Apparatus and methods for using a surface oscillator as a downhole seismic source
First Claim
1. An apparatus for inducing seismic energy in a formation penetrated by a borehole, comprising:
- an anchor device engaged with the borehole at a selected location; and
a vibratory source at a surface location coupled to the anchor causing the anchor to impart seismic energy into the formation.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method for utilizing a surface located oscillator to generate seismic signals at a downhole location. The system includes a vibratory source for generating axial vibrational energy in a tubular string anchored in the borehole at a suitable location. The vibratory source may be operated at a predetermined frequency or may generate a swept frequency signal. The axial vibrations are transmitted through the tubular string and impart a seismic signal through the anchor to the formation.. In different configurations, the system imparts broadband seismic signals into the formation. Sensors are mounted on the vibratory source and downhole anchor for monitoring the system operation. Seismic receivers are deployed on the surface, in offset wells, or in the source well. Signals from the receivers are transmitted to a control unit. The control unit utilizes the sensor and receiver signals to control the operation of the vibratory source.
44 Citations
26 Claims
-
1. An apparatus for inducing seismic energy in a formation penetrated by a borehole, comprising:
-
an anchor device engaged with the borehole at a selected location; and
a vibratory source at a surface location coupled to the anchor causing the anchor to impart seismic energy into the formation. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 26)
-
-
12. A system for obtaining seismic data, comprising:
-
an anchor device engaged with the borehole at a selected location; and
a vibratory source at a surface location coupled to the anchor causing the anchor to induce seismic energy into the formation. at least one detector placed spaced-apart from the anchor, to detect seismic signals responsive to the seismic energy imparted in the formation by the anchor.
-
-
18. A method for inducing seismic energy in a formation penetrated by a borehole, comprising:
-
coupling a tubular string between a downhole anchor and a surface vibratory source;
vibrating the tubular string to generate a seismic wave in the formation at the anchor.
-
-
23. A method for obtaining seismic data, comprising:
-
engaging an anchor in a wellbore in a subsurface formation at a selected downhole location;
coupling the anchor to a surface located vibratory source;
energizing the vibratory source to impart seismic energy through the anchor to the formation; and
sensing the seismic energy by at least one detector spaced-apart from the anchor.
-
Specification