Abstract: A technique facilitates use of a seismic source when deployed in-sea via a vessel. Shock levels acting on the vessel (or other body) due to firing of a seismic source and/or the separation distance of the seismic source from the vessel may be monitored during firing of the seismic source. The data is relayed to a control system which may be used to adjust operation of the seismic source when the shock levels acting on the vessel and/or the separation distance between the vessel and the seismic source cross a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A technique provides a source design and method for increasing low frequency output of a marine source array. The approach comprises providing a plurality of airguns. At least some of the airguns are activated to generate an effective bubble energy. The effective bubble energy may be optimized through use, preparation and/or arrangement of the airguns.

Abstract: A technique provides a source design and method for increasing low frequency output of a marine source array. The approach comprises providing a plurality of airguns. At least some of the airguns are activated to generate an effective bubble energy. The effective bubble energy may be optimized through use, preparation and/or arrangement of the airguns.

Abstract: Systems, sensors, and methods for high-speed image monitoring of baseplate movement in a vibrator. The systems can include a baseplate defined by an area, disposable at a ground surface to direct a seismic force into the ground surface. The system can include a reaction mass coupled to and positioned above the baseplate to generate the seismic force at the baseplate. The system can include an actuator assembly coupled to the reaction mass to vibrate the reaction mass, as well as high-speed image units directed at the area of the baseplate. The high-speed image units can include photo detectors to sense a distribution of acceleration across the area of the baseplate, and a light source emit light to be sensed by the photo detectors. The system can also include a controller coupled to the actuator assembly, that drives the actuator assembly.

Abstract: A technique facilitates performance of seismic profiling, such as three-dimensional vertical seismic profiling. A downhole acquisition system is provided with acoustic receivers designed to receive acoustic source signals. The firing of acoustic source signals is synchronized with the downhole acquisition system. Additionally, the firing of two or more acoustic source signals is controlled to provide simultaneous or nearly simultaneous timing of one acoustic source signal with respect to another acoustic source signal. A processing system is used to acquire and process a data stream of the initial shot and a data stream of the additional shot occurring simultaneously or nearly simultaneously.

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: Systems, sensors, and methods for high-speed image monitoring of baseplate movement in a vibrator. The systems can include a baseplate defined by an area, disposable at a ground surface to direct a seismic force into the ground surface. The system can include a reaction mass coupled to and positioned above the baseplate to generate the seismic force at the baseplate. The system can include an actuator assembly coupled to the reaction mass to vibrate the reaction mass, as well as high-speed image units directed at the area of the baseplate. The high-speed image units can include photo detectors to sense a distribution of acceleration across the area of the baseplate, and a light source emit light to be sensed by the photo detectors. The system can also include a controller coupled to the actuator assembly, that drives the actuator assembly.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating borehole seismic surveys are disclosed. The methods and apparatus enable more accurate surveys than previous surveying systems. In some embodiments, firing of remote seismic sources is synchronized with data recording in a borehole. In some embodiments, the synchronization is based on a universal time standard. In some embodiments, GPS positioning technology is used to predict firing times and synchronize firing times with downhole and surface recording.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for borehole seismic survey are disclosed comprising a first seismic source under water at a first location and a second seismic source at a second, deeper location. Seismic signals from the seismic sources are recorded with synchronized sensors located in a borehole and source signature data are obtained by combining the recorded seismic signals such that low and high frequency content of the combined source signature data is extended relative to the source signature of the first seismic source and the second seismic source.

Abstract: A technique is designed to measure parameters of hydrophones, such as measurement of hydrophone acceleration canceling properties. The technique involves testing a selected hydrophone under conditions representative of the actual conditions in which the hydrophone is to be operated. By using the representative conditions, the acceleration canceling properties of the hydrophone and/or other parameters of the hydrophone are more accurately determined.

Abstract: A technique facilitates use of a seismic source when deployed in-sea via a vessel. Shock levels acting on the vessel (or other body) due to firing of a seismic source and/or the separation distance of the seismic source from the vessel may be monitored during firing of the seismic source. The data is relayed to a control system which may be used to adjust operation of the seismic source when the shock levels acting on the vessel and/or the separation distance between the vessel and the seismic source cross a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A technique provides a source design and method for increasing low frequency output of a marine source array. The approach comprises providing a plurality of airguns. At least some of the airguns are activated to generate an effective bubble energy. The effective bubble energy may be optimized through use, preparation and/or arrangement of the airguns.

Abstract: A technique facilitates performance of seismic profiling, such as three-dimensional vertical seismic profiling. A downhole acquisition system is provided with acoustic receivers designed to receive acoustic source signals. The firing of acoustic source signals is synchronized with the downhole acquisition system. Additionally, the firing of two or more acoustic source signals is controlled to provide simultaneous or nearly simultaneous timing of one acoustic source signal with respect to another acoustic source signal. A processing system is used to acquire and process a data stream of the initial shot and a data stream of the additional shot occurring simultaneously or nearly simultaneously.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling seismic source firings are disclosed. The methods and apparatus enable firing of seismic sources to increase pressure wave amplitude. Some methods and apparatus reduce ghosting and align first pressure peaks of multiple seismic sources. The multiple seismic sources may be fired sequentially according to active feedback mechanisms. Controlling the firing of the seismic source facilitates more accurate seismic data and a more consistent seismic source signature.

Abstract: A technique is designed to measure parameters of hydrophones, such as measurement of hydrophone acceleration canceling properties. The technique involves testing a selected hydrophone under conditions representative of the actual conditions in which the hydrophone is to be operated. By using the representative conditions, the acceleration canceling properties of the hydrophone and/or other parameters of the hydrophone are more accurately determined.

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: In-sea seismic energy sources, deployed at or near the seabed, generate seismic waves in earth formations beneath the seabed when activated by a triggering mechanism at a precise time synchronized with seismic data acquisition by sensors deployed at predetermined locations around a well drilled for oil and gas exploration. Seismic waves generated at the seabed travel with more direct and predictable ray-paths through the earth to the sensors. Acquired data, including a precise time and location of the seismic events, are used to provide enhanced borehole and sea-bottom seismic surveys.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for borehole seismic survey are disclosed comprising a first seismic source under water at a first location and a second seismic source at a second, deeper location. Seismic signals from the seismic sources are recorded with synchronized sensors located in a borehole and source signature data are obtained by combining the recorded seismic signals such that low and high frequency content of the combined source signature data is extended relative to the source signature of the first seismic source and the second seismic source.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating borehole seismic surveys are disclosed. The methods and apparatus enable more accurate surveys than previous surveying systems. In some embodiments, firing of remote seismic sources is synchronized with data recording in a borehole. In some embodiments, the synchronization is based on a universal time standard. In some embodiments, GPS positioning technology is used to predict firing times and synchronize firing times with downhole and surface recording.