Method for optimizing acoustic source array performance

Abstract

A technique facilitates obtaining seismic data in a marine environment. An array of acoustic sources is deployed in a marine environment. The array can be utilized for creating acoustic pulses that facilitate the collection of data on subsea structures. The methodology enables optimization of acoustic source array performance to improve the collection of useful data during a seismic survey.

Description

Background technique [0001] In various marine environments, seismic surveys are performed to gain greater understanding of the geological formations beneath a body of water. An array of marine seismic sources is used to generate acoustic pulses in the water, and hydrophones detect the reflected signals. An ignition controller is used to trigger the ignition of the sound source elements thus synchronizing the main pressure pulses of each element in the desired direction in the far field. For example, triggering can be done so that the main pulse of each element coincides in the far field in the vertical direction. In some applications, the ignition controller implements a time delay to compensate for individual differences in the mechanical triggering mechanism of the sound source elements. Trigger delay can also be used to compensate for geometric differences in source arrays. [0002] One way to quantify mechanical trigger delay is to use a tick sensor. A tick sensor is p...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, it is not possible with modern compact array structures to distinguish the acoustic signals from neighboring airguns in measurements from unprocessed near-field hydrophones

[0004] Another problem with conventional air guns is the emission of significant acoustic amplitudes outside the frequency range suitable for seismic exploration

Images