| Patent application number | Description | Published |
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| 20090116337 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MINIMIZING INTERFERENCE BETWEEN SEISMIC SYSTEMS - A method and apparatus for minimizing interference between seismic systems. The method may generally include: (a) actuating a plurality of first sources associated with a first seismic system to generate a first plurality of phase-encoded vibratory signals; (b) actuating a plurality of second sources associated with a second seismic system to generate a second plurality of phase-encoded vibratory signals that are at least partially frequency separated from the first plurality of phase-encoded vibratory signals generated in (a); and (c) detecting the first and second plurality of phase-encoded vibratory signals utilizing a first receiver positioned at a location remote from the first and second sources. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20100002536 | MARINE SEISMIC ACQUISITION WITH CONTROLLED STREAMER FLARING - Marine seismic data is acquired with a system of steerable seismic streamers that are intentionally maintained in a flared configuration while the streamers are towed through a body of water. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100020640 | DYNAMIC SOURCE PARAMETER SELECTION FOR SEISMIC VIBRATOR DATA ACQUISITION - A method and system of operating single vibrator source points for seismic data acquisition includes acquiring real-time field survey locations for a first plurality of seismic vibrators, determining at least one geometrical relationship between each of the first plurality of seismic vibrators as a function of the field survey locations, selecting a second plurality of seismic vibrators from the first plurality of vibrators as a function of the at least one geometrical relationship, selecting source parameter data for the second plurality of seismic vibrators as a function of the field survey locations and driving the second plurality of seismic vibrators to propagate seismic energy into the earth. A third plurality of vibrators is selected based on geometrical relationships and associated source parameters are determined based on vibrator locations. Multiple vibrator groups may acquire data continuously without interruption. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100020641 | DYNAMIC SOURCE PARAMETER SELECTION FOR SEISMIC VIBRATOR DATA ACQUISITION - A method and system of operating single vibrator source points for seismic data acquisition includes acquiring real-time field survey locations for a first plurality of seismic vibrators, determining at least one geometrical relationship between each of the first plurality of seismic vibrators as a function of the field survey locations, selecting a second plurality of seismic vibrators from the first plurality of vibrators as a function of the at least one geometrical relationship, selecting source parameter data for the second plurality of seismic vibrators as a function of the field survey locations and driving the second plurality of seismic vibrators to propagate seismic energy into the earth. A third plurality of vibrators is selected based on geometrical relationships and associated source parameters are determined based on vibrator locations. Multiple vibrator groups may acquire data continuously without interruption. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100103772 | Marine Seismic Acquisition - A method of conducting multiple source, multiple signal seismic surveys in a marine environment are provided. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100103773 | Simultaneous Multiple Source Extended Inversion - Methods for improving the range and resolution of simultaneous multiple vibratory source seismic system including ZENSEIS™ are provided. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100118650 | 4D SEISMIC SIGNAL ANALYSIS - Methods of seismic data collection are described that reduce the amount of data required, reduce noise in the data collected and collect more data in areas where data collection is required. This results in a dramatic reduction of datasets required and improves noise reduction in data collected. By reducing the amount of data collected and increasing the noise reduction, a more accurate seismic survey is conducted at a dramatically reduced cost. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100147512 | CONTROLLED SOURCE FRACTURE MONITORING - Reservoir fractures are visualized using electrically active proppants to carry electric signals throughout the fracture. The electric signals are easily detected at the surface using RF antennae and a three-dimensional image of the fracture is generated. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100195434 | Heterodyned Seismic Source - The invention relates to an apparatus for generating heterodyned seismic signals as well as methods of using the heterodyned signals and a system for generating the heterodyned seismic signals. The heterodyned signals can be used near sensitive marine animals because the source frequencies are ultrasonic and the heterodyned seismic signal is generated in a narrow beam. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100208554 | MULTIPLE SEISMIC SIGNAL INVERSION - The invention relates to methods and equipment for acquiring and processing marine seismic data are disclosed that correct source movement during inversion. By correcting source movement during inversion, multiple data sets may be acquired independently during overlapping time periods thus reducing the number of sweeps required, generating greater amounts of data, and simplifying data processing. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20110013482 | Variable Timing ZENSEIS - Seismic systems and methods are provided to collect variable seismic data, for coordinating source energy and receiver data as well as using both to obtain high resolution seismic data. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110019502 | PRACTICAL AUTONOMOUS SEISMIC RECORDER IMPLEMENTATION AND USE - Seismic systems and methods are provided to synchronize both source and receiver data using inexpensive timers and/or low energy timers to obtain high resolution seismic data. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110128818 | EXTRACTION OF DISCRETE RECORDS FROM CONTINUOUS SEISMIC RECORDINGS - An adaptive signal separation is provided that isolates signal data and listening data from multiple continuous overlapping seismic signals. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110198147 | SEISMIC TRANSDUCERS HAVING IMPROVED POLYGONAL BASEPLATES AND METHODS OF USE - Methods and systems are provided for inducing seismic energy waves in a subterranean formation. More specifically, seismic transducers are provided that incorporate enhanced seismic baseplates. In certain embodiments, baseplates comprise certain enhancements such as having a perimeter in the shape of a polygon, such as, a hexagon or an octagon. In other embodiments, the perimeter of the baseplate may take the form of a polygon having n sides, where n is any integer greater than 4. Advantages of such baseplate enhancements include, but are not limited to, a reduction of baseplate harmonics or ringing, enhanced baseplate strength so as to reduce baseplate fatigue or failure, a reduction of baseplate flexure, and a consequent reduction of baseplate weight resulting in a more responsive baseplate. These advantages ultimately translate to improved seismic surveys, having higher resolution of the formations surveyed and resulting in surveys reaching greater depths. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110198148 | SEISMIC TRANSDUCERS AND BASEPLATES HAVING EXTERNAL DAMPENERS AND METHODS OF USE - Methods and systems are provided for inducing seismic vibrations into subterranean formations. Seismic transducers may comprise a frame, a reaction mass, a driver, and a baseplate. The driver actuates the reaction mass, imparting a vibratory energy to the baseplate. This vibratory energy is then imparted directly to the ground surface to propagate seismic waves into the formation. These seismic waves are then reflected by subsurface geological features. The reflected seismic waves may then be detected and interpreted by seismic detectors to reveal seismic information representative of the surveyed region. An external dampener may be secured to the baseplate, which provide, among other benefits, a damping effect to the baseplate. Advantages include, reduced undesirable baseplate harmonic distortion or “ringing,” reduced baseplate decoupling, and reduced seismic noise due to flexure reduction and more uniform baseplate-to-ground conformance. These advantages ultimately translate to improved seismic surveys, having higher formation resolution and reaching greater depths. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110272206 | MATRIX GROUND FORCE MEASUREMENT OF SEISMIC TRANSDUCERS AND METHODS OF USE - Methods and systems are provided for inducing seismic vibrations into an elastic medium such as subterranean formations. The methods and systems utilize seismic transducers having a sensor matrix for measurement of baseplate force distributions. Certain embodiments include a sensor matrix that is configured to measure a distribution of discrete force measurements across the surface area of the baseplate. Advantages of including such sensor matrices include a more accurate prediction of seismic transducer energy output. That is, these measurements can be used as feedback to adjust the operation of the seismic transducer. Additionally, these force measurements may be used to provide for a better interpretation of gathered seismic data. These advantages ultimately translate to improved seismic surveys, having higher resolution of the formations surveyed and reaching greater depths. | 11-10-2011 |
| 20110305106 | MARINE SEISMIC DATA ACQUISITION USING DESIGNED NON-UNIFORM STREAMER SPACING - The invention relates to an arrangement for seismic streamers used in the acquisition of seismic data in a marine environment where the spacing between each adjacent pair of streamers is not all the same. Some streamer spacings and/or receiver spacings are larger and some are smaller to provide a higher quality wavefield reconstruction when covering a larger total area or for a similar total area of seismic data acquisition while providing a wavefield that is optimally sampled by the receivers so that the wavefield reconstruction is suitable for subsurface imaging needs. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110305107 | FLARING METHODOLOGIES FOR MARINE SEISMIC DATA ACQUISITION - A method of determining an optimal flare spacing for streamers towed behind a seismic vessel comprising the steps of: using a computer specially adapted with a seismic data analysis package to analyze prior seismic data for a survey area; analyzing migration broadcast patterns to estimate a maximum sampling distance; calculating a wavelet expansion as a function of flare spacing; creating synthetic gaps in the prior seismic data coverage by dropping traces at different flare spacing; testing capability of different interpolation algorithms in the seismic data analysis package to close the synthetic gaps; and determining an optimal flare spacing based upon the capability of the different interpolation algorithms to close the synthetic gaps. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110305113 | SEISMIC DATA ACQUISITION USING DESIGNED NON-UNIFORM RECEIVER SPACING - The invention relates to an arrangement for seismic acquisition the spacing between each adjacent pairs of receiver and sources lines is not all the same. Some receiver and/or source lines and/or receiver and/or source spacings are larger and some are smaller to provide a higher quality wavefield reconstruction when covering a larger total area or for a similar total area of seismic data acquisition while providing a wavefield that is optimally sampled by the receivers and sources so that the wavefield reconstruction is suitable for subsurface imaging needs. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20120002503 | Seismic Acquisition in Marine Environments Using Survey Paths Following a Series of Linked Deviated Paths and Methods of Use - Methods and systems are provided for acquiring seismic data in a marine environment using survey paths following a series of linked curved paths so as to obtain multi-azimuthal data over a sub-surface target. Marine vessels towing multiple seismic streamers may be configured to travel substantially along a series of linked deviated paths or a series of linked curved paths. Sources may be excited to introduce acoustic wave energy in the marine environment and into the subsea region. The acoustic wave energy then reflects and refracts from the subsea region to form reflected and refracted wave energy, which is detected by seismic receivers spaced along the streamers. The detected seismic data is then interpreted to reveal seismic information representative of the surveyed subsea region. Other enhancements include configuring the streamers in a flared configuration, where the lateral spacing increases rearwardly over the length of the seismic streamers. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120014212 | CONTINUOUS COMPOSITE RELATIVELY ADJUSTED PULSE - The invention relates to continuously or near continuously acquiring seismic data where at least one pulse-type source is fired in a distinctive sequence to create a series of pulses and to create a continuous or near continuous rumble. In a preferred embodiment, a number of pulse-type seismic sources are arranged in an array and are fired in a distinctive loop of composite pulses where the returning wavefield is source separable based on the distinctive composite pulses. Firing the pulse-type sources creates an identifiable loop of identifiable composite pulses so that two or more marine seismic acquisition systems with pulse-type seismic sources can acquire seismic data concurrently, continuously or near continuously and the peak energy delivered into the water will be less, which will reduce the irritation of seismic data acquisition to marine life. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120014213 | HIGH DENSITY SOURCE SPACING USING CONTINUOUS COMPOSITE RELATIVELY ADJUSTED PULSE - The invention relates to continuously or near continuously acquiring seismic data where at least one pulse-type source is fired in a distinctive sequence to create a series of pulses and to create a continuous or near continuous rumble. In a preferred embodiment, a number of pulse-type seismic sources are arranged in an array and are fired in a distinctive loop of composite pulses where the returning wavefield is source separable based on the distinctive composite pulses. Firing the pulse-type sources creates an identifiable loop of identifiable composite pulses so that two or more marine seismic acquisition systems with pulse-type seismic sources can acquire seismic data concurrently, continuously or near continuously and the peak energy delivered into the water will be less, which will reduce the irritation of seismic data acquisition to marine life. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120033529 | OPTIMAL SOURCE SIGNATURE DETERMINATION - The invention relates to processing seismic data that includes signals from at least two sources and typically three or four sources where source separation is necessary for geophysical analysis. Specifically, the present invention is an analytical technique that quickly creates a more accurate source signature delivered by analysis of the source generated data contamination present in the separated data. The technique is to invert a segment of the data using a seed source signature and compute an error that reflects the generated data contamination observed in the separated source data. The source signature is iteratively revised as the segment is continually inverted with the goal of finding the optimal source signature that provides the lowest computed error. The source signature that provides the lowest error is, or is very close to, the true source signature and is then used in the separation process for the entire composite data set. This will provide much more information for geophysical interpretation. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120035853 | UNIQUE COMPOSITE RELATIVELY ADJUSTED PULSE - The invention relates to acquiring seismic data in either land or marine environments, but typically marine environments where a pulse-type source is fired in a distinctive composite pulse like a distinctive rumble. In a preferred embodiment, a number of pulse-type seismic sources, sometimes called an array, are fired in a distinctive composite pulse to be able to identify within the returning wavefield the energy resulting from the composite pulse. Firing the pulse-type sources creates an identifiable signature so that two or more marine seismic acquisition systems with source arrays can be acquiring seismic data concurrently and the peak energy delivered into the water will be less, which will reduce the irritation of seismic data acquisition to marine life. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120037368 | CONTROLLED RELEASE PROPPANT - Materials are delivered into oil well reservoirs. Highly sensitive, mechanical, biological and chemical agents can be delivered to subterranean formations with rigid, impermeable capsules. A variety of treatments may be delivered to a subterranean formation. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120037443 | SEISMIC TRANSDUCERS HAVING REDUCED SURFACE AREA BASEPLATES AND METHODS OF USE - Methods and systems are provided for inducing seismic energy waves in a subterranean formation. More particularly, improved seismic transducers are provided that comprise enhanced baseplates. Baseplates are provided that comprise an intermediate plate and a plurality of contact plates secured to the underside of the intermediate plate. The contact plates provide a surface area for engagement with the ground surface that is more limited than the lower surface area of the intermediate plate. Advantages of such baseplate enhancements include, but are not limited to, a reduction of baseplate harmonics or ringing and enhanced baseplate strength so as to reduce baseplate fatigue or failure, a reduction of baseplate flexure. These advantages ultimately translate to improved seismic surveys, having higher resolution of the formations surveyed and resulting in surveys reaching greater depths. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120037444 | CONSTANT HOLDDOWN WEIGHT FOR VIBRATORY SEISMIC SOURCES - The invention relates to maintaining constant holddown force on the vibrator baseplate during actuation. The invention described measures the weight on the point of locomotion verses the baseplate and dynamically adjusts the forces required to keep the holddown force on the baseplate constant. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120037445 | METHOD FOR CREATING AN IMPROVED SWEEP FOR A SEISMIC SOURCE - An adapted seismic vibrator for obtaining a true ground force comprising: a baseplate pad; a baseplate drive system, wherein the drive system is connected to the baseplate pad and moves the baseplate pad up and down; a vibrator controller electronics, wherein the electronics are connected to the drive system and causes the drive system to move the baseplate pad up and down; and a plurality of load cell sensors disposed between the baseplate pad and ground, wherein the sensors measure the vibrator output force during a sweep. A method of obtaining a true ground force sweep comprising the steps of: using the load cell sensors to measure an actual output force of a seismic vibrator and electronics to obtain an actual ground force data; using inversion to invert the actual ground force data and desired original pilot sweep to obtain a revised pilot sweep that produces a true ground force sweep; and entering the true ground force sweep into the electronics. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120037446 | UNIFORM DISPLACEMENT SWEEP - This invention relates to operating a seismic vibrator to produce a uniform displacement sweep wherein the baseplate drive is connected to the baseplate and the baseplate is moved in an up and down or reciprocating pattern creating displacement of the earth. The reciprocating pattern and physical displacement of the baseplate and the ground in contact with the baseplate is maintained at a relatively constant distance over at least most of the frequencies that are delivered into the earth although a constant displacement of the baseplate at higher frequencies will require greater power. The high frequency energy is more significantly present in the data traces of the recorded return wavefield and shows that Q attenuation is not fully to blame for the relative absence of high frequency data but rather in failing to effectively deliver high frequency energy into the earth in the first place. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120039150 | UNIQUE SEISMIC SOURCE ENCODING - The invention relates to the acquisition of seismic data using many seismic sources simultaneously or where the sources are emitting in an overlapping time frame but where it is desired to separate the data traces into source separated data traces. The key is having each seismic source emit a distinctive pattern of seismic energy that may all be discerned in the shot records of all of the seismic receivers. Distinctive patterns are preferably based on time/frequency pattern that is distinctive like an easily recognized song, but may include other subtle, but recognizable features such a phase differences, ancillary noise emissions, and physical properties of the vibes such a the weight and shape of the pad and the reaction mass and the performance of the hydraulic system and prime energy source. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120057429 | TUNING UNIQUE COMPOSITE RELATIVELY ADJUSTED PULSE - The invention relates to acquiring seismic data in either land or marine environments, but typically marine environments where a pulse-type source is fired in a distinctive composite pulse like a distinctive rumble. In a preferred embodiment, a number of pulse-type seismic sources, sometimes called an array, are fired in a distinctive composite pulse to be able to identify within the returning wavefield the energy resulting from the composite pulse. Firing the pulse-type sources creates an identifiable signature so that two or more marine seismic acquisition systems with source arrays can be acquiring seismic data concurrently and the peak energy delivered into the water will be less, which will reduce the irritation of seismic data acquisition to marine life. In addition, the composite pulse may be formulated by timing the firing of several of the sources with respect to energy emitted by “ringing” bubbles that attenuate within 100 to 300 ms to provide either or both of low frequency pulses and high frequency pulses to provide data for various processing and analysis of the data returned from the subsurface. On land, the complicating factor to be addressed is reverberation rather than bubbles. | 03-08-2012 |
| 20120113745 | ACTIVE STEERING CURVED AND FLARED SEISMIC STREAMERS - The invention relates to seismic data acquisition in a marine environment with long streamers of hydrophone receivers towed by a boat. In the present invention, the streamers are steered to follow a course that is related to the navigated path of the boat. Hydrophones at the far ends of the long streamers are arranged to follow a course even though the boat may have made a significant turn that would otherwise pull the streamers off the desired course. Using this invention, seismic acquisition is more efficient by allowing the vessel to spend less time outside the survey area and making tighter turns to get back on productive seismic data acquisition. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120130644 | ELECTRICAL METHODS SEISMIC INTERFACE BOX - The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for evaluating the geometry of a fracture. | 05-24-2012 |
| 20120146648 | AUTONOMOUS ELECTRICAL METHODS NODE - The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for evaluating and measuring the geometry of a fracture. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120152529 | ELECTRICAL METHODS FRACTURE DETECTION VIA 4D TECHNIQUES - This invention relates to a method for acquiring and evaluating the geometry of a fracture. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120169343 | FRACTURE DETECTION VIA SELF-POTENTIAL METHODS WITH AN ELECTRICALLY REACTIVE PROPPANT - This invention relates to a method for evaluating and measuring the geometry of a fracture. | 07-05-2012 |
| 20120275266 | SIMULTANEOUS CONVENTIONAL AND PHASE-ENCODED SEISMIC ACQUISITION - The invention relates to a process for two separate seismic crews to work in proximity to one another that would otherwise require expensive time sharing where one crew is a conventional seismic acquisition system and the other is a phase encoded seismic acquisition system. Typically, each recording system would receive seismic energy from the other that neither data set would be very useful. The invention primarily envisions some collaboration between the crews where each adjusts its sweeps to comprise a different time duration so that the energy the other crew's sources are distinguishable in the data set and easily eliminated therefrom. Distinctions may be further enhanced when the two crews use construct their sweeps so that each crew has a distinctly different start frequency and a distinctly different end frequency. | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120281499 | CONTINUOUS SEISMIC ACQUISITION - The invention relates to a seismic acquisition process where multiple seismic sources are used to acquire seismic energy using encoding so that all of the sources may deliver seismic energy at the same time where the sweeps are arranged to be back to back with no listen time and wherein a pseudo listen time that is uncontaminated is created in the composite data record. After the listen time is created, the composite data may be source separated for further processing and analysis. | 11-08-2012 |
| 20120287755 | SEISMIC TRUE ESTIMATED WAVELET - The invention relates to processing seismic data that includes signals from at least two sources and typically three or four sources where source separation is necessary for geophysical analysis. Specifically, the present invention is a process for correcting data prior to inversion where the correction is provided to correct for the filtering effect of the earth. The earth is a non-homogenous seismic propagator that causes distortions of wavelets of seismic energy related to the source and receiver azimuth and offset that makes the identification of source specific data within the composite data harder to identify. Computing an earth response and correcting for the effects of the earth on the wavelets provides for more resolution and more clarity in the resulting data and better geophysical interpretation. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120300584 | TWO-WAY WAVE EQUATION TARGETED DATA SELECTION FOR IMPROVED IMAGING OF PROSPECTS AMONG COMPLEX GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES - The invention relates to seismic imaging where complex geologies are likely to create data that is confusing or ambiguous for a conventional matrix of source points and receiver locations. With some understanding of the geological substructure, the source points and receiver locations that optimize the imaging may be found by using two-way wave equation propagation coupled with a quality geologic model. With this, the source points and receiver locations that optimize the imaging may be selected and used to better resolve the substructure and avoid the inclusion of data that obscures understanding of the substructure. | 11-29-2012 |
| 20120300585 | RECIPROCAL METHOD TWO-WAY WAVE EQUATION TARGETED DATA SELECTION FOR SEISMIC ACQUISITION OF COMPLEX GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES - The invention relates to seismic surveying where complex geologies are likely to create data that is confusing or ambiguous for a conventional matrix of acquisition source points and receiver locations. With some understanding of the geological substructure, the acquisition source points and receiver locations that optimize the imaging may be found by using a reciprocal two-way wave equation propagation method coupled with the best geologic model available. With this, the acquisition source points and receiver locations that optimize the imaging may be used in seismic survey to better resolve the substructure and avoid the inclusion of data that obscures understanding of the substructure. | 11-29-2012 |
| 20130021875 | MULTIPLE FREQUENCY GEOPHONE STRINGS - The invention relates to acquiring seismic data from the earth using geophones that are tuned to have differing frequency sensitivity ranges. The differing frequency sensitivity ranges cover a broader effective frequency range so that low frequency energy and high frequency energy are less attenuated in the raw data record. Two separate geophones would be used at the same node and three or more geophones may be used in combination at each node. When three or more geophones are used in combination, each may have a separate but overlapping frequency sensitivity range or two or more of the geophones may have the same frequency range sensitivity. | 01-24-2013 |
| 20130077439 | RECIPROCAL METHOD TWO-WAY WAVE EQUATION TARGETED DATA SELECTION FOR SEISMIC ACQUISITION OF COMPLEX GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES - The invention relates to seismic surveying where complex geologies are likely to create data that is confusing or ambiguous for a conventional matrix of acquisition source points and receiver locations. With some understanding of the geological substructure, the acquisition source points and receiver locations that optimize the imaging may be found by using a reciprocal two-way wave equation propagation method coupled with the best geologic model available. With this, the acquisition source points and receiver locations that optimize the imaging may be used in seismic survey to better resolve the substructure and avoid the inclusion of data that obscures understanding of the substructure. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130077440 | RECIPROCAL METHOD TWO-WAY WAVE EQUATION TARGETED DATA SELECTION FOR IMPROVED IMAGING OF COMPLEX GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES - The invention relates to seismic imaging where complex geologies are likely to create data that is confusing or ambiguous for a conventional matrix of acquisition source points and receiver locations. With some understanding of the geological substructure, the acquisition source points and receiver locations that optimize the imaging may be found by using a reciprocal two-way wave equation propagation method coupled with a quality geologic model. With this, the acquisition source points and receiver locations that optimize the imaging may be selected and used to better resolve the substructure and avoid the inclusion of data that obscures understanding of the substructure. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130114372 | OSCILLATING FLARED STREAMERS - The invention relates to a seismic acquisition process where the streamers are intentionally directed to follow an oscillating sweep pattern behind a tow vessel to counteract the effect of the large gaps between the streamers while acquire a wide sweep of data through each pass over the survey area. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130188459 | DOWNHOLE HETERODYNED ECCENTRIC VIBRATOR - The invention relates to delivering seismic energy with rotating eccentrics where the eccentrics are driven at relatively high, but different rotational rates create a heterodyned frequency of seismic energy into the earth from a downhole location. The rotating eccentrics may be rotated in opposite directions to deliver pressure waves or in the same direction to create a shear component to the seismic impulses. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130283923 | DETERMINATION OF NEAR SURFACE GEOPHYSCIAL PROPERTIES BY IMPULSIVE DISPLACEMENT EVENTS - The invention is an improved technique for measuring near surface attributes of the ground while conducting a seismic survey. The improved technique is enabled by an electric vibe using a number of linear electric motors that direct a rod or piston to contact the ground in a recurring fashion. By applying constant force on the rods of the linear electric motors against the ground, the penetration into the ground may be measured for both rate and overall deformation. This information provides an accurate indication of viscosity and stiffness. In addition shear velocity and compression velocity may be measured and in some conditions, even the type of prominent shear wave may be identified for the area. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130284534 | WHEEL LIFTING APPARATUS - The invention is an electric powered mechanism for lifting and lowering at the wheels for 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 for all systems on the source such as driving a frame of linear electric motors that direct a rod or piston to contact the ground in a recurring fashion along with driving the source from location to location through a survey area. Preferably a foot is arranged on the bottom end of the rod or piston for contact with the ground and by engaging the grid of motors to push down against the ground in a rapid progression, acoustic energy is created and delivered into the ground for geophones to sense and record. The electric powered wheel mechanism may be utilized to bring the foot of the rod or piston in contact with the ground or in closer proximity to the ground or level the source prior to emitting the seismic energy or to adjust weight on the acoustic energy delivery system while seismic energy is being delivered. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130284535 | DISCRETE ELECTRIC SEISMIC SOURCE - The invention is 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 for all systems on the source such as driving a frame of linear electric motors that direct a rod or piston to contact the ground in a recurring fashion along with driving the source from location to location through a survey area. Preferably, a foot is arranged on the bottom end of the rod or piston for contact with the ground and by engaging the grid of motors to push down against the ground in a rapid progression, acoustic energy is created and delivered into the ground for geophones to sense and record. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130286771 | ALTERNATIVE VIBRATOR ACTUATOR SOURCE - The invention is 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. Preferably, a foot is arranged on the bottom end of the rod or piston for contact with the ground and by engaging the grid of motors to push down against the ground in a rapid progression, acoustic energy is created and delivered into the ground for geophones to sense and record. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130286779 | QUASI-IMPULSIVE DISPLACEMENT SOURCE - The invention is an electric seismic vibrator source of the type used in seismic prospecting for hydrocarbons that creates a quasi-impulsive burst of seismic energy onto the ground and into the earth. The source uses an engine and generator combination to create electric power for all systems on the source such as driving a frame of linear electric motors that direct a rod or piston to contact the ground. All of the linear electric motors are driven against the ground in a high power pulse that delivers a band-limited spectrum of seismic energy over a very brief period of time that would like a “pop” and be measured in milliseconds. A quasi-impulsive seismic pulse would create a wave field that resembles the seismic data acquired using dynamite or other explosive seismic systems without the ultrahigh frequencies of a true explosive pulse. The quick burst or several quick bursts may further speed up the survey by minimizing the time that a vibe spends on a source point. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130286780 | DISTINCTIVE LAND SEISMIC SWEEP - The invention is 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 for all systems on the source such as driving a frame of linear electric motors that direct a rod or piston to contact the ground in a recurring fashion along with driving the source from location to location through a survey area. Preferably a foot is arranged on the bottom end of the rod or piston for contact with the ground and by engaging the grid of motors to push down against the ground in a rapid progression, acoustic energy is created and delivered into the ground for geophones to sense and record. However, the rapid progression of pulses or sweep of seismic energy is delivered in a distinctive fashion as compared to a conventional upsweep or downsweep and the distinctiveness is also achieved by creating a designed cadence or timing such that each pulse in a series of pulses is not delivered in a regular timing. Several similar seismic sources may be employed where each is provided with its own distinctive series of pulses such that each may be identified within the data record and source separation from a number of seismic sources may be accomplished. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130286788 | ELECTRICAL ENERGY ACCUMULATOR - 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. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130286789 | ACTIVE ISOLATION APPARATUS - The invention is 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 for all systems on the source such as driving a frame of linear electric motors that direct a rod or piston to contact the ground in a recurring fashion along with driving the source from location to location through a survey area. The seismic source further includes an active isolation system that provides for significant weight on the ground through the rods of the linear electric motors, but protects the vehicle body and the remainder of the systems on the seismic source to be insulated from the harshest vibration related to the acoustic energy being applied to the ground. The active isolation system may include reactive elements such as pneumatic and hydraulic shock absorbers, but also includes active elements such as linear motors operated to counteract the impulsive forces from conveying through the frame of the seismic source. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130286790 | SIMULTANEOUS COMPOSITE LAND SEISMIC SWEEP - The invention is 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 for all systems on the source such as driving a frame of linear electric motors that direct a rod or piston to contact the ground in a recurring fashion along with driving the source from location to location through a survey area. Preferably a foot is arranged on the bottom end of the rod or piston for contact with the ground and by engaging the grid of motors to push down against the ground to create impulses that deliver acoustic seismic energy into the earth for geophones to sense and record. However, the pulses of seismic energy are delivered in a distinctive fashion where different linear motors are deliberately and concurrently providing different signals that create a distinctive composite signature or signal that can be identified in the data record for source separation purpose. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130286791 | DISCRETE ELECTRIC SEISMIC SOURCE UNIT - The invention is 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 for all systems on the source such as driving a frame of linear electric motors that direct a rod or piston to contact the ground in a recurring fashion along with driving the source from location to location through a survey area. The seismic source includes systems for driving the acoustic energy systems using electric energy concurrently from both the generator and an electric energy accumulator such as a capacitor or battery, systems for adjusting the weight on the acoustic energy delivery system by raising and lowering wheels individually and an active energy isolation to isolate the chocks and impulses of the acoustic energy delivery system from the remainder of the seismic source. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130308422 | CONSTANT ENERGY DISPLACEMENTS - An electric sweep type seismic vibrator source of the type used in seismic prospecting for hydrocarbons is provided. In one example, the source uses an engine and generator combination to create electric power for all systems on the source such as driving a frame of linear electric motors that direct a rod or piston to contact the ground in a recurring fashion along with driving the source from location to location through a survey area. A foot is arranged on the bottom end of the rod or piston for contact with the ground and by engaging the grid of motors to push down against the ground in a rapid progression, acoustic energy is created and delivered into the ground for geophones to sense and record. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130343152 | METHOD FOR DETERMINING AN EQUIPMENT CONSTRAINED ACQUISITION DESIGN - A method for determining an equipment constrained acquisition design. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20140060958 | HETERODYNED ECCENTRIC VIBRATOR - The invention relates to delivering seismic energy with rotating eccentrics where the eccentrics are driven at relatively high, but different rotational rates create a heterodyned frequency of seismic energy into the earth. The rotating eccentrics may be rotated in opposite directions to deliver pressure waves or in the same direction to create a shear component to the seismic impulses. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140269175 | Seismic Acquisition in Marine Environments Using Survey Paths Following a Series of Linked Deviated Paths and Methods of Use - Methods and systems are provided for acquiring seismic data in a marine environment using survey paths following a series of linked curved paths so as to obtain multi-azimuthal data over a sub-surface target. Marine vessels towing multiple seismic streamers may be configured to travel substantially along a series of linked deviated paths or a series of linked curved paths. Sources may be excited to introduce acoustic wave energy in the marine environment and into the subsea region. The acoustic wave energy then reflects and refracts from the subsea region to form reflected and refracted wave energy, which is detected by seismic receivers spaced along the streamers. The detected seismic data is then interpreted to reveal seismic information representative of the surveyed subsea region. Other enhancements include configuring the streamers in a flared configuration, where the lateral spacing increases rearwardly over the length of the seismic streamers. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20150078128 | METHOD FOR SYNCHRONIZING CONTINUOUS SEISMIC SURVEY - The present invention relates to a method for synchronizing continuous seismic survey. In particular, the present invention employs a semaphore scheme for the vibes to autonomously and continuously initiate sweeps, thereby decoupling the vibratory source subsystem from the recording subsystem. By using a continuous recorder and the method of the present invention, the recording trucks and the observers can be eliminated, and the vibratory sources can be initiated more efficiently than conventional systems. | 03-19-2015 |
