Patent Application
20240402370
Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein generally relate to land seismic source vehicles that are used in seismic data acquisition and, more particularly, to the placement and configuration of a controller in the seismic source vehicle for controlling the vibrator's baseplate, and enhancing health, safety, and environment (HSE) standards for such operations.
Seismic data acquisition and processing generate a profile (image) of subterranean geophysical structures. While this profile does not provide an accurate location of oil and gas reservoirs, it suggests, to those trained in the field, the presence or absence of these reservoirs. Thus, providing a high-resolution image of the geophysical structures is an ongoing process. In addition, the seismic data collected during a survey may be used for determining subfloor locations for carbon capture and sequestration (which may be linked to the oil and gas development operations), estimate potential of geothermal reserves, and/or identify/estimate the presence/absence of other subsurface resources as minerals.
To obtain a high-resolution image of the underground, a seismic survey system employs a seismic source that generates seismic waves, and seismic receivers that record seismic signals associated with the seismic waves. The seismic source imparts energy to the ground. The energy travels through the subsurface and gets reflected from certain subsurface geological formations, e.g., reflectors or layers interface. The reflected energy travels back to the surface, where the seismic receivers record it. The recorded data is processed to yield information about the location and physical properties of the layers making up the subsurface.
For land explorations, the seismic source may be a vibratory source that is mounted on a truck for being carried at different locations where the seismic energy needs to be injected into the ground. The energy transmitted by the vibratory source to the ground is proportional with the force acting on it. For land seismic surveys, it is desirable to transmit as much energy as possible to the ground. Thus, the heavier the truck carrying the vibratory source, the more weight is available to keep the baseplate of the source in contact with the earth, enabling larger actuators to be used to drive the baseplate to transmit more vibratory energy into the earth.
Large hydraulic vibrators mounted on vehicle carriers equipped with tires or tracks are commonly used for geophysical exploration. Typically, a vehicle carrier 100, as illustrated in
After the sweep is completed, the baseplate is raised, the vehicle moves up to the next shot point and the process is repeated. During a typical day of seismic acquisition, the vibrator spends a part of the acquisition time hammering the baseplate to transmit the energy to the earth. Large land vibrators in common use today are capable of full energy output over the range of about 7-90 Hz. Outside this band, the maximum deliverable vibratory force (ground force) is limited due to constraints imposed by limiting factors in the mechanical and/or hydraulic system. To generate this energy, the vibratory source 122 generates an up and down movement, which is mechanically transmitted to the baseplate 118. These up and down movements are applied to the baseplate only after the baseplate has been lowered to be in touch with the ground. In other words, while the vehicle carrier 100 travels from one site to another, the baseplate 118 is raised from ground. When the carrier 100 arrives at a given site, the baseplate 118 is lowered and then the vibratory source 122 generates the up and down movement. Lowering and raising the baseplate to prepare the source for shooting takes from the shooting time of the survey.
An existing controller, used by some operators, which controls the up and down movement of the baseplate is illustrated in
The driver needs to activate some of the buttons of the keyboard 216 while the carrier 100 is still moving, for the following reasons. The cost of a seismic survey is high and thus, the timing of the movements performed by the vehicle carrier needs to be efficient and short, to avoid time waste. One such efficiency is achieved by partially lowering the baseplate toward the ground while the vehicle is still moving, just prior to reaching its intended destination. In other words, the time to set the baseplate onto the ground can be reduced if instead of stopping the vehicle and then fully lowering the baseplate, the driver is capable to slowly lower the plate while the vehicle is still moving, and then achieve the final contact between the baseplate and the ground when the vehicle is stationary. In this way, the time necessary to lower the baseplate onto the ground while the vehicle is stationary is reduced, but this is detrimental to the safe driving of the truck and also not ergonomically optimized.
Another problem with the existing controllers is that the keyboard 216 sometimes fails, which requires stopping the seismic data acquisition process until the entire controller is replaced. This is not only expensive but is also time-consuming while in the middle of the survey. To partially alleviate these problems, Sercel, the assignee of this application, has proposed the improvement shown in
However, even this approach has its limitations as only two functions of the controller are at the fingertip of the driver, the keyboard still can fail, and the driver still needs to use the keyboard for the other functionalities offered by the controller. Thus, there is a need for further improving the reach of the keyboard of the controller to overcome the problems mentioned above with regard to the vehicle carrier.
According to an embodiment, there is a vibratory source for generating seismic signals that is carried by a vehicle carrier. The vibratory source includes a baseplate and a lift and hydraulic actuator system configured to actuate the baseplate to impart seismic waves into the ground. The baseplate is controlled by a controller located next to the driver. Instead of having the plural functionalities offered by the controller accessed by a keyboard located on the controller, one or more embodiments discussed herein disclose a remote mechanism for controlling the controller, and the remote mechanism is attached to the steering wheel column and in reach by the driver without requiring a view of the controller. In this way, the HSE of the entire operation is enhanced.
According to an embodiment, there is a remote control system for a vibratory seismic source that generates seismic signals. The remote control system includes an attachment mechanism configured to be fixedly attached to a component of a vehicle carrier that carries the vibratory seismic source, and a remote control mechanism supported by the attachment mechanism, wherein the remote control mechanism includes first and second command units, each configured to control a baseplate associated with the vibratory seismic source. Each of the first and second command units are configured to be removed from the remote control mechanism while the attachment mechanism is hold in place.
According to another embodiment, there is a vibratory seismic source regulator system for controlling a vibratory seismic source, and the vibratory seismic source regulator system includes a controller configured to control the vibratory seismic source for generating seismic signals, and a remote control system configured to remotely control the controller. The remote control system includes an attachment mechanism configured to be fixedly attached to a component of a vehicle carrier that carries the controller, and a remote control mechanism supported by the attachment mechanism, where the remote control mechanism includes first and second command units, each configured to control a baseplate associated with the vibratory seismic source. Each of the first and second command units are configured to be removed from the remote control mechanism while the attachment mechanism is hold in place.
The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate one or more embodiments and, together with the description, explain these embodiments. In the drawings:
The following description of the embodiments refers to the accompanying drawings. The same reference numbers in different drawings identify the same or similar elements. The following detailed description does not limit the invention. Instead, the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims. The following embodiments are discussed, for simplicity, with regard to the terminology and structure of a vibratory source mounted on a truck. However, the embodiments to be discussed next are not limited to a truck or a vibratory source, but may be applied to other sources used to generate seismic waves, even if not mounted on a truck, or to other vehicles.
Reference throughout the specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the subject matter disclosed. Thus, the appearance of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout the specification is not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments.
It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first object or step could be termed a second object or step, and, similarly, a second object or step could be termed a first object or step, without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. The first object or step, and the second object or step, are both, objects or steps, respectively, but they are not to be considered the same object or step.
The terminology used in the description herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments and is not intended to be limiting. As used in this description and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term “and/or” as used herein refers to and encompasses any possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms “includes,” “including,” “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. Further, as used herein, the term “if” may be construed to mean “when” or “upon” or “in response to determining” or “in response to detecting,” depending on the context.
According to an embodiment, there is a remote mechanism that is attached to the controller, in a wired or wireless manner, and is configured to access part or all the functionalities of the controller. The remote mechanism is placed so that the driver can reach it without taking her or his eyes from the path followed by the vehicle. Thereby, security and safety are optimized, both for driver and environment. In one application, the remote mechanism completely replaces the keyboard traditionally located on the exterior casings of the controller. The remote mechanism may be removably attached to the steering wheel column with an attachment mechanism. Both remote mechanism and attachment mechanism are eco-designed, with elements which can easily be disassembled for easy recycling. In one application, the attachment mechanism is adjustable, i.e., its position and/or orientation relative to the steering wheel column can be changed as desired. This allows for the best ergonomics for the driver, improving HSE conditions. The remote mechanism together with the attachment mechanism may be retroactively added to the existing vehicles, no matter the manufacturer of the vehicle. More details of the various implementations of the remove mechanism are now discussed with regard to the figures.
In one embodiment, as illustrated in
The attachment mechanism 510 includes a base platform 512, made for example, from a metal, steel, or composite material, and which constitutes the base to which all the other elements are attached. The base platform 512 may be shaped as a plate, or any other shape. The base platform 512 is configured to mate with a column platform or arm support 514, which is configured to be directly attached to the steering wheel column. One or more bolts 516A and corresponding nuts 516B may be used to attach the base platform 512 to the column platform 514. In one application, the column platform 514 is selected to be a flat plate to perfectly mate with the base platform 512. Attached to the column platform 514 (for example, by welding or by a bolt and nut 515), there is a first clamp 516, which is bent so that it conforms to the shape of the steering wheel column. A mating second clamp 518 is configured to be attached to the first clamp, for example, with bolts 520A and nuts 520B, so that the two clamps fully encircle the steering column. By tightening the nuts 520B, the first and second clamp form a fixed collar around the steering column, thus achieving a fixed base platform 512, which constitutes the base for all other components.
For attaching the remote control mechanism 550 to the attachment mechanism 510, first and second pipe clamps 522 and 524 are provided. The first and second pipe clamps 522 and 524 are fixedly attached to opposite ends of the base platform 512 with corresponding bolts 526A and nuts 526B (only one referenced for simplicity). Note that these bolts and nuts not only fixedly attach the first and second pipe clamps to the base platform 512, but they also tighten a corresponding gap 528 formed in each clamp so that when a component of the remote control mechanism 550 enters inside the pipe clamp, it can be fixed relative to the pipe clamp. In other words, each pipe clamp 522 and 524 has a corresponding bore 522A and 524A, which is configured to receive a component of the control mechanism 550, and to fix that component relative to the base platform 512.
The remote control mechanism 550 includes in this embodiment a first remote control part 560 and a second remote control part 580. Other parts may be added if desired. The first remote control part 560 includes a pipe 562 that is configured to fit inside the bore 522A of the first pipe clamp 522. By tightening the bolt 526B, the pipe 562 can be fixedly attached to the attachment mechanism, and effectively to the steering column. Thus, the pipe 562 is fixed relative to the steering column, i.e., it does not move relative to it. A floating nut 564 is provided over the pipe 562 and the floating nut has internal threads (not visible in the figure). The floating nut 564 can move along the pipe 562 but is prevented by a shoulder 566 of the pipe from leaving the pipe. The shoulder 566 also secures the command unit 570's position (orientation) relative to pipe 562 when the floating nut 564 engages the threads 572 of the command unit 570, as the command unit 570 and the pipe 562 clamp the shoulder 566. A command unit 570 is configured to be fixedly attached to the pipe 562 with the floating nut 564. In this respect, the command unit 570 has its own threads 572, that are mating with the threads of the floating nut 564. The command unit 570 includes at least one control element 574, for example, a button or joystick or switch or knob or any means for initiating or activating a corresponding functionality of a controller 502, which directly controls the vibratory source. Note that the controller 502 does not have any buttons or keyboard on it in this embodiment, which is different from the controller 210 shown in
In addition, the control elements 574 and 576 are conveniently and ergonomically placed in the easy reach of the driver and the driver does not have to look away from the driving path for reaching these control elements. Further, the position and orientation of the control elements 574 and 576 may be adjusted by moving the base platform 512 up or down along the steering column, or the tilt may be adjusted by changing the orientation of the pipe clamp 522. In this regard, note that the pipe clamp 522 may be rotated relative to the base platform 512. Also, the individual height adjustment for each control unit 560 and 580 is possible by adjusting the amount of the pipe 562 that enters inside the bore 522A. All these features and advantages are also applicable to the second remote control part 580, which similarly includes a pipe 582, floating nut 584 with an internal thread 585, second control unit 590 having corresponding control elements 594 and 596, and electrical connection 598. Note that the electrical harness 504 is located inside the pipes 562 and 582 and thus protected from interference with the driving wheel. The control elements 596 and 594 may be associated with the plate up command and plate travel length toggle command, respectively. Note that the toggle command 594 allows the driver to only partially move up the plate. This may save time when the ground on which the vehicle 100 travels is very flat and thus, the plate can be only partially moved up (not fully moved up).
Because there is no keyboard on the controller 502 in these embodiments, and because the remote control system 500 can wirelessly connect to the controller 502, in one embodiment, as illustrated in
A side and front view of the system 500, when attached to a steering wheel column 702 of the vehicle 100 is shown in
In another embodiment, the location of the remote control system may be changed, for example, as shown in
A method for using the remote control system 500 is now discussed with regard to
The disclosed embodiments provide a remote control system for a controller of a seismic source having a baseplate, which is mounted on a vehicle carrier, and the remote control system is configured to provide various functionalities associated with the baseplate and the entire seismic source, which are safer for the driver. It should be understood that this description is not intended to limit the invention. On the contrary, the exemplary embodiments are intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which are included in the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Further, in the detailed description of the embodiments, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the claimed invention. However, one skilled in the art would understand that various embodiments may be practiced without such specific details.
Although the features and elements of the present embodiments are described in the embodiments in particular combinations, each feature or element can be used alone without the other features and elements of the embodiments or in various combinations with or without other features and elements disclosed herein.
This written description uses examples of the subject matter disclosed to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the same, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the subject matter is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims.
