Abstract: A while-drilling Vertical Seismic Profiling (VSP) data acquisition system utilizing the same seismic shots for three purposes is disclosed. First, the seismic shots provide a means for synchronizing a downhole clock in the VSP receiver to a master clock at the surface, thereby enabling correct determination of seismic travel times. Second, the same seismic shots are also used to communicate commands and other information to the downhole VSP receiver, such commands controlling the actions of the VSP receiver or associated devices. Third, the same seismic shots are utilized for purposes of the VSP survey itself, i.e. determination of seismic travel times, forming of seismic images, and determination of geologic and formation fluid properties using the VSP methods.

Abstract: A while-drilling Vertical Seismic Profiling (VSP) data acquisition system utilizing the same seismic shots for three purposes is disclosed. First, the seismic shots provide a means for synchronizing a downhole clock in the VSP receiver to a master clock at the surface, thereby enabling correct determination of seismic travel times. Second, the same seismic shots are also used to communicate commands and other information to the downhole VSP receiver, such commands controlling the actions of the VSP receiver or associated devices. Third, the same seismic shots are utilized for purposes of the VSP survey itself, i.e. determination of seismic travel times, forming of seismic images, and determination of geologic and formation fluid properties using the VSP methods.

Abstract: A method of determining the extent of detonation of a Well Perforating Gun is disclosed. The Perforating Gun is positioned in a borehole and the detonation is initiated at one point on the essentially curvilinear array of explosive charges. Seismic waves emanate from the series of explosions, propagate away from the Perforating Gun and are detected at a distance away from the Perforating Gun using seismic receivers consisting of single or arrayed transducers of conventional design. The seismic receivers may be placed at or near the earth's surface and/or in one or more boreholes. The recorded seismic waves are processed and analyzed, and may be decomposed through a novel inversion process. The combined results are further analyzed to determine the extent of detonation including whether the gun fired or not, and if there was a misfire or partial misfire, the quantitative extent of the detonation.

Abstract: A set of seismic detectors is distributed throughout a defense zone in communication with a set of attack or other controllable devices. A seismic signal source controlled by a zone defense coordinator communicates at scheduled times to the seismic detectors and through them to the associated devices to convey mission critical information. The seismic detectors and the attack devices are controlled singularly and/or collectively by self-contained processors. The seismic source may be at a fixed site and is substantially repeatable as well as controllable. The system may be specially adapted to a wide range of terrains including land and water; and from very shallow to very deep water. Targets may be characterized in terms of their typical seismic signatures and the same hardware system used for seismic communication may be also programmed for target detection and device activation.

Abstract: A seismic communication system suitable to communicate information to an underground device is disclosed. A seismic source (preferably on or near the surface of the earth) generates a timed series of seismic shots. These shots are then detected by one or more seismic receivers underground. Depending on the timing of these seismic shots, and the communication protocol selected, various information may be communicated to the underground target. Such a system is particularly desirable when the underground device includes a perforating gun because the perforating gun may not only be remotely detonated without the drawbacks of previous methods, but the detonation of the perforating gun charges may also be detected, giving an indication whether substantially fewer than all of the explosive charges detonated. The seismic communication system may also be used, as a component within a multi-functional well seismic system, for seismic reservoir monitoring or seismic monitoring of well operations.

Abstract: A seismic communication system suitable to communicate information to an underground device is disclosed. A seismic source (preferably on or near the surface of the earth) generates a timed series of seismic shots. These shots are then detected by one or more seismic receivers underground. Depending on the timing of these seismic shots, and the communication protocol selected, various information may be communicated to the underground target. Such a system is particularly desirable when the underground device includes a perforating gun because the perforating gun may not only be remotely detonated without the drawbacks of previous methods, but the detonation of the perforating gun charges may also be detected, giving an indication whether substantially fewer than all of the explosive charges detonated. The seismic communication system may also be used, as a component within a multi-functional well seismic system, for seismic reservoir monitoring or seismic monitoring of well operations.

Abstract: A method of determining the extent of detonation of a Well Perforating Gun is disclosed. The Perforating Gun is positioned in a borehole and the detonation is initiated at one point on the essentially curvilinear array of explosive charges. Seismic waves emanate from the series of explosions, propagate away from the Perforating Gun and are detected at a distance away from the Perforating Gun using seismic receivers consisting of single or arrayed transducers of conventional design. The seismic receivers may be placed at or near the earth's surface and/or in one or more boreholes. The recorded seismic waves are processed and analyzed, and may be decomposed through a novel inversion process. The combined results are further analyzed to determine the extent of detonation including whether the gun fired or not, and if there was a misfire or partial misfire, the quantitative extent of the detonation.

Abstract: A seismic communication system suitable to communicate information to an underground device is disclosed. A seismic source (preferably on or near the surface of the earth) generates a timed series of seismic shots. These shots are then detected by one or more seismic receivers underground. Depending on the timing of these seismic shots, and the communication protocol selected, various information may be communicated to the underground target. Such a system is particularly desirable when the underground device includes a perforating gun because the perforating gun may not only be remotely detonated without the drawbacks of previous methods, but the detonation of the perforating gun charges may also be detected, giving an indication whether substantially fewer than all of the explosive charges detonated.

Abstract: A seismic data acquisition system is featured that utilizes a series of nearly identical seismic shots (SISS) to synchronize and to communicate with novel data acquisition units (NDAU) located in the field. Each SISS seismic shot is carefully timed to provide synchronization to each NDAU, and to allow the NDAU to correct for the time drift of its internal clock. Further, each NDAU is programmed with a number of menus, which are used to interpret the seismic shots received from a seismic source. Thus, communication from a central or headquarter site to each NDAU is facilitated, allowing for a change in production schedule and other variables. In addition, the disclosed seismic data acquisition system features movable SISS source sites and overlapping production and SISS shots.