ON THE CALIBRATION OF THE WATER GUN PRESSURE SIGNATURE*

A simple field method was proposed by the author in 1976 for measuring the absolute amplitude of the pressure pulse radiated by marine seismic sources which radiate a bubble pulse. The proposed method involves the recording of the near-field pressure signature radiated by the water gun using a wide-band hydrophone. The key feature of the proposed method is that a knowledge of the hydrophone sensitivity and its distance from the water gun are not required. It is shown that the absolute amplitudes of the pressure pulses radiated by the S80 and P400 water guns obtained using the proposed method are in agreement with those obtained using a Ref-Tek hydrophone.     

EFFICIENT DESIGN OF AIR-GUN ARRAYS*

A new technique is developed for shaping the pressure bubble pulse radiated by an array of air-guns. It involves the proper spacing of identical units. It is shown that considerable shortening of the pressure bubble pulse can be achieved provided there is sufficient mutual coupling between all the air-guns. The existing air-gun array technique for reducing the bubble pulse involves the redistribution of the energy of the bubble pulses which are produced by an array of variable sized air-guns such that no energy of the bubble pulses is radiated along the perpendicular to the array axis and only the sum of the initial pulses produced by the air-guns forming the array is radiated along that direction. However, the new air-guns array technique involves the damping of the bubble pulses which are produced by an array of identical air-guns by means of mutual interaction and the effective pressure pulse radiated by the array is given by the sum of the damped bubble pulses produced by the mutually coupled identical air-guns. Preliminary field trials gave results consistent with the theoretical predictions. A comparison between the waveforms of the pressure bubble pulses radiated by a single air-gun and by an array of four identical air-guns shows that, due to the presence of mutual coupling between the four air-guns, effective damping of the bubble pulse radiated by the array is about 50% greater than that of the bubble pulse radiated by the single air-gun.     

THE USE OF AIRGUN PRESSURE PULSES FOR CALIBRATING A LOW-FREQUENCY STANDARD HYDROPHONE*

A new technique is developed for calibrating a low-frequency hydrophone. The technique involves the use of pressure pulses radiated by the Par 0.65 liter airgun when fired at a fixed depth but with various values of initial chamber pressure. The sensitivity of a low-frequency hydrophone, when determined by the proposed technique, is found to be in agreement with that obtained by using the so-called “impulse method”.     

TEST RESULTS OF A NEW TYPE OF EFFICIENT SMALL AIRGUN ARRAY*

Recently the author developed and demonstrated (Safar 1980) an efficient method for operating the airgun. The method involves the generation of a short seismic pulse from the pressure bubble pulses radiated by an airgun when fired several times at the same optimum depth but with different chamber pressures. The purpose of this paper is to present and discuss the test results obtained when implementing the same method using a two-dimensional airgun array. The array consists of seven 0.65 liter airguns fired simultaneously at the same depth but with different chamber pressures. It is shown that the far-field pressure pulse radiated by the seven 0.65 liter airgun array is similar to that radiated by the Flexichoc seismic source. It is concluded that the proposed airgun array can be used as a subarray to form an extremely powerful super-long array suitable for deep seismic exploration. The author would like to thank the Chairman and Board of Directors of the British Petroleum Co. Ltd for permission to publish this paper. Thanks are also due to Mike Symes and Lovell Cox for carrying out the field tests and Seismograph Service (England) Ltd for providing the airguns.     

AN EFFICIENT METHOD OF OPERATING THE AIR-GUN*

A new technique is developed for generating a short seismic pulse from the bubble pulses which are radiated by an air-gun. The new technique, which is useful in well velocity surveys and vertical seismic profiling, can be implemented by firing a single air-gun several times at the same depth but with different chamber pressures. A record obtained by this procedure from a well-geophone clamped at a depth of 2450 m gave a maximum peak-to-peak amplitude within the first 100 ms of the effective seismic pulse at least ten times any later peak-to-peak amplitude.     

THE RADIATION OF ACOUSTIC WAVES FROM AN AIR-GUN*

A theoretical model is developed for predicting three important parameters of the pressure pulse radiated by an air-gun, namely the rise time, the amplitude of the initial pulse, and the period of the bubble pulse. A knowledge of these three parameters is essential for the efficient design of air-guns arrays. The prediction of the amplitude of the initial pulse is based on the assumption that the initial pulse is radiated by a spherical source with surface area equal to that of the air-gun ports and not by a spherical source with initial volume equal to that of the air-gun chamber, as has been assumed previously. A simple equation is obtained for predicting the period of the bubble pulsation, taking into account the effect of the air-gun body, boundaries such as the sea-surface and seabed and the presence of a number of identical air-guns placed at the same depth and fired simultaneously.     

SYSTEM APPROACH TO AIR-GUN ARRAY DESIGN *

To specify intelligently a nondynamite source in a marine seismic data-collection system, it is important to use all known parameters of the system—source, receiver, and recording-system characteristics. A technique has been developed to design the far-field pressure pulse of an air-gun array by taking these parameters into account. Important source variables to consider are interaction among guns in the array and the depth of the array. Near-field pressure signatures of individual guns, which are relatively unaffected by boundaries, have been used to‘construct’the far-field pressure pulse of the array by considering these variables. Comparison between constructed pulses and measured far-field pulses shows substantial agreement. Streamer depth and recording-system bandpass should also be considered when designing an air-gun array. Comparison of far-field pressure pulses for several bandpasses clearly shows the importance of considering this variable; e.g., the initial pulse is severely attenuated when a high-cut filter is used. Likewise, an additional filtering effect due to the streamer's proximity to the surface should be taken into account. Design of an air-gun array using the principles just outlined are illustrated by an example.     

Marine seismic sources: QC of wavefield computation from near-field pressure measurements

A commercial marine seismic survey has been completed with the wavefield from the n-element (single guns and clusters) airgun array measured for every shot using an array of n + 2 near-field hydrophones, n of which were required to determine the source wavefield, the remaining two providing a check on the computation. The source wavefield is critical to the determination of the seismic wavelet for the extraction of reflection coefficients from seismic reflection data and for tying the data to wells. The wavefield generated by the full array of interacting airguns can be considered to be the superposition of n spherical pressure waves, or notional source signatures, the n hydrophone measurements providing a set of n simultaneous equations for each shot. The solution of the equations for the notional source signatures requires three ingredients: the geometry of the gun ports and near-field hydrophones; the sensitivity of each hydrophone recording channel; and the relative motion between the near-field hydrophones and the bubbles emitted by the guns. The geometry was measured on the back deck using a tape measure. A calibration data set was obtained at the approach to each line, in which each gun was fired on its own and the resulting wavefield was measured with the near-field hydrophones and recorded. The channel sensitivities, or conversion from pressure at the hydrophones to numbers on the tape, were found for each near-field hydrophone channel using the single gun calibration data, the measured geometry, and the peak pressure from each gun, known from the manufacturer’s calibration. The relative motion between the guns and hydrophones was obtained from the same calibration data set by minimizing the energy in the computed notional source signatures at the guns which did not fire. The full array data were then solved for the notional source signatures, and the pressure was computed at the two spare hydrophones and compared with the actual recordings. The rms errors were 5.3% and 2.8% and would have been smaller if the hydrophone channel sensitivities had been properly calibrated beforehand and if the movement of the guns with respect to the hydrophones had been more restricted. This comparison of the predicted and measured signatures at spare hydrophones can, in principle, be done on every shot and we recommend that this be implemented as a standard quality control procedure whenever it is desired to measure the wavefield of a marine seismic source.     

EXTENDED MARINE ARRAYS VERSUS SIMULATED EXTENDED ARRAYS*

Two factors are responsible for the fact that an extended marine source array performs better than a point source: 1. a higher degree of transmission of the radiated seismic energy through the water-sediment interface providing a better penetration; 2. filtering effects. The higher degree of transmission is due to: (a) the directivity of extended sources, (b) the lower reflection coefficient at the water-sediment interface for seismic waves radiated from an extended source array than for spherical seismic waves radiated from a point source, (c) the lower amplitude decay of the pulses from an extended source than from a point source. In addition, signature characteristic of an extended source array and Fresnel zone of waves generated by such a source differ from those corresponding to a point source. The propagating wavelet radiated from a point source array may not be, in a sedimentary sequence below the sea-floor, the linear combination of wavelets emitted from point sources. In such cases, there is a noticeable difference between the performance of a field-implemented source array and that of the corresponding simulated source array. The performances of the field-implemented and simulated extended receiver arrays can be identical if the recording system is adequate and the processing technique appropriate.     

ATTENUATION OF COHERENT NOISE IN MARINE SEISMIC EXPLORATION USING VERY LONG ARRAYS *

The use of arrays to separate primary reflections from unwanted coherent seismic events is common practice in land seismic surveys. Very long source and receiver arrays have been used recently to reduce the effects of waterbottom multiples on marine seismic data. The source array consists of five uniformly spaced identical subarrays, each with five different airguns, where the distance between the subarrays may vary from 20 m56 m. The volume of each subarray is 10.3 1 (630 cu.in.) which gives a total volume of the array of 51.5 1 (3150 cu.in.) operated at a pressure of 14 MPa (2000 psi). In order to have a flexible receiver system it was decided to implement the extended receiver array in data processing by computing a weighted sum of two to five traces. The hydrophone cable consists of fifty-four channels with a group length of 50 m. Data shot with the superlong airgun array are processed by a combination of standard techniques and special procedures. In particular, the quality of the stack section is improved by using a weighted stack. The stack weights are computed by a program which takes into account the primary-to-multiple ratio. Comparisons with conventional data show significant improvements in data quality obtained by using the superlong airgun array. Examples show that the waterbottom multiples have been strongly attenuated and the deep seismic events have been enhanced. The combined array response function for dipping events is given in an appendix.     

ON THE DETERMINATION OF THE DOWNGOING P-WAVES RADIATED BY THE VERTICAL SEISMIC VIBRATOR*

It is well recognized that in order to realize the full potential of the Vibroseis technique, one needs to ensure accurate phase locking and a meaningful cross-correlation. To achieve these two important objectives we require an accurate estimate of the compressional stress wave radiated by the vibrator into the ground. In this paper a simple method (subject of a patent application) is developed for predicting the compressional stress waves radiated by a vertical vibrator. The main feature of the proposed method is that it involves the field measurement of the acceleration of the reaction mass and the baseplate, respectively. The method is illustrated by computing the compressional stress waves generated by a typical vertical vibrator radiating into ice, chalk, sand, and mud. It is shown that for a seismic vibrator radiating into hard ground the pressure of the downgoing P-wave is 180° out of phase with the baseplate velocity. It is also shown that when the driving force of the seismic vibrator has a flat amplitude spectrum, the amplitude spectrum of the downgoing P-wave falls off by 6 dB/octave towards low frequencies.     

A SOLUTION OF THE DIPPING INTERFACE PROBLEM USING THE SQUARE ARRAY RESISTIVITY TECHNIQUE*

Apparent resistivity measurements with the square array technique in the vicinity of a dipping interface have the advantage over collinear array methods that they are less dependent on orientation of the array. In order to exploit this, existing potential solutions for the dipping interface problem have been adapted for the computation of apparent resistivities over such a feature using a square array. Comprehensive interpretation techniques covering this problem are given and the limitations imposed by residual array orientation effects are discussed.     

SIGNATURE AND AMPLITUDE OF LINEAR AIRGUN ARRAYS *

During the last few years many airgun arrays have been designed with the objective of generating a short signature of high amplitude. For linear arrays of non-interacting airguns two rules have been derived that may help in the design or evaluation of airgun arrays. To achieve a short pressure pulse, the total available air volume has to be distributed over the individual guns in such a way that the tail of the signal, owing to the added bubble signals, becomes as flat as possible. When we think of ordering airguns according to volume, this flat signal tail can be achieved by designing the volumes such that the difference in bubble times of two adjacent guns is proportional to their volume to the power 2/3. The amplitude expected from a linear array of non-interacting airguns is limited by the physical length of the array. A graph of measured values tends to confirm this relation. No relation has been found between the total volume of an array and its amplitude. The graph also detects inefficient use of available array length of existing arrays.     

Geophone-seabed coupling effect and its correction

By summing geophone and hydrophone data with opposite polarity responses to water layer reverberation, the ocean bottom cable dual-sensor acquisition technique can effectively eliminate reverberation, broaden the frequency bandwidth, and improve both the resolution and fidelity of the seismic data. It is thus widely used in industry. However, it is difficult to ensure good coupling of the geophones with the seabed because of the impact of ocean flow, seafloor topography, and field operations; therefore, geophone data are seriously affected by the transfer function of the geophone-seabed coupling system. As a result, geophone data frequently have low signal-to-noise ratios (S/N), which causes large differences in amplitude, frequency, and phases between geophone and hydrophone data that severely affect dual-sensor summation. In contrast, the hydrophone detects changes in brine pressure and has no coupling issues with the seabed; thus, hydrophone data always have good S/N. First, in this paper, the mathematical expression of the transfer function between geophone and seabed is presented. Second, the transfer function of the geophone-seabed is estimated using hydrophone data as reference traces, and finally, the coupling correction based on the estimated transfer function is implemented. Using this processing, the amplitude and phase differences between geophone and hydrophone data are removed, and the S/N of the geophone data are improved. Synthetic and real data examples then show that our method is feasible and practical.     

大容量气枪震源子波时频特性及其影响因素

通过分析福建街面水库气枪实验的近场水听器记录,研究气枪子波时频特性及其受沉放深度和工作压力的影响,并结合气泡模型解释气泡振荡过程。数据分析表明：①气枪子波由主脉冲和气泡脉冲组成。主脉冲振幅大,持时短,频带宽,通常应用于浅部探测;气泡脉冲能量集中在低频段,垂直穿透深,水平传播远,通常应用于深部探测。②随沉放深度的增加,主脉冲振幅变化很小,气泡脉冲振幅增加,初泡比减小,气泡周期减小,低频段主频增加。沉放深度为10m时,主脉冲振幅和初泡比最大,可应用于浅部探测;沉放深度为25m时,气泡脉冲振幅很大,初泡比最小,可应用于深部探测。③工作压力增加时,主脉冲振幅、气泡脉冲振幅、初泡比、气泡周期等随之增大,低频段主频则减小。     

THE EFFECTS OF ANISOTROPY ON SQUARE ARRAY RESISTIVITY MEASUREMENTS*

An account is given of the use of the square array technique in investigating the surface effects of rotational anisotropy when the axes of anisotropy are inclined to the surface. It is shown that, as with other arrays, two anisotropy parameters and n can be derived by varying the array orientation. On the basis of these considerations, the effects of such anisotropy on the values of the mean apparent resistivity and azimuthal inhomogeneity ratio normally obtained in square array measurements is reviewed. Particular attention is paid to the variation of resistivity with orientation and it is noted that, in areas of moderate anisotropy, this variation is lower for the square than for the Schlumberger array. In addition to this advantage, the azimuthal inhomogeneity ratio obtained from square array measurements may be used to indicate the severity of anisotropy in an area and two field examples of this use are given. Where anisotropy is severe, gross variations of apparent resistivity with orientation are obtained with either square or collinear arrays. In these circumstances, the use of crossed measurements is considered and the particular stability of the crossed square array demonstrated.     

一种新型动电测井探测器研究与实验测试（英文）

目前对动电测井的研究主要集中于数值模拟和岩石物理实验。为研发出能下井测量的动电测井仪器,进行了一系列实验研究工作。文中介绍了一种融合了不同结构和材料要求的新型声电复合式动电测井探测器的结构及原理,对声、电信号接收器在仪器机械设计上无法布置在同一位置的难题也提出了解决方法。在水池中对其辐射声场特性进行了测试,计算了辐射声场声压及发射电压响应,分析了基于相控线阵的阵列式声波发射探头的指向性及实际应用效果。研究表明,在源距1500 mm处产生的声压可达47.2 kPa,且会随着激励声源主频增大而减小。随着相邻声波发射子阵激励信号延迟时间的增加,辐射声束主瓣会发生明显偏转,主瓣方向的能量也逐渐增强,可有效增强声电转换效率。本文为探测器研制及开展井下动电测井研究奠定了重要基础。     

相控线阵声波辐射器在声波测井中应用的可行性分析

通过有限元数值模拟例子，分析了相控线阵的辐射性对声波测井中各种波动模式波的幅度和到达时间等波形特征的影响，以及相控线阵作为声波测井辐射器的可行性.结果表明，只要在相控线阵的各阵元之间施加合适延迟时间的激励信号，就可以调整辐射器的辐射声束的方向，以有利于激发滑行纵波和滑行横波；只要采用相对较低的频率或使用加权相控线阵，就可以增大相控线阵的辐射主瓣角宽，以利于在任意地层有效激励滑行纵波.相控线阵的使用可明显地改善声波测井的测量质量.本文工作为相控线阵声波辐射器在石油勘探中的应用提供了理论依据.     

An experimental comparison of three direct methods of marine source signature estimation

Three methods for estimation of the pressure wavefield generated by a marine airgun array are tested experimentally and compared. In the trial a variety of radiation angles and array configurations were used and some large synchronization errors were deliberately introduced. The source was equipped with near-field hydrophones and a subsource ministreamer. A tethered far-field hydrophone was used so that the three estimated far-field signatures could be compared with an independent measurement. The knowledge of the source signature is important for on-board source array QC, deconvolution, multiple attenuation, stratigraphic trap prediction, modelling and inversion, AVO analysis and reservoir monitoring. The methods perform very well and give estimates whose frequency-domain spectra match the measured spectra to within a few dB and within a few tens of degrees of phase over the tested bandwidth of 3.5–110 Hz. The time-domain error-energy is typically only a few per cent of the signal energy for radiation angles within about 30° of the vertical. The third method proved to be sensitive to an experimental shortcoming leading to overloading of the ministreamer and meaningful comparison was not possible for some test configurations.