Multiple Hydrophone Cable Systems Patents (Class 367/20)
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Publication number: 20120300581Abstract: Method and catenary front-end gear for towing streamers under water. The catenary front-end gear includes a main cable configured to be attached to a vessel and a device; a connecting system configured to connect streamers to the main cable; and plural streamers. The main cable takes a catenary shape when towed by the first vessel underwater.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 22, 2012Publication date: November 29, 2012Applicant: CGGVERITAS SERVICES SAInventor: Behzad VAHIDA
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Publication number: 20120275265Abstract: Buoy for marine surveys. At least some of the illustrated embodiments are a buoy including an elongated main body and a mast system coupled to the elongated main body. The mast system includes: a forward mast; an aft mast; a spanning portion coupled between a distal end of the forward mast and a distal end of the aft mast; and an aperture defined at least in part by the main body, forward mast, aft mast, and spanning portion. The buoy is configured to float in water such that the water level intersects the forward mast and aft mast, the elongated body is submerged, and the spanning portion resides above the water level.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2011Publication date: November 1, 2012Applicant: PGS GEOPHYSICAL ASInventors: Einar Nielsen, Karl Petter Elvestad
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Patent number: 8300497Abstract: A method for reducing noise in a towed acoustic array includes providing a towed array having a length, diameter, frequency range and tow speed. The relationship between tension in the towed array and wall pressure fluctuation spectral levels is determined. Wall pressure fluctuation spectral levels are related to the noise in the array. An optimal towed array tension is calculated using the determined relationship. Tension is increased to the optimal towed array tension by either provided additional towed array hose or a drogue at the end of the towed array.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2010Date of Patent: October 30, 2012Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the NavyInventors: William L. Keith, Kimberly M. Cipolla
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Publication number: 20120269033Abstract: A seismic streamer includes a sensor comprises an axially oriented body including a plurality of axially oriented channels arranged in opposing pairs; a plurality of hydrophones arranged in opposing pairs in the channels; a pair of orthogonally oriented acoustic particle motion sensors; and a tilt sensor adjacent or associated with the particle motion sensors. The streamer has a plurality of hydrophones, as previously described, aligned with a plurality of accelerometers which detect movement of the streamer in the horizontal and vertical directions, all coupled with a tilt sensor, so that the marine seismic system can detect whether a detected seismic signal is a reflection from a geologic structure beneath the streamer or a downward traveling reflection from the air/seawater interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Applicant: SERCEL, INC.Inventors: Mike MAPLES, John S. HEPP
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Publication number: 20120257474Abstract: A method for towing a marine seismic acquisition array in a body of water includes towing a plurality of laterally spaced apart sensor streamers behind a survey vessel in the water. A lateral spacing between adjacent streamers is represented by L. At least two laterally spaced apart seismic energy sources are towed behind the survey vessel. A lateral spacing between the at least two sources is represented by kL, wherein k is a constant and wherein k is at most equal to the number of streamers.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 5, 2011Publication date: October 11, 2012Inventors: Guillaume Cambois, Orjan Myrvold
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Publication number: 20120250456Abstract: A disclosed geophysical survey system includes one or more streamers having sensors powered by at least one energy harvesting device that converts vibratory motion of the streamers into electrical power. The vibratory motion may originate from a number of sources including, e.g., vortex shedding, drag fluctuation, breathing waves, and various flow noise sources including turbulent boundary layers. To increase conversion efficiency, the device may be designed with an adjustable resonance frequency. The design of the streamer electronics may incorporate the energy harvesting power source in a variety of ways, so as to reduce the amount of wiring mass that would otherwise be required along the length of the streamer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2011Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: PGS Americas, Inc.Inventor: Stig Rune Lennart TENGHAMN
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Publication number: 20120250457Abstract: A disclosed survey method includes towing geophysical survey streamers in a body of water and using sensors within the streamer to collect measurements that are then conveyed along the streamer to a recording station using at least one wireless transmission link. In some implementations at least one sensor is coupled to a wireless transceiver in a streamer to transmit geophysical survey measurement data along the streamer to a wireless base station. The base station receives the wirelessly transmitted seismic data and communicates it to a central recording station. Each segment of the streamer may contain a base station to collect wireless data from the sensors in that segment, and each base station may be coupled to the central recording station by wiring (e.g., copper or fiber optic). Other implementations employ ranges of sensors wired to local transceivers that form a peer-to-peer wireless network for communicating data to the central recording station.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2011Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: PGS Americas, Inc.Inventors: William Thomas RICKERT, JR., Stig Rune Lennart Tenghamn
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Publication number: 20120250458Abstract: Method and an array of streamers that prevent/slow down marine animals to attach to the streamers. The array includes at least one streamer including plural sections; and a net provided over at least one section of the at least one streamer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 16, 2012Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: CGGVERITAS SERVICES SAInventor: Hélène TONCHIA
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Publication number: 20120243370Abstract: System and method for providing an anti-fouling function to a streamer to be towed under water for seismic survey data collection. The method includes mixing a thermoplastic material with a biocide material to form an external sheath material; and forming an external sheath over a main sheath of the streamer to provide the anti-fouling function. The external sheath is formed from the external sheath material such that the biocide material is distributed throughout the external sheath.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 7, 2012Publication date: September 27, 2012Applicant: SERCELInventor: Jean-Jacques VIGNAUX
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Publication number: 20120236684Abstract: An electromagnetic sensor streamer may include a jacket, at least one electromagnetic sensor in operational communication with a voltage measuring circuit disposed inside the jacket, and at least one wire coil. The at least one wire coil is in signal communication with the voltage measuring circuit, and the voltage measuring circuit is configured to determine motion-induced voltages imparted to the at least one electromagnetic sensor in the streamer.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 18, 2011Publication date: September 20, 2012Inventors: ANDRAS ROBERT JUHASZ, Gustav Göran Mattias Südow, Ulf Peter Lindqvist
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Patent number: 8267031Abstract: A method for towing a sensor streamer array in a body of water includes towing a plurality of sensor streamers behind a vessel in the water, measuring tension at a plurality of positions along the array and determining at least one of an optimum operating speed for the vessel, when the streamers and associated towing equipment have become affected by marine debris so as to require cleaning, and an optimum angle of attack of at least one paravane in the towing equipment.Type: GrantFiled: February 24, 2010Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: PGS Geophysical ASInventors: Martin Austad, Jan Erik Stokkeland, Karl Petter Elvestad
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Patent number: 8260555Abstract: To perform a marine survey, a streamer is deployed into a body of water, where the streamer has plural first sensors to perform a subterranean survey. Indications are received from second sensors in corresponding sections of the streamer, where the indications are regarding which sections are in the body of water. Information is updated regarding which sections of the streamer are in the body of water in response to the received indications.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2011Date of Patent: September 4, 2012Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.Inventor: Kenneth E. Welker
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Patent number: 8254206Abstract: A technique for use in towed-array, marine seismic surveys includes a method and an apparatus. The method includes accessing a set of multicomponent seismic data acquired in a wide tow, marine seismic survey; and interpolating a set of seismic data from the acquired seismic data in the crossline direction such that the combined acquired and interpolated seismic data meet the discrete spatial sampling theory requirements for array detection of broadside seismic signal and the discrimination and suppression of broadside linear noise. In some aspects, the technique includes programmed storage media and/or programmed computers for use in executing such a method. The apparatus is a wide tow array, including a plurality of streamers spaced apart by a cable separation exceeding the maximum cable spacing for array detection of broadside seismic signal and the discrimination and suppression of broadside linear noise as determined by discrete spatial sampling theory.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2008Date of Patent: August 28, 2012Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.Inventor: Lawrence C. Morley
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Publication number: 20120176860Abstract: Systems and methods comprise marine geophysical equipment with polyurethane-based material at least partially covering a surface. The surface also at least partially coated with a suspension medium and with a biocide. A method comprises disposing such marine geophysical equipment in a body of water. A method comprises applying a suspension medium and a biocide to a surface at least partially covered with a polyurethane-based material.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2012Publication date: July 12, 2012Inventors: Andre Stenzel, Bruce William Harríck, Steven Michael Roberts
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Publication number: 20120176859Abstract: The subject disclosure relates to seismic streamers. More specifically, the subject disclosure relates to seismic streamers with self healing properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2011Publication date: July 12, 2012Applicant: Schlumberger Technology CorporationInventors: Jahir Pabon, Oeyvind Teigen
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Publication number: 20120176858Abstract: A marine sensor cable comprises a jacket covering an exterior of the sensor cable, wherein the jacket comprises an outer portion containing biocide disposed in a co-extrusion process. A method for producing a marine sensor cable jacket comprises providing a co-extruder to construct a polyurethane jacket for a sensor cable with a first extruder constructing an inner portion of the jacket and a second extruder constructing an outer portion of the jacket; producing a mixture of thermo polyurethane and biocide; supplying thermo polyurethane to the first extruder; supplying the mixture of thermo polyurethane and biocide to the second extruder; and constructing the polyurethane jacket with the outer portion containing the biocide.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 11, 2011Publication date: July 12, 2012Inventors: Andre Stenzel, Bruce William Harrick
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Publication number: 20120163119Abstract: Sensors used in mapping strata beneath a marine body are described, such as used in a flexible towed array. A first sensor is a motion sensor including a conductive liquid in a chamber between a rigid tube and a piezoelectric motion film circumferentially wrapped about the tube. A second sensor is a traditional acoustic sensor or a novel acoustic sensor using a piezoelectric sensor mounted with a thin film separation layer of flexible microspheres on a rigid substrate. Additional non-acoustic sensors are optionally mounted on the rigid substrate for generation of output used to reduce noise observed by the acoustic sensors. Combinations of acoustic, non-acoustic, and motion sensors co-located in rigid streamer housing sections are provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 14, 2011Publication date: June 28, 2012Inventor: Richard E. Pearce
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Publication number: 20120120760Abstract: An embodiment according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure for conducting a marine survey includes towing a survey spread comprising a plurality of receivers and an energy source along a selected course; emitting a signal from an energy source; receiving backscattered acoustic signals at the receivers; and actively detecting a cetacean from the received data.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2011Publication date: May 17, 2012Inventors: Halvor S. Groenaas (Grønaas), Svein Arne Frivik
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Patent number: 8164977Abstract: Various methods for simulating up-going pressure wavefield data. In one implementation, a processing apparatus may receive pressure data from pressure sensors that may be installed on a first and second streamer of an over/under streamer pair. The processing apparatus may also receive velocity data from velocity sensors that may be installed on the second streamer of the over/under streamer pair. Using the pressure and velocity data obtained from the sensors installed on each streamer, the processing apparatus may simulate the pressure and velocity data that would have been obtained by a streamer in a calm sea at a depth equal to the vertical distance between the first and second streamers. The simulated pressure and velocity data may then be combined to estimate the up-going pressure wavefield data.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2008Date of Patent: April 24, 2012Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.Inventor: Ralf G. Ferber
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Publication number: 20120087208Abstract: A deployment and retrieval method for ocean bottom seismic receivers, the method employs a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) having a carrier attached thereto to carry a plurality of receivers. The receivers are individually placed on the ocean bottom floor by utilizing a conveyor to move the receivers along a linear path to remove the receivers from the carrier. In one embodiment, multiple linear conveyors may be operated independently to alter the relative positions of the receivers on the respective conveyors to adjust the weight distribution of the receivers within the carrier.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 7, 2011Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: Fairfield Industries IncorporatedInventors: James N. Thompson, Clifford H. Ray, Glenn D. Fisseler, Roger L. Fyffe
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Publication number: 20120087207Abstract: A method of monitoring a marine seismic source array comprises, consequent to actuation of a seismic source array (14), making a near-field measurement of seismic energy emitted by the seismic source array (14), using at least one near field sensor (15) and also acquiring seismic data using at least one seismic receiver (18). The far-field signature of the source array at one or more of the receiver location(s) is estimated from the near-field measurements of the emitted seismic energy, and this is compared with seismic data acquired at the receiver(s). This provides an indication of whether the source array and the method for predicting far-field signatures are operating correctly.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2010Publication date: April 12, 2012Applicant: WesternGeco LLCInventors: Clement Kostov, Jon-Fredrik Hopperstad, Philip Kitchenside, Johan Olof Anders Robertsson
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Publication number: 20120081996Abstract: According to one or more aspects of the invention, a marine seismic survey method comprises towing at least two streamers below a sea surface forming a survey spread, each streamer comprising a survey sensor and a profiler; and at each profiler, emitting an acoustic signal; recording an echo of the emitted signal at the profiler; and determining a parameter from the recorded echo, the parameter comprising at least one selected from the group of a distance between the profiler and the sea surface, a water current vector and a sea surface slope.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2010Publication date: April 5, 2012Inventors: Svein Arne Frivik, Nicolas Goujon
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Publication number: 20120081997Abstract: A marine vibrator with improved seal is described. The marine vibrator includes a housing and piston within the housing for generating vibratory signals. The improved seal is comprised of a two-stage seal having a first seal disposed adjacent the water interface and a second seal disposed away from the water interface, thus improving the reliability of the marine vibrator.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2010Publication date: April 5, 2012Inventors: Kamal Babour, Emmanuel Coste, Martin Howlid
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Publication number: 20120081995Abstract: A method for marine geophysical surveying according to one aspect of the invention includes towing at least one geophysical sensor streamer in a body of water. The streamer includes a plurality of spaced apart electromagnetic field receivers disposed at spaced apart locations along the streamer. The streamer also includes a plurality of seismic sensors disposed at spaced apart locations. The seismic sensors each include at least one pressure responsive receiver and at least one particle motion responsive receiver. At selected times, a seismic energy source is actuated in the water. Particle motion and pressure seismic signals, and electromagnetic field signals are detected at the respective receivers.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 12, 2011Publication date: April 5, 2012Inventors: Øyvind HILLESUND, Nils Lunde
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Patent number: 8149647Abstract: A robust seismic cable and sensor module system wherein the sensor modules include a housing and sensing unit. The housing substantially transfers the load and torque of the cable from one end of the housing to the other bypassing the sensing unit and the sensing unit and housing are acoustically decoupled from each other for the seismic frequencies desired.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2006Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Assignee: WesternGeco L.L.C.Inventors: Lars Borgen, Geir Holm, Ivar Andreas Valstad, Kambiz Iranpour
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Publication number: 20120069703Abstract: There is provided a solid seismic streamer cable for use in seismic surveying in marine environments. The streamer is characterised by a buffer layer 2 which is provided with a cut-out 50 and a sensor element arranged in the cut-out 50. There is also provided an associated hydrophone for integration into the seismic streamer cable. The hydrophone is characteristic in a split-element sensor base 10, 11 being suited for efficient mounting into the cut-outs 50 of the seismic cable. There is also provided an associated accelerometer for integration into the seismic streamer cable. The accelerometer is characteristic by a split-element sensor base 30, 35 for being efficiently arranged into the cut-outs 50 of the seismic cable. A method of producing a seismic streamer cable according to the invention incorporating a hydrophone or accelerometer according to the invention is also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2011Publication date: March 22, 2012Applicant: OptoplanInventors: Arne Berg, Jon Thomas Kringlebotn
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Publication number: 20120051175Abstract: A method for determining a longitudinal position of at least one geophysical sensor on a towed marine streamer includes measuring a parameter related to tension at least one position along the streamer. A change in length of the streamer is determined using the measured parameter. The longitudinal position of the at least one sensor is determined. A marine streamer includes at least one geophysical sensor and at least one tension sensor capable of measuring a parameter related to axial tension.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2010Publication date: March 1, 2012Inventors: Gustav Göran Mattias Südow, Andras Robert Juhasz
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Publication number: 20120033525Abstract: This is a method of acquiring marine wide azimuth towed streamer seismic data. Preferably, a recording boat which tows a plurality of seismic streamers and at least one source may be accompanied by a plurality of source boats that each tow at least one source. The source boats may preferably activate their respective sources such that the subsurface reflections generated by each source interfere. The time separation between successive shots may preferably be a random variable related to the lowest frequency of interest in the data. Additionally, the source boats may preferably be alternatively fired from the head and tail of the recording streamers.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2011Publication date: February 9, 2012Applicant: BP CORPORATION NORTH AMERICA INC.Inventors: Raymond Lee Abma, Gerard Beaudouin
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Patent number: 8098542Abstract: A method for marine geophysical surveying according to one aspect of the invention includes towing at least one geophysical sensor streamer in a body of water. The streamer includes a plurality of spaced apart electromagnetic field receivers disposed at spaced apart locations along the streamer. The streamer also includes a plurality of seismic sensors disposed at spaced apart locations. The seismic sensors each include at least one pressure responsive receiver and at least one particle motion responsive receiver. At selected times, a seismic energy source is actuated in the water. Particle motion and pressure seismic signals, and electromagnetic field signals are detected at the respective receivers.Type: GrantFiled: January 5, 2009Date of Patent: January 17, 2012Assignee: PGS Geophysical ASInventors: Øyvind Hillesund, Nils Lunde
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Publication number: 20120002502Abstract: In a first embodiment the invention comprises a method for gathering geophysical data, including towing geophysical data gathering equipment behind a survey vessel in a body of water, said equipment including an array of sensor streamers extending behind said vessel, and determining a geodetic location of a streamer steering reference point at a forward end of the sensor streamers and a reference direction. At least one sensor streamer included in said array of sensor streamers is laterally deflected in response to the determined geodetic location of said streamer steering reference point and the determined reference direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2010Publication date: January 5, 2012Inventors: Øyvind Hillesund, Stian Hegna
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Publication number: 20120002503Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for acquiring seismic data in a marine environment using survey paths following a series of linked curved paths so as to obtain multi-azimuthal data over a sub-surface target. Marine vessels towing multiple seismic streamers may be configured to travel substantially along a series of linked deviated paths or a series of linked curved paths. Sources may be excited to introduce acoustic wave energy in the marine environment and into the subsea region. The acoustic wave energy then reflects and refracts from the subsea region to form reflected and refracted wave energy, which is detected by seismic receivers spaced along the streamers. The detected seismic data is then interpreted to reveal seismic information representative of the surveyed subsea region. Other enhancements include configuring the streamers in a flared configuration, where the lateral spacing increases rearwardly over the length of the seismic streamers.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2010Publication date: January 5, 2012Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANYInventors: Frank D. Janiszewski, Joel D. Brewer, Shan Shan, Peter M. Eick
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Publication number: 20110317516Abstract: A technique includes designing a streamer, which includes a cable and seismic sensors based at least in part on a relationship between vibration noise and a bending stiffness of the cable.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 2, 2011Publication date: December 29, 2011Applicant: WESTERNGECO L.L.C.Inventors: Oeyvind TEIGEN, Nicolas GOUJON, Lars BORGEN
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Publication number: 20110317515Abstract: A seismic source includes a flextensional shell defining a longer axis and a shorter axis and at least one driver coupled to the flextensional shell proximate an end of the shorter axis. The seismic source may be a component of a marine seismic survey system. The marine seismic survey system may be utilized in a method of marine seismic surveying.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 29, 2010Publication date: December 29, 2011Inventor: Stig Rune Lennart Tenghamn
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Publication number: 20110310698Abstract: A seismic streamer includes a sensor comprises an axially oriented body including a plurality of axially oriented channels arranged in opposing pairs; a plurality of hydrophones arranged in opposing pairs in the channels; a pair of orthogonally oriented acoustic particle motion sensors; and a tilt sensor adjacent or associated with the particle motion sensors. The streamer has a plurality of hydrophones, as previously described, aligned with a plurality of accelerometers which detect movement of the streamer in the horizontal and vertical directions, all coupled with a tilt sensor, so that the marine seismic system can detect whether a detected seismic signal is a reflection from a geologic structure beneath the streamer or a downward traveling reflection from the air/seawater interface.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 16, 2011Publication date: December 22, 2011Applicant: SERCEL, INC.Inventors: Mike Maples, John S. Hepp
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Publication number: 20110305107Abstract: A method of determining an optimal flare spacing for streamers towed behind a seismic vessel comprising the steps of: using a computer specially adapted with a seismic data analysis package to analyze prior seismic data for a survey area; analyzing migration broadcast patterns to estimate a maximum sampling distance; calculating a wavelet expansion as a function of flare spacing; creating synthetic gaps in the prior seismic data coverage by dropping traces at different flare spacing; testing capability of different interpolation algorithms in the seismic data analysis package to close the synthetic gaps; and determining an optimal flare spacing based upon the capability of the different interpolation algorithms to close the synthetic gaps.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 3, 2011Publication date: December 15, 2011Applicant: CONOCOPHILLIPS COMPANYInventors: Peter M. Eick, Joel D. Brewer
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Publication number: 20110299360Abstract: An over/under seismic source system includes a first umbilical to a first gun array at a first depth and a second umbilical at a different air pressure to a second gun array at a second, lower depth. The air pressure to the second, lower gun array is tuned so that the periods of the gun bubbles from the higher and lower gun arrays match in order to improve wavefield separation in subsequent data processing.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 21, 2007Publication date: December 8, 2011Inventors: Roy Malcolm Lansley, Madjid Berraki, Michel Marc Maurice Gros
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Publication number: 20110292759Abstract: A method for making a marine electromagnetic survey streamer includes affixing connectors to longitudinal ends of a strength member. At least one signal communication line is extended along the length of the strength member. The strength member, connectors, and at least one signal communication line form a mechanical harness. Electrodes are affixed to the mechanical harness at selected positions. The mechanical harness is drawn through a co-extruder. The co-extruder fills void spaces in the harness with a void fill material. The co-extruder applies a jacket to an exterior of the void filled harness.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 25, 2010Publication date: December 1, 2011Inventors: Gustav Göran Mattias Südow, Ulf Peter Lindqvist, Andras Robert Juhasz, Bengt Finnoen
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Publication number: 20110292760Abstract: Launch and retrieval equipment for use in seismic testing and methods for seismic testing are described. Elements of the equipment may include a pivoting frame to hold the seismic equipment, sliding rails that hold the seismic equipment in place on the frame and a winch and line that operates to launch the seismic equipment keeping it tethered to a vessel. The launch device is capable of launching and retrieving seismic equipment without the use of conventional cranes.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2011Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: BERZERKER, INC.Inventor: Robert W. Hayes
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Publication number: 20110292758Abstract: A method of deploying a seismic recorder array on a seafloor is disclosed. The seismic recorder array comprises a plurality of removable seismic data recorders. The method comprises the step of forming the seismic recorder array by connecting a plurality of recorder housings in series, wherein adjacent recorder housings are connected by a connector cable. The recorder housings are configured to retain the removable seismic data recorders. The method comprises the step of loading the plurality of removable seismic data recorders in the recorder housings, and lowering the seismic recorder array into water until the seismic recorder array is positioned on the seafloor underlying the water. The method comprises the step of operating the seismic data recorders to detect seismic signal reflections and to record seismic data representing the reflections.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2010Publication date: December 1, 2011Applicant: GLOBAL GEOPHYSICAL SERVICES, INC.Inventors: Thomas J. Fleure, Craig Lindberg, Ralph B. Muse, Joe Davis, Damir S. Skerl, Justin N. Farrelly
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Publication number: 20110286303Abstract: A seismic source array includes at least one float. A plurality of rigid conduit sections each includes a bracket for suspension from the float at a selected depth in a body of water and configured to suspend a seismic energy source therefrom. At least one bend strain relief is coupled between adjacent rigid conduit sections. Each bend strain relief includes a coupling at each longitudinal end. Each bend strain relief includes woven fiber molded into flexible plastic for transmitting axial loading while absorbing bending and torsional stress. A seismic energy source is suspended from each bracket. Lines for operating the seismic energy sources pass through the rigid conduit sections and the at least one bending strain relief.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2010Publication date: November 24, 2011Inventors: Wayne Russell Paull, Karl Petter Elvestad
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Patent number: 8064286Abstract: Seismic sensor systems and sensor station topologies, as well as corresponding cable and sensor station components, manufacturing and deployment techniques are provided. For some embodiments, networks of optical ocean bottom seismic (OBS) stations are provided, in which sensor stations are efficiently deployed in a modular fashion as series of array cable modules deployed along a multi-fiber cable.Type: GrantFiled: October 31, 2007Date of Patent: November 22, 2011Assignee: Optoplan ASInventors: Erlend Rønnekleiv, Ole Henrik Waagaard, Hilde Nakstad, Arne Berg
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Patent number: 8060314Abstract: To perform a marine survey, a streamer is deployed into a body of water, where the streamer has plural first sensors to perform a subterranean survey. Indications are received from second sensors in corresponding sections of the streamer, where the indications are regarding which sections are in the body of water. Information is updated regarding which sections of the streamer are in the body of water in response to the received indications.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2007Date of Patent: November 15, 2011Assignee: WesternGeco L. L. C.Inventor: Kenneth E. Welker
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Publication number: 20110273957Abstract: An apparatus includes a streamer having one or more sensor holders for retaining seismic sensors therein. An elastic material is disposed about the sensor, thereby decoupling the sensor from its surroundings. The streamer is filled with a gel-like material that is in communication with the elastic material disposed about the sensor.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 9, 2010Publication date: November 10, 2011Inventors: Fabien Guizelin, Oeyvind Teigen, Oeystein Traetten, Rafael Ryberg
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Publication number: 20110261646Abstract: A method of acquiring marine seismic data using an acoustic source to generate an acoustic signal, a portion of which is reflected at one or more subsurface formation interfaces as a seismic signal is described. The method includes sailing a surface vessel along a sail line which lies over a survey area while towing a seismic streamer, the sail line having a sinusoidal configuration defined by an amplitude and a wavelength. The streamer includes a plurality of hydrophones for receiving the reflected portion of the acoustic signal. The method is characterised in that the streamer follows the sinusoidal configuration of the sail line while seismic data is acquired, the streamer having a length at least equal to the distance travelled by the surface vessel as it sails along one full wavelength of the configuration as measured along the sinusoidal sail line.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 24, 2010Publication date: October 27, 2011Applicant: WOODSIDE ENERGY LIMITEDInventors: Malcolm Donald MacNeill, Joe Frank McNutt
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Publication number: 20110255369Abstract: A system comprises marine geophysical equipment, adapted for towing through a body of water; and tightly fitting covers, attached to the marine seismic equipment, to fill-in indentations in the marine geophysical equipment, for gathering marine geophysical data. A method comprises marine geophysical equipment having tightly fitting covers, to fill-in indentations in the marine geophysical equipment, attached thereto, for gathering marine geophysical data.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2010Publication date: October 20, 2011Inventors: Bruce William Harrick, Andre Stenzel
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Publication number: 20110255368Abstract: A method for acquiring electromagnetic data in at least two dimensions includes towing a first streamer cable behind a vessel in a body of water, the first streamer cable including a reference line extending substantially along the entire length thereof, a plurality of spaced apart measuring electrodes electrically insulated from the reference line and a voltage measuring circuit functionally coupled between each measuring electrode and the reference line. At least a second streamer cable is towed at corresponding distance from the vessel. The second streamer cable is configured substantially as the first streamer cable. The second streamer cable is displaced from the first streamer cable in one of a horizontal plane and a vertical plane. At selected times an electromagnetic field is imparted into the water.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 14, 2010Publication date: October 20, 2011Inventors: Gustav G?ran Mattias S?dow, Ulf Peter Lindqvist, Andras Robert Juhasz
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Publication number: 20110205839Abstract: A method for operating a geophysical sensor streamer in body of water includes operating a remotely operated vehicle coupled to a forward end of the streamer to tow the streamer in the water. Signals generate by sensors on the streamer are communicated substantially in real time to a recording unit on a survey vessel using at least one of electrical and optical cables in an umbilical cable connecting the remotely operable vehicle to the survey vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 24, 2010Publication date: August 25, 2011Inventors: Gustav Göran Mattias Südow, Ulf Peter Lindqvist, Andras Robert Juhasz, Rune Johan Magnus Mattsson, Stig Rune Lennart Tenghamn
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Publication number: 20110205840Abstract: Launch and retrieval equipment for use in seismic testing and methods for seismic testing are described. Elements of the equipment may include a pivoting frame to hold the seismic equipment, sliding rails that hold the seismic equipment in place on the frame and a winch and line that operates to launch the seismic equipment keeping it tethered to a vessel. The launch device is capable of launching and retrieving seismic equipment without the use of conventional cranes.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 19, 2010Publication date: August 25, 2011Inventor: Robert W. Hayes
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Publication number: 20110199857Abstract: A wide-azimuth marine seismic survey system according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure may include a streamer array; a first source towed from a first vessel; a second source towed from a second vessel; and a supplemental offset source towed from the first vessel and the second vessel.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 17, 2010Publication date: August 18, 2011Inventor: Mikael (Mikäel) Garden
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Patent number: RE43666Abstract: A multi component seismic sensor which utilises orthogonal accelerometers to determine its orientation. The accelerometers may be used to measure seismic signals directly, or the system may include geophones for this purpose.Type: GrantFiled: August 6, 2004Date of Patent: September 18, 2012Assignee: Concept Systems LimitedInventor: Gordon Stephen