Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company

University of Houston System

Mark A Meier

Richard E Duren

Steven E Heiney

Jelena Tomic

Paul Ibanez

Conor N Byrne

Gary A Hallock

Conor Newhouse Byrne

Method for seismic prospecting using counter-rotating (-) eccentric-mass () vibrator (CREMV) technology adapted as vibrator sources for seismic prospecting to produce controlled sweeps, as in the manner used in modern seismic prospecting, but with large forces at low frequencies, e.g. forces &#x3e;275 kN at frequencies between 1 and 5 Hz. This is achieved by adapting the CREMV to enable rotational frequency and the eccentricity () of the masses relative to their rotation axes (-) to be varied independently and simultaneously, and by designing the CREMV such that the radius of rotation of the center of mass of each rotating mass is on the order of 50 cm or more. The low frequency data obtained from such a seismic source enables improved detection and resolution of subsurface structures and better determination of subsurface properties.

Low frequency seismic acquisition using a counter rotating eccentric mass vibrator

Method for marine seismic acquisition using both monopole () and dipole () source types. Through a combination of source design and operation and/or combination or summing of the data in a processing step, the source ghost is either attenuated or, if desired, enhanced (). The properties of the two different source types allow them to be adjusted so that the first down going wave from each has either opposite polarity or the same polarity, whereas the source-ghost wave will have, respectively same polarity or opposite polarity. This allows cancellation or enhancement of the source ghost. If the survey also employs two-component sensor acquisition, then the combined data sets may be both sensor de-ghosted and source de-ghosted.

Two component source seismic acquisition and source de-ghosting

Devices for sensing gradients are constructed from material whose properties change in response to gradients. One embodiment of the device is a transducer () for sensing gradients that includes the material () and two or more electrodes () coupled to the material. In one embodiment, gradients in a surrounding medium () modify the energy gap of the material in the transducer () producing a diffusion current density (). The material is configured to connect to a current or voltage measurement device () where a measurement is used to determine the gradient in the medium (). The devices can be used to measure pressure, temperature, and/or other properties. The transducer can be built on the same substrate as complementary circuitry. A transducer made of Indium. Antimonide is used in marine seismology to measure pressure gradients.

Free charge carrier diffusion response transducer for sensing gradients

Method for designing a converted mode (PS or SP) seismic survey to accomplish specified vertical and lateral resolution objectives at target depth. An equation () is provided for determining the minimum bandwidth required for a desired vertical resolution at a selected scattering angle, as a function of incident and reflected wave velocities, one of which is the P-wave velocity and the other is the S-wave velocity. A second equation () is provided for determining migration acceptance angle from the desired vertical and lateral resolutions. Source and receiver apertures may then be determined by ray tracing. Finally, a third equation () is provided for the maximum bin size to avoid aliasing, given the migration acceptance angle and a maximum frequency needed to achieve the bandwidth requirement. Source and receiver spacing may then be based on the maximum bin size.

Converted mode seismic survey design

A marine seismic source method capable of retaining low frequencies is disclosed. One embodiment of the method comprises a seismic source that generates an up-going wave and first down-going wave with opposite polarity. The up-going wave reflects off the ocean surface as a second down-going wave having the same polarity as the first down-going wave and the first and second down-going waves combine substantially in-phase to form a third down-going wave. A source apparatus to accomplish the method is also disclosed. One source apparatus embodiment comprises a device wherein at least part of the device is below the surface of the water and the device is adapted to cause oscillations below the surface of the water, and means for oscillating the device in the water to create an up-going wave and a first down-going wave and the up-going wave has reverse polarity relative to the first down-going wave.

Marine seismic acquisition method and apparatus

A pressure gradient sensor for seismic and other applications utilizing the principle of diamagnetic drift. The sensor comprises at least one transducer, each transducer made of or containing a medium having at least one species of mobile charged particles such as electrons or holes that exhibit diamagnetic drift under a pressure gradient. A magnet and a pair of electrodes are installed in each transducer. Diamagnetic drift current collected by the electrodes can be measured by an ammeter or similar device, and formulas and methods are disclosed to determine the pressure gradient from the measured current.

Growing community of inventors

Houston, TX, United States of America

Mark A Meier