Patents Assigned to WesternGeco L.L.C.
  • SEISMIC ACQUISITION USING SOLID STREAMERS
    Publication number: 20130051176
    Abstract: Some embodiments of the disclosed invention include a method for acquiring marine seismic data using solid streamers in a curved pattern. Streamers can be towed in a curved pattern within a body of water. While being towed in the curved patter the source may be fired and response data can be collected by the streamers as they are towed through the water in the curved/circular pattern. These streamers can be solid streamers and can be filled with a gel like substance. Moreover, the streamers can be placed at various known depths within the body of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2010
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: WESTERNGECO L.L.C.
    Inventors: Gary John Tustin, Steven Antony Gahlings, Robert Hughes Jones
  • Surveying a subterranean structure using a vertically oriented electromagnetic source
    Patent number: 8378685
    Abstract: To perform a marine survey of a subterranean structure, a vertically oriented electromagnetic (EM) source is positioned in a body of water, where the EM source is coincident with an EM receiver. The EM source is activated to cause transmission of EM energy into the subterranean structure. After deactivation of the EM source, an EM field affected by the subterranean structure is measured by the EM receiver. In an alternative implementation, a survey system is provided that has a continuous wave EM source, a main EM receiver, and an auxiliary EM receiver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: H. Frank Morrison, David L. Alumbaugh, Nestor Cuevas
  • 3D deghosting of multicomponent or over/under streamer recordings using cross-line wavenumber spectra of hydrophone data
    Patent number: 8379481
    Abstract: A technique includes obtaining pressure data that was acquired by seismic sensors towed as part of a three-dimensional spread of streamers and obtaining particle motion data, which are indicative of particle motion at locations of the sensors. The technique includes estimating cross-line spectra of the pressure data based at least in part on the pressure data, and the technique includes deghosting the particle motion data based at least in part on the estimated cross-line spectra.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Johan O. A. Robertsson, Massimiliano Vassallo, Dirk-Jan Van Manen, Ali Özbek
  • 3D residual binning and flatness error correction
    Patent number: 8380440
    Abstract: A method for processing seismic data. The method may include splitting the seismic data into multiple datasets according to one or more offsets; determining a first shift amount in three or more dimensions of the seismic data between a dataset having a first offset and a dataset having a second offset, determining a second shift amount in the three or more dimensions between the dataset having the second offset and a dataset having a third offset, determining a cumulative shift amount based on a shift of the first shift amount and the second shift amount and determining a corrected dataset based on the dataset having the third offset and the cumulative shift amount.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Victor Aarre, Patrick Smith
  • SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MARINE ANTI-FOULING
    Publication number: 20130039153
    Abstract: An anti-biofouling casing for a seismic streamer is described, the anti-biofouling casing including a polymer system having a hydrophobically-modified base polymer, the hydrophobically-modified base polymer including a base polymer having a backbone and a hydrophobically derivatized chain extender coupled to the backbone of the base polymer. The polymer system including between about 0.1% and 10% of the hydrophobically derivatized chain extender by weight. The anti-fouling casing including a hydrophobic surface that serves to prevent biofouling of the surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: WESTERNGECO L.L.C.
    Inventors: ROBERT SETH HARTSHORNE, GARY JOHN TUSTIN
  • Marine seismic acquisition system
    Patent number: 8358560
    Abstract: A marine cable for seismic surveys is described with a plurality of ceramic pressure sensors (901-904) arranged in groups of at least two pressure sensors with a group output being representative of the vertical pressure gradient at the group location, and an inclinometric system including one or more transducers for determining the orientation of the sensors of the group in order to determine their true vertical separation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2013
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Everhard Johan Muyzert, James Edward Martin, Robert Montgomery Laws, Philip Andrew Felton Christie
  • Rotational motion compensated seismic sensors and methods of use in seismic data acquisition
    Patent number: 8351298
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for acquiring seismic data using a seabed seismic data cable positioned on a seabed are described, including correcting for the effect of one or more sensor non-linear motions, which improves accuracy of seismic data. One or multiple non-linear movements of the sensor may be corrected for. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Robbert J. De Kok, Nicolas Goujon, Leendert Combee, Aslaug H. S. Melbø
  • Multi-vessel communication system
    Patent number: 8351293
    Abstract: A method for communicating between marine vessels includes the steps of connecting a communication hub and a first marine vessel via a cable; transmitting an electronic signal via the cable between the communication hub and the first marine vessel; and transmitting the electronic signal wirelessly between the communication hub and a second marine vessel. The cable may be a seismic cable such as, and without limitation to, a streamer and an ocean bottom cable. The seismic cable may include one or more seismic sensors such as hydrophones and geophones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventor: Svein Arne Frivik
  • ACTIVE SEISMIC MONITORING OF FRACTURING OPERATIONS
    Publication number: 20130000893
    Abstract: A method for managing a fracturing operation. In one implementation, the method may include positioning a seismic source and at least one seismic receiver near a hydrocarbon reservoir; pumping a fracturing fluid into a well bore of the hydrocarbon reservoir such that the fracturing fluid may include an additive that enhances acoustic impedance between the fracturing fluid and subsurface formations in which the hydrocarbon reservoir is located and that produces a foam; performing a seismic survey with the seismic source and the at least one seismic receiver during the fracturing operation; and identifying locations of the fracturing fluid within subsurface formations in which the hydrocarbon reservoir is located.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: WESTERNGECO L.L.C.
    Inventors: CRAIG J. BEASLEY, OLIVIER PEYRET
  • Estimating velocities with uncertainty
    Patent number: 8341984
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for estimating velocity in a subsurface region. Seismic data for a subsurface region may be received. One or more attributes for the seismic data may be calculated. A posterior distribution may be generated. The posterior distribution may represent one or more probabilities of one or more velocities for the attributes. A velocity with uncertainty may be determined for the subsurface region based on the posterior distribution. A pore pressure with uncertainty may be determined based on the velocity with uncertainty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Ran Bachrach, Konstantin Osypov, Colin Michael Sayers
  • Processing seismic data using combined regularization and 4D binning
    Patent number: 8339898
    Abstract: To process seismic data, a combined four-dimensional (4D) binning and regularization procedure is performed on the seismic data, where the combined 4D binning and regularization procedure includes computing measures associated with regularization of the seismic data, computing measures associated with 4D binning, and processing the seismic data according to the regularization measures and 4D binning measures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Patrick J. Smith, Anthony D. Curtis
  • ENHANCING LOW FREQUENCY CONTENT IN MARINE SIMULTANEOUS VIBROSEIS ACQUISITION
    Publication number: 20120314536
    Abstract: A technique is designed for conducting a seismic survey. The technique utilizes a plurality of vibrator arrays employed to conduct a seismic survey utilizing low frequency and high frequency vibrators in each vibrator array. The plurality of vibrator arrays continuously sweeps low frequency signals via low frequency vibrators. While sweeping low frequency signals, high-frequency vibrators emit high-frequency signals in an alternating pattern between vibrator arrays to enhance the seismic survey.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: WESTERNGECO L.L.C.
    Inventor: CLAUDIO BAGAINI
  • Seismic data acquisition and source-side derivatives generation and application
    Patent number: 8331192
    Abstract: The technologies described herein include systems and methods for performing a first seismic survey and performing a second seismic survey after a predetermined amount of time has lapsed between the first seismic survey and the second seismic survey. The shot times and the shot positions of the second seismic survey may be substantially the same as the shot times and the shot positions of the first seismic survey. After performing the seismic surveys, seismic data generated by the first seismic survey may be processed to generate a first image, and seismic data generated by the second seismic survey may be processed to generate a second image. After generating the first and second images, a difference between the first image and the second image may be computed to generate a time lapse difference image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Johan O. A. Robertsson, Dirk-Jan Van Manen, David Halliday, Robert Laws
  • Survey design using earth observation data
    Patent number: 8326537
    Abstract: A method for generating one or more maps of a survey area. In one implementation, the method may include receiving earth observation data, decomposing the earth observation data into pixels, georeferencing the earth observation data in pixel form with the curvature of the earth's surface, integrating the earth observation data in pixel form with seismic data, extracting one or more attributes from the integrated data and displaying the extracted attributes on one or more survey maps.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventor: Andreas W. Laake
  • Diplet-based seismic processing
    Patent number: 8326544
    Abstract: Methods, systems and software for generating a multi-dimensional volume are disclosed. The methods include decomposing one or more original volumes into a collection of diplets, wherein each diplet includes information about spatial location, orientation, amplitude, wavelet, acquisition configuration, and coherency. The methods further include migrating the collection of diplets using one or more of a velocity model or an anisotropic velocity model, and synthesizing one or more of the migrated diplets to an output multi-dimensional seismic volume.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventor: Chengbin Peng
  • Steering system and method for use in seismic survey applications
    Patent number: 8320215
    Abstract: A technique facilitates the steering of seismic survey related devices during seismic survey applications. A steering device is provided with a wing pivotably mounted to a body via a pivot member. As the steering device is moved through a liquid, the liquid acts against the wing and creates a torque about the pivot member which varies according to the angle of attack of the steering device. The steering device further comprises at least one feature designed to change the torque that would otherwise act on the pivot member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventor: Rune Toennessen
  • ESTIMATING A PROPERTY BY ASSIMILATING PRIOR INFORMATION AND SURVEY DATA
    Publication number: 20120281501
    Abstract: Prior information describing a distribution of values of a parameter relating to physical characteristic of a target structure is received. Acquired survey data of the target structure is received. Using a probabilistic technique, the prior information and the survey data is assimilated to produce an estimated property of the target structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: WESTERNGECO L.L.C.
    Inventors: KONSTANTIN S. OSYPOV, RAN BACHRACH
  • REMOVING FREE-SURFACE EFFECTS FROM SEISMIC DATA ACQUIRED IN A TOWED SURVEY
    Publication number: 20120275264
    Abstract: A technique includes towing a spread of at least one streamer to acquire seismic data in response to energy produced by a seismic source. The technique includes towing the seismic source at least 100 meters behind a front end of the spread to configure the spread to acquire a split spread gather record.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2012
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: WESTERNGECO L.L.C.
    Inventors: CLEMENT KOSTOV, MARTIN MUSIL, JOHAN ROBERTSSON, ED KRAGH
  • METHODS AND COMPUTING SYSTEMS FOR HYDROCARBON EXPLORATION
    Publication number: 20120271609
    Abstract: Methods and computing systems for hydrocarbon exploration are disclosed. In one embodiment, an integrated petroleum systems model is generated for an area of interest, wherein the integrated petroleum systems model is based on: a geological outline, a set of satellite remote sensing data, and a set of airborne remote sensing data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: WESTERNGECO L.L.C.
    Inventors: ANDREAS W. LAAKE, KRISTIJAN KORNPIHL, ANDREW BISHOP
  • Deriving an electromagnetic field in one direction based on measurement data of one or more sensing elements for measuring an electromagnetic field in another direction
    Patent number: 8289025
    Abstract: A survey module includes at least one sensing element to measure a first electromagnetic (EM) field along a first direction, and circuitry to derive a second EM field along a second, different direction based on the first EM field.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.
    Inventors: Edward Nichols, Nestor Cuevas