Westerngeco L.l.p.

Global Ambient Seismic, Inc.

Global Microseismic Services, Inc.

Duncan W Riley

Loran D Ambs

Charles John Sicking

Thomas Fleure

Russell Roundtree

John F Gillooly, Jr

Disclosed are various embodiments of methods, devices and systems for performing a microseismic survey. According to some embodiments, microseismic signals are detected at seismic sensor stations deployed in two sets of seismic sensor lines, the seismic sensor lines within each set being substantially parallel to one another and the two sets of seismic sensor lines being mutually orthogonal. According to other embodiments, microseismic signals are detected at seismic sensor stations deployed in a hexagonal pattern. Such sensor geometries offer advantages over linear or radial arrays, including noise reduction, data acquisition flexibility as new wells are added to the survey area, and an improved distribution of data points above points in the subsurface.

Microseismic data acquisition array and corresponding method

Disclosed herein are various embodiments of devices, methods and systems for securing or coupling a string of downhole geophysical sensors to the sidewall of a borehole, using an expandable member configured to be deployed into an expanded position when at least one geophysical sensor is located at a desired depth in a borehole, the expandable member being configured to engage at least portions of the sidewalls and prevent the passage of a securing or coupling material around or through the geophysical sensor when the securing or coupling material is poured around the geophysical sensor when the expandable member is in the open or expanded position. This allows the securing and acoustic coupling of downhole geophysical sensors to the sidewall of a borehole while avoiding problems caused by transmission of surface noise into the subsurface resulting from pouring securing or coupling material to fill the entire well bore.

Methods, device and components for securing or coupling geophysical sensors to a borehole

A method and vehicle to deploy and retrieve seismic apparatus to and from the ocean bottom and to acquire data from the seismic apparatus. Submersible robotic vessels deploy and retrieve the seismic apparatus to the ocean bottom to depths of up to 5,000 meters. The vessel can separate from the seismic apparatus and return to resume seismic operations. A robotic arm manipulates the seismic apparatus and attaches them to the ocean bottom utilizing fasteners to actively couple the seismic apparatus to the ocean bottom.

Submarine deployed ocean bottom seismic system

Growing community of inventors

Houston, TX, United States of America

Duncan W Riley