Patent · US Active

Seismic acquisition in marine environments using survey paths following a series of linked deviated paths and methods of use

US8780669B2 · kind B2 · utility

3Cited by
23References
21Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 5, 2010
Grant dateJul 15, 2014
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 29, 2032

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC G)Physics
  • CPC primaryG01V1/3826
  • WIPO fieldMeasurement
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

Methods and systems are provided for acquiring seismic data in a marine environment using survey paths following a series of linked curved paths so as to obtain multi-azimuthal data over a sub-surface target. Marine vessels towing multiple seismic streamers may be configured to travel substantially along a series of linked deviated paths or a series of linked curved paths. Sources may be excited to introduce acoustic wave energy in the marine environment and into the subsea region. The acoustic wave energy then reflects and refracts from the subsea region to form reflected and refracted wave energy, which is detected by seismic receivers spaced along the streamers. The detected seismic data is then interpreted to reveal seismic information representative of the surveyed subsea region. Other enhancements include configuring the streamers in a flared configuration, where the lateral spacing increases rearwardly over the length of the seismic streamers.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.