Exxonmobil Upstream Research Company

University of Houston System

Paul Ibanez

Mark A Meier

Steven E Heiney

Conor N Byrne

Jelena Tomic

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.

Growing community of inventors

Boulder, CO, United States of America

Paul Ibanez