Abstract: A method for simulating the positioning of at least one acoustic linear antenna towed in a study zone is provided. The method includes at least one simulation step of at least one future position of at least one point of the acoustic linear antenna(e), at least one step for predicting the temporal and spatial variations of at least one marine current likely to interact with the acoustic linear antenna(e) and at least one step for determining the form of the acoustic linear antenna(e) by the resolution of a hydrodynamic model. The prediction step(s) include an upstream phase for determining a current at at least two determined points of the zone; a simulation phase of at least one future position of the determined points; a temporal projection phase of the current determined during the upstream phase at each future position; and a spatial projection phase of the currents at at least two distinct points of the acoustic linear antenna(e) occupying future position(s) of the simulation step.

Abstract: A seismic streamer includes a jacket covering an exterior of the streamer. At least one strength member extends the length of the jacket. The strength member is formed as a substantially flat belt having a width to thickness ratio of at least 10. At least one sensor holder is coupled to the at least one strength member. The at least one sensor holder includes at least one arcuate opening for receiving the at least one strength member. The at least one arcuate opening is laterally displaced from a center of the at least one sensor holder such that when the at least one strength member is disposed therein the at least one strength member is substantially tube shaped and substantially coaxial with the jacket.

Abstract: A technique includes generating vibroseis sweeps for a vibroseis survey to produce seismic data acquired in response to seismic signals produced by the sweeps. The generation of the vibroseis sweeps including temporally arranging the sweeps into time-overlapping groups. The technique includes regulating a timing of the groups relative to each other based on a slip time. The technique also includes regulating a timing of the sweeps of each group such that consecutive sweep firings of each group are spaced apart by a time substantially less than the slip time.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for communicating data with a seismic sensor are provided. The method comprises identifying data to be transmitted and one or more seismic events that correspond to the data to be transmitted. One or more seismic events are created that are distinguishable into binary code from one or more seismic sensors within the array. Seismic events can be distinguished by their pattern or frequency. A first frequency can be assigned as a first binary code and a second frequency can be assigned as a second binary code. Likewise, different patterns of acoustic energy can designate different binary codes. Combinations of patterns and frequencies can be used together to create distinct distinguishable seismic events.

Abstract: Formation evaluation measurements are used to estimate formation lithology. The estimated lithology is used to provide an estimate of acoustic wave slowness. The estimated acoustic wave slowness is used to provide processing parameters for acoustic data that are less sensitive to noise.

Abstract: Described are methods for obtaining seismic signals representative of properties of the earth's interior, including the steps of obtaining near-field acoustic signals recorded in the vicinity of a seismic source (13), muting from the near-field acoustic signals at least partly signals representing direct arrivals from the seismic source (13), and using a remaining part of the obtained signals as estimate of a zero-offset data set. The zero-off set data set can then be used to interpolate data from conventional acquisition location, such as streamers (11), to locations closer to the source (13).

Abstract: A technique includes generating seismic sweep sequences. Each of the seismic sweep sequences has an associated sweep rate. The technique includes varying the sweep rates to reduce harmonic distortion present in a composite seismic measurement produced in response to the sweep sequences.

Abstract: A technique for providing short circuit protection in electrical systems used in hydrocarbon exploration and production and, more particularly, for such electrical systems comprising serially connected nodes, includes an apparatus and method. The apparatus, includes a power supply and a plurality of electrically serially connected application sensors downstream from the power supply. Each application sensor includes a sensing element; and a plurality of electronics associated with the sensing element. The electronics shut off upstream power to the downstream application sensors in the presence of a short circuit. The method includes serially supplying power to a downhole apparatus comprising a plurality of electrically serially connected downhole sensors; sensing, in series and upon receiving power from upstream, at each downhole sensor whether a downstream short circuit exists; and shutting off upstream power to the downstream downhole sensors in the presence of a short circuit.

Abstract: To estimate a far-field signature of a seismic source having plural source elements, seismic receivers are provided to receive signals from the seismic source elements of the seismic source. Seismic receivers are dynamically associated with different seismic source elements over time, and the far-field signature of the seismic source is computed according to the measurement data taken by the seismic receivers.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed for generating three dimensional (3D) vertical seismic profiles (VSPs) in a more time efficient manner. The methods and apparatuses enable faster and more efficient VSP surveys than previous techniques. Real-time updating of the velocity model and real-time reflection point density calculations are carried out, which are used to determine the location of the next seismic source firing. In the event the data of a particular bin has an insufficient fold, common image points (CIPs) or reflection point density, additional source firings may be carried out prior to moving the source. Further, in the event the data of a particular bin is excessive in terms of the fold, CIPs or reflection point density before the planned source firings for the bin are completed, remaining source firings for that bin may be skipped to save time and improve the efficiency of the data collection.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for constructing a velocity model of a subsurface of the earth, is disclosed herein. Seismic data may be received. A first velocity model of the subsurface may be constructed using the seismic data. The subsurface may have one or more salt bodies. A second velocity model of the subsurface without the salt bodies may be constructed using the seismic data. A set of attributes induced by the salt bodies may be determined based on the first velocity model and the second velocity model. A stiffness tensor change between the first velocity model and the second velocity model may be calculated based on the set of attributes induced by the salt bodies. The first velocity model may be updated based on the stiffness tensor change.

Abstract: A downhole tool 10 includes means for detecting a downhole condition, a capacitor bank, and a sparker. The technique is particularly useful for detecting casing collars. As the tool is passed along the well bore 11, it detects collars 12. On each detection, a part of the capacitor bank is discharged through the sparker. This generates an acoustic pulse which is transmitted through the ground (wave 14) to detectors 15, 16. The movement of the tool 10 is also monitored by a movement detector 20. The position of the tool 10 is correlated with the positions of the collars 12 by a computer 22 fed via interfacing circuitry 21. If desired, the pulses may be coded by strength, number, time spacing, etc.

Abstract: A method for determining permeability of a porous medium of a formation, the method including: placing a logging instrument into a borehole that traverses the porous medium, the borehole filled with a borehole fluid; measuring a pressure, p(1), of an acoustic wave in the borehole at about a boundary between the porous medium and the borehole, the acoustic wave comprising a frequency that is about a resonant frequency of a system that includes the borehole and the porous medium; calculating the permeability from the pressure; and providing the permeability as output to a user.

Abstract: A technique includes acquiring data, which is indicative of operations that are being conducted in connection with a subterranean survey. The technique includes communicating the data in real time over a long range communication network to allow at least one remote user to remotely observe the operations.

Abstract: A method for attenuating noise in marine seismic signals includes cross ghosting pressure responsive marine seismic signals and contemporaneously acquired motion responsive marine seismic signals. A difference is determined between the cross ghosted signals. The difference is used to attenuate noise in at least one of the pressure responsive signals and the motion responsive signals.

Abstract: Systems and methods for seismic data acquisition employing a dynamic multiplexing technique. The dynamic multiplexing technique may include advancing one or more modules in a seismic array through a multiplexing signature sequence in successive transmission periods. The multiplexing signature sequence may be random or pseudo-random. A shared multiplexing signature sequence may be used at all the modules in the seismic array. As such, modules belonging to a common collision domain may operate out of phase with respect to the shared multiplexing signature sequence.

Abstract: A merged particle velocity signal is generated by merging a recorded vertical particle velocity signal, scaled in an upper frequency range using a time-dependent arrival angle as determined by velocity analysis, with a simulated particle velocity signal, calculated in a lower frequency range from a recorded pressure signal using a time-varying filter based on the time-dependent arrival time. Combined pressure and vertical particle velocity signals are generated by combining the recorded pressure and merged velocity signals.

Abstract: Systems and methods are implemented for evaluating underground structures and objects, particularly relatively shallow underground structures and objects, using a seismic or acoustic source signal and a resulting seismic or acoustic wave. A discrete or unitary apparatus incorporates both a seismic source transducer and a receiver transducer within a common housing or frame. A unitary seismic probe includes a ground engaging member and a seismic source mechanically coupled to the ground engaging member. The probe further includes a sensor assembly mechanically coupled to the ground engaging member and configured to sense ground vibrations resulting from an impact to the ground engaging member by the seismic source.

Abstract: Various technologies for a seismic acquisition system, which may include an acquisition central system configured to determine a desired start time for a sweep cycle in one or more vibrators and a recorder source system controller in communication with the acquisition central system. The recorder source system controller may be configured to receive the desired start time from the acquisition central system. The seismic acquisition system may further include one or more vibrator units in communication with the recorder source system controller. Each vibrator unit may be configured to start a sweep cycle in a vibrator at the desired start time.

Abstract: A method of sensing using a phase based transducer in which a transducer response is provided at multiple different levels of sensitivity. The different levels of sensitivity are used to produce an output which does not overscale across a wide range of signal levels. This is particularly useful for use in conjunction with multiplexed arrays of fiber optic sensors for seismic surveying. Methods of sensor calibration and noise reduction are also described.