Rotational motion compensated seismic sensors and methods of use in seismic data acquisition

• US 8,351,298 B2
• Filed: 10/22/2009
• Issued: 01/08/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 04/08/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Reflection Marine Norge AS
• Original Assignee: WesternGeco LLC
• Inventors: De Kok, Robbert J., Goujon, Nicolas, Combee, Leendert, Melbø, Aslaug H. S.
• Primary Examiner(s): LOBO, IAN J
• Application Number:
  US12/604,053
• Publication Number:
  US 20100103770A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,174 Days
• Field of Search: 367/15, 367/20, 367/178, 367/188, 736/49
• US Class Current: 367/178
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 1/16 Receiving elements for seismic signals; Arrangements or adaptations of receiving elements
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 1/184 Multi-component geophones
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 1/36 Effecting static or dynamic corrections on records, e.g. correcting spread; Correlating seismic signals; Eliminating effects of unwanted energy
• CPC Class Codes: G01V 1/38 specially adapted for water-covered areas G01V1/28 takes precedence

Abstract

Apparatus and methods for acquiring seismic data using a seabed seismic data cable positioned on a seabed are described, including correcting for the effect of one or more sensor non-linear motions, which improves accuracy of seismic data. One or multiple non-linear movements of the sensor may be corrected for. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).

Claims

1. An apparatus comprising:

a plurality of seismic sensors spaced along a line, each sensor comprising;

a first linear motion sensing unit positioned at a center of the sensor;

a second linear motion sensing unit positioned in a first orthogonal position with respect to the first linear motion sensing unit at the center of the sensor;

a third linear motion sensing unit positioned in a second orthogonal position with respect to the first linear motion sensing unit and the second linear motion sensing unit at the center of the sensor; and

a fourth linear motion sensing unit positioned away from the center of the sensor, wherein the first linear motion sensing unit, the second linear motion sensing unit, the third linear motion sensing unit, and the fourth linear motion sensing unit are configured to determine a rotational motion of the sensor.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising:

a calculation unit configured to determine the rotational motion of the sensor by;

predicting a translation movement of the fourth linear motion sensing unit; and

determining a difference between the predicted translation movement of the fourth linear motion sensing unit and a measured signal of the fourth linear motion sensing unit.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the translation movement is predicted by decomposing a measured signal of the first linear motion sensing unit, a measured signal of the second linear motion sensing unit, and a measured signal of the third linear motion sensing unit along an axis of the fourth linear motion sensing unit.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of seismic sensors are disposed on land.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of seismic sensors are disposed under water.

4. An apparatus comprising:

a plurality of seismic sensors spaced along a line, each sensor comprising;

a first linear motion sensing unit positioned at a center of the sensor;

a second linear motion sensing unit positioned perpendicularly to the first linear motion sensing unit at the center of the sensor;

a third linear motion sensing unit positioned away from the center of the sensor; and

a calculation unit configured to determine the rotational motion of the sensor by;

predicting a translation movement of the third linear motion sensing unit; and

determining a difference between the predicted translation movement of the third linear motion sensing unit and a measured signal of the third linear motion sensing unit.

5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the translation movement is predicted by decomposing a measured signal of the first linear motion sensing unit and a measured signal of the second linear motion sensing unit along an axis of the third linear motion sensing unit.

8. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the plurality of seismic sensors are disposed on land.

9. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the plurality of seismic sensors are disposed under water.