Compagnie Generale De Geophysique

Institut Francais Du Pe'trole

Alain Regnault

Jacques Cretin

Jean-Francois Therond

Pascal Froidevaux

A method for determining a far-field signature FF(t) of a plurality of N seismic sources Si (i=1, . . . , N) comprises a stage of measuring a near-field signature NFi(t) of each seismic source Si. In a preliminary stage an initial near-field signature NFio(t) of each seismic source Si and an initial far-field signature FFo(t) of the plurality of N seismic sources are measured simultaneously. An operator G is determined, defined by the convolution integral ##EQU1## The near-field signature NFi(t) measuring stage is carried out on each firing of the N seismic sources Si. The far-field signature FF(t) is determined from the equation ##EQU2##

Method for determining the far-field signature of a plurality of seismic

In a multisource array of seismic sources, each source is associated with one or more sensors (Ci) for picking up the impulses (TB or signature) emitted by the associated source when triggered. The apparatus essentially includes one or more acquisition arrays (Ai), each one associated with a storage unit (Mi) for all the signals emitted by the pickups (Ci) under the control of a computer (10). Each memory unit includes a comparison module (19, 21, 22) for comparing the digitized samples with a threshold value. The number of each one of the channels where a threshold overrun has occurred is recorded in a reference register (24) which is systematically read by the computer. This monitoring of the level of the picked up signals is carried out outside the normal period where the sources are triggered.

Method and apparatus for controlling an immersed multisource array

Each source of an array of seismic signal sources is associated with one or several sensors (Ci) which pick up the impulses the associated source emits at the time of triggering. The device essentially includes an apparatus (6) for the acquisition and the storage of all the signals emitted by the sensors (Ci) and a shooting control apparatus (7), having memories for reference data, for triggering the seismic sources according to these reference data. A computer (10) is programmed to determine the reference data used for the triggering, preferable according to the signals from the sensors (Ci) acquired during the previous emission cycles and validated in order to check whether their form and/or arrival times are within fixed limits. This arrangement makes it possible to take into account the real working conditions of the emission array. The invention can be utilized in marine seismic prospecting.

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Antony, France

Alain Regnault