Exxon Production Research Company

Raul R Montes

Richard J Kostelnicek

An improved method and apparatus for initiating seismic data storage in an Isolated Distributed Recording System. An encoded acoustic signal is generated by an acoustic energy source which is detected at an isolated distributed recorder where it is correlated with a preselected correlating signal. Upon sufficient correlation between the encoded acoustic signal and the preselected correlating signal, seismic data are stored. In the preferred embodiment, the invention relates to a method and apparatus for generating an encoded seismic signal utilizing a seismic energy source. The encoded seismic signal is correlated with a preselected correlating signal at an isolated distributed recorder; upon sufficient correlation between said signals, the isolated distributed recorder is triggered to store incoming seismic data commencing at the time the seismic data were generated and extending for a predetermined time interval. The time of arrival of all the seismic data stored is time-referenced to the time the seismic data were generated by the acoustic energy source for purposes of obtaining information about the sub-surface geological environment.

Method and apparatus for initiating seismic data storage in an isolated

A method and apparatus for selectively controlling isolated distributed recorders in an Isolated Distributed Recording System. Selection and control of isolated distributed recording units comprising a seismic data gathering Isolated Distributed Recording System are effected by transmitting preselected encoded acoustic seismic signals to which the isolated distributed recorders have been preconditioned to respond by effecting a desired control action. The same encoded acoustic seismic signal may also provide the seismic data for the experiment. Each isolated distributed recorder is conditioned to respond to several encoded acoustic signals, to discriminate against noise, and/or to respond to one such encoded acoustic signal by effecting a plurality of control actions at the isolated distributed recorder. The method and apparatus of the invention, thus, provided a large number of combinations for seismic data acquisition and control to fit the requirements of seismic data gathering operations effected in accordance with common depth points methods or other seismic exploration methods.

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Houston, TX, United States of America

Raul R Montes