Multiple actuator vibrator

Patent metadata

Field	Value
Publication number	US-2016334522-A1
Application number	US-201615151562-A
Country	US
Kind code	A1
Filing date	May 11, 2016
Priority date	May 14, 2015
Publication date	Nov 17, 2016
Grant date	—

Abstract

An improved baseplate design is described that correct the flexure with a plurality of actuators mounted on top of the base plate. Sensors and a feedback circuit enables the detection of flexure and a corresponding compensating scheme to correct and/or prevent the flexure in order for the baseplate to complete couple with the ground for more accurate seismic survey.

First claim

1 . A seismic vibrator truck, having a baseplate comprising:
a) a plate body that is substantially planar and having a bottom surface and a top surface; b) an array of load cells mounted near said bottom surface of the plate body so that the load cells can measure a plurality of forces the baseplate applies to the ground; c) a plurality of actuators mounted above the top surface of the plate body and capable of reversibly contacting said top surface of said plate body; d) a central processing unit (CPU) operably coupled to said actuators and said load cells;
wherein when a flexure in said plate body is detected with said load cells and said CPU controls the actuation of said plurality of actuators to compensate for said flexure.

2 . The seismic vibrator truck of claim 1 , wherein said load cells are mounted between said bottom surface and said top surface.

3 . The seismic vibrator truck of claim 1 , wherein said load cells are mounted between said base plate and said ground surface.

4 . The seismic vibrator truck of claim 1 , wherein said load cells are mounted to a lower side of said top surface.

5 . The seismic vibrator truck of claim 1 , wherein said load cells are mounted on an upper side of said top surface.

6 . The seismic vibrator truck of claim 1 , wherein the flexure is detected by the uneven forces measured by the load cells.

7 . The seismic vibrator truck of claim 1 , wherein at least one deformation sensor is operably coupled to the plate body and the CPU, and said deformation sensor detects the position and degree of flexure.

8 . A baseplate for use in a seismic survey, comprising:
a) a plate body that is substantially planar and having a top surface and a bottom surface to contact a ground surface; b) an array of sensors mounted near the bottom surface of the plate body, wherein said sensors measures a plurality of forces the plate body applies to the ground surface or a flexure in said plate body or both; c) a plurality of actuators mounted to reversible contact a top surface of the plate body; d) a processor operably coupled with the actuators and the sensors;
wherein when a flexure or differential force is detected by said sensors, said processor controls the actuation of the actuators to compensate for said flexure or differential force.

9 . The baseplate of claim 8 , wherein said sensors are mounted between said bottom surface and said top surface.

10 . The baseplate of claim 8 , wherein said sensors are mounted between said base plate and said ground surface.

11 . The baseplate of claim 8 , wherein said sensors are mounted to a lower side of said top surface.

12 . The baseplate of claim 8 , wherein said sensors are mounted on an upper side of said top surface.

13 . The baseplate of claim 8 , wherein said sensors measure force or flexure or both.

14 . The baseplate of claim 8 , wherein at least one deformation sensor is operably coupled to the plate body and the CPU, and said deformation sensor detects the position and degree of the flexure.

15 . A method of compensating for distortion of a baseplate of a seismic vibrator vehicle used in a seismic survey, said method comprising the steps of:
a) providing a baseplate in contact with a surface of an area to be surveyed; b) providing a plurality of actuators for imparting a plurality of forces to said baseplate; c) providing an array of sensors near said baseplate, wherein said array of sensors measuring the plurality of forces applied to said surface or said baseplate; d) detecting a position and a degree of a flexure of said baseplate or a differential force with said array of sensors; e) calculating a compensating matrix that comprises the magnitude and position of forces to be exerted on said baseplate to compensate for said flexure or differential force; f) executing said compensating matrix through said plurality of actuators to compensate for said flexure or differential force.

16 . The method of claim 15 , further comprising the steps of:
b-1) determining if the flexure is caused by metal fatigue or fracture of the plate body; and b-2) if yes, halting the seismic survey for maintaining or replacing said baseplate.

17 . The method of claim 15 , further comprising:
monitoring the array of sensors to determine whether the compensating matrix corrects the flexure or differential force.

18 . The method of claim 15 , further comprising:
storing the compensating matrix and corresponding physical parameters of the flexure or differential force.

19 . A method of compensating for a flexure of a baseplate of a seismic vehicle used in a seismic survey, comprising the steps of:
a) providing a baseplate of claim 1 or 8 ; b) detecting a position and a degree of a flexure in said plate body or a differential force or both; c) calculating a compensating matrix that comprises the magnitude and position of forces to be exerted on the plate body to compensate for said flexure or differential force or both; d) executing the compensating matrix through the plurality of actuators to compensate for said flexure or differential force or both.

20 . The method of claim 19 , further comprising the steps of:
b-1) determining whether the flexure is caused by metal fatigue or fracture of the plate body; and b-2) if so, halting the seismic survey in order to repair or replace the baseplate.

21 . The method of claim 19 , further comprising:
monitoring the baseplate to determine whether the compensating matrix corrects the flexure or differential force.

22 . The method of claim 19 , further comprising:
storing the compensating matrix and corresponding physical parameters of the flexure or differential force.

Assignees

• Conocophillips Co

Inventors

• Eick Peter M
• Brewer Joel D
• Shan Shan

Classifications

• G01V1/04

  Details · CPC title

• G01V1/09 Primary

  Transporting arrangements, e.g. on vehicles (G01V1/38 takes precedence) · CPC title

• G01V1/145 Primary

  by deforming or displacing surfaces {, e.g. by mechanically driven vibroseis™} · CPC title