Abstract: Methods and apparatus facilitating radial profiling of shear slowness are disclosed. According to some aspects of the invention, acoustic tool bias is accounted for in the calculation of radial profiles. According so some aspects, acoustic tool bias is accounted for by replacing acoustic tool structure with a resonance-impedance model. The resonance-impedance modeling according to principles of the present invention is applicable to vertical, deviated, and horizontal boreholes.

Abstract: According to a preferred aspect of the instant invention, there is provided herein a system and method for using both a temporal zone of seismic data and conditioned amplitude spectra thereof to determine the underlying layer sequence. The instant invention is suitable both for determining layer positions and layer impedance magnitudes, that best describes the geologic sequence sampled by a band limited seismic source wavelet as reflected from the zone.

Abstract: A method and apparatus useful to determine the integrity of a cement bond log disposed in the annular space between a casing and a wellbore. The method and apparatus produce a transversely polarized shear wave and emit the wave through the casing and into the wellbore. The transversely polarized shear wave attenuates upon passage through the cement bond log. The integrity of the cement bond log can be determined through an analysis and evaluation of the attenuation results.

Abstract: A method for determining a shear wave velocity of a subterranean formation from a leaky shear wave arrival is disclosed. Standoff measurements are utilized to indicate the presence of leaky shear wave arrivals in the received waveforms. In one exemplary embodiment, leaky shear waves are indicated when the measured standoff distance is less than a predetermined threshold. The invention may provide for a direct determination of shear wave velocity in acoustically slow formations, thereby potentially improving accuracy as compared to prior art estimation techniques. The invention may further provide for improved power efficiency.

Abstract: A seismic streamer includes a jacket covering an exterior of the streamer. At least one strength member extends along the length of the streamer and is disposed inside the jacket. At least one seismic sensor is disposed in a sensor spacer affixed to the at least one strength member. An encapsulant is disposed between the sensor and the sensor spacer. The encapsulant is a substantially solid material that is soluble upon contact with a void filling material. A void filling material is disposed in the interior of the jacket and fills substantially all void space therein. The void filling material is introduced to the interior of the jacket in liquid form and undergoing state change to substantially solid thereafter.

Abstract: A method for simultaneously operating multiple seismic vibrators using continuous sweeps (little or no “listening” time between sweeps) for each vibrator, and recovering the separated seismic responses for each vibrator with the earth signature removed. Each vibrator is given a unique, continuous pilot signal. The earth response to the motion of each vibrator is measured or estimated. The vibrator motion records for each vibrator and the combined seismic data record for all the vibrators are parsed into separate shorter records. The shorter records are then used to form a system of simultaneous linear equations in the Fourier transform domain, following the HFVS method of Sallas and Allen. The equations are then solved for the separated earth responses.

Abstract: A method of processing seismic data obtained using a seismic vibrator that includes estimating travel times of direct wave arrivals between the seismic vibrator and an array of seismic receiver locations and wavefield deconvolving the seismic data using the direct wave arrival travel times. Also a related method of producing a high-frequency geological subsurface image that includes acquiring seismic data having significant harmonic energy using a seismic vibrator, estimating direct wave arrival travel times between the seismic vibrator and an array of seismic receiver locations, wavefield deconvolving the seismic data using the estimated direct wave arrival travel times, and using the wavefield deconvolved seismic data to produce a high-frequency geological subsurface image. A further related computer useable medium having computer readable program code means embodied therein practicing the inventive method.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for predicting a plurality of surface multiples for a plurality of traces in a record of seismic data. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a plurality of target traces at a nominal offset and a nominal azimuth; selecting a plurality of pairs of input traces, wherein the midpoints of the input traces in each pair are separated by half the nominal offset and the azimuth of a line connecting the midpoints of the input traces in each pair is equal to the nominal azimuth; convolving the selected pairs of input traces to generate a plurality of convolutions; and applying a three dimensional operator to the convolutions.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems and methods for connecting two seismic streamers are disclosed that enable two streamers to be towed in a desired arrangement. One apparatus comprises an elongate member having a first portion and a second portion, and an orientation member connected to the elongate member between the first and second portions, the orientation member functioning, when the streamers are connected by the apparatus and towed, to maintain orientation of the streamers. 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.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to a caliper and method for mapping the dimensions and topography of a formation such as the sidewall of a borehole. Examples of formations in which embodiments of the invention can be used include, but are not limited to, an oil, gas, pile borehole or barrette that has been drilled or excavated into the earth.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for enhancing the moveout between a direct wave and a reflected wave. The method involves transmitting imaging signals into a body to be imaged and receiving the resulting signals propagated from the signal source. The step of receiving the propagated signals includes selectively adjusting the distance between the signal source and the signal receivers between successive signals. The method further comprises separating the reflected signals from the total received signals and enhanced stacking of the measured reflected signals.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting mud pulse telemetry signals includes a differential transducer. In various exemplary embodiments, a high-pressure side of the differential transducer is in fluid communication with either drilling fluid in a standpipe (which is in fluid communication with drilling fluid in the borehole) or a gas chamber of a pulsation dampener. Exemplary embodiments typically further include a pressure delay module in fluid communication with the low-pressure side of the differential transducer and the gas chamber of the pulsation dampener. The invention is intended to advantageously improve the reliability and bandwidth of mud pulse telemetry communications in oilfield drilling applications.

Abstract: A seismic ocean bottom cable array is provided for use in subsurface exploration. The array includes receiver stations for measuring seismic signals, and a cable including conductors for data transmission and an externally attached stress member. The array is assembled during deployment by attaching the data transmission cables and receiver stations to the stress member as it is lowered into the water.

Abstract: A method for creating an enhanced seismic image is described. Seismic data is acquired from a seismic survey conducted over a subterranean region. The seismic data is transformed into energy components, preferably Gaussian beam components. An earth model is created which is comprised of lens elements. The set of energy components is propagated or migrated through the lens elements to form image components which are combined into a seismic image. A target is identified in the seismic image for image enhancement. Ray tracing may be used to select the trial set of lens elements to be updated and to select a subset of energy components. The subset of energy components is propagated through updated earth model to form updated image components. The seismic image is updated by replacing image components with updated image components which are formed from the subset of selected energy components. This subset is ideally greatly reduced in size relative to the overall number of energy components, i.e., beam components.

Abstract: A method for wrapping continuous strands of steel wire about a seismic cable including interconnected sensor sections and conductor sections where a cross sectional diameter of the sensor section is at least four times that of the conductor section. Two layers of armoring are provided with a first layer wrapped in a first angular direction opposite that of the second layer. A stranding assembly is provided which has two selective positions, one for providing a die hole for stranding the conductor section, another for providing a passage hole for allowing the sensor section to pass after wrapping with armor wire.

Abstract: A method includes recording a first set of data using a first type of sensor; recording a second set of data using a second type of sensor, the first and second sets of data being contemporaneously acquired by co-located sensors; and removing noise from the first data set using the second data set. An apparatus includes a survey vessel towing an array of towed streamers including a plurality of paired, co-located sensors densely distributed along the streamers. A first one of each sensor pair is of a first type and a second one of each sensor pair is of a second type. A computing apparatus records a first set of data acquire by the first type of sensor and a second data set acquire by the second type of sensor. The computing apparatus then removes noise from the first data set using the second data set.

Abstract: A seismic data acquisition telemetry system includes a seismic vessel including a data recording system thereon. The system includes a seismic data gathering unit in operative connection with at least one seismic sensor. The system includes a first antenna disposed on the seismic vessel and a second antenna disposed on the data gathering unit, at least one of said first and second antennas being directional. Means are included for orienting a sensitive direction of the directionally sensitive antenna toward the other of said first and second antennas.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for positioning a center of a seismic source. The method includes determining a desired center-of-source of the seismic source and selecting one of a first and a second plurality of guns to form the seismic source based upon the desired center-of-source, a center-of-source of the first plurality being different than a center-of-source of the second plurality.

Abstract: A method of determining the existence of and location of hydrocarbon and water fluid contacts by analyzing spatial changes in 3D seismic data. The method begins by obtaining seismic attribute data as a 3D data volume. Then the method derives 3D dip and azimuth as a 3D volume and deriving corresponding 3D reliability volumes or derives responding 3D censor volumes which are representative of portions of the volume within which a reliable dip and azimuth can be determined. A focused subvolume of interest within the 3D data volume is then selected. The method concludes by storing filtered 3D seismic attribute data within the filter half length in each 3D direction along with null values for all non-reliability locations outside the filter half length but within the focused subvolume of interest forming a 3D output volume.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus facilitating radial profiling of shear slowness or shear modulus c66 in the cross-sectional plane of a borehole in an anisotropic formation with the vertical X3-axis are disclosed. According to some aspects of the invention, sonic tool bias is accounted for and removed from radial profiles. According to some aspects, sonic tool bias is accounted for by modeling the sonic tool as a heavy-fluid.