at least two spring-loaded, oppositely-directed check valves. The spring loaded valves open to allow the transducer base plate to adjust itself to the local ground contours when the transducer base plate is pressed to the ground by the weight of the vehicle. The valves remain closed during a sweep cycle to provide a rigid restraining link which prevents destructive rocking movements of the transducer and base plate during a sweep cycle.
Abstract:
A seismic signal source adaptable for use with various types of seismic exploration vehicles which move over land. A signal means forms a seismic signal, and a transfer means transfers the signal to a fluid-filled tire of the vehicle for improved and more efficient coupling of the signal to the ground surface. Whether the vehicle with which the source is mounted is stationary or moving, signals may be sent from the source into the ground.
Abstract:
This invention relates to a system for generating seismic waves. It includes a vehicle for carrying an extensible mast. One end of each of two long stems is pivotally connected to opposite sides of the mast. When the mast is contracted, the stems are in a horizontal travelling position. After the mast is extended, the stems are rotated to a vertical operating position. While the stems are in the vertical position, the mast is retracted which forces the stem several feet into the earth. An air gun, attached to the outer end of the stem, is then actuated to generate a seismic signal. Then the mast is raised, raising the stems and air guns so that it can be readily moved to another location.