Coherent sound source for marine seismic surveys
US9625598B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 8, 2013 |
| Grant date | Apr 18, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 15, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY02A90/30
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
A coherent sound source is provided for marine seismic surveys. An underwater sound projector for producing time-harmonic waveforms comprises two pistons positioned on either side of an electro-magnetic force generator substantially having mechanical and magnetic symmetry about its geometric center thereby creating a virtual node to substantially cancel reaction loads that occur when the pistons are actuated. The underwater sound projector optionally also includes control systems to improve the fidelity of the force generator, provide pressure compensation to the pistons, finely adjust the static position of the pistons, and change the depth and roll when it is configured as tow body. A plurality of underwater sound projectors can be configured in an array. A load-bearing umbilical can connect the underwater sound projectors to a ship, transmit electrical power to each array element and serve as a duplex data transmission medium to route commands from the ship to the projector and report machinery status to the ship.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.