초록 ▼

An apparatus and method for modifying the seismic source signal from air guns towed behind a marine seismic vessel. At least one conduit is towed behind the vessel to release bubbles into the water. The bubbles are formed with compressed air released from apertures in the conduit. The size and distr

An apparatus and method for modifying the seismic source signal from air guns towed behind a marine seismic vessel. At least one conduit is towed behind the vessel to release bubbles into the water. The bubbles are formed with compressed air released from apertures in the conduit. The size and distribution of the bubbles is controlled by varying the aperture size, the compressed air pressure, the aperture position and orientation on the conduit, and the vessel speed. The bubbles attenuate side directional frequencies to reduce the outwardly directed seismic source signal and to improve the signal to noise ratio at the receivers. By controlling the bubble size and distribution, attenuation of selected frequencies can be controlled.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for attenuating signals generated by a seismic source towed in water behind a vessel, comprising:a compressed air source;a conduit for trailing behind the vessel as the vessel moves in the water, wherein said conduit has an end attached to said compressed air

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] An apparatus for attenuating signals generated by a seismic source towed in water behind a vessel, comprising:a compressed air source;a conduit for trailing behind the vessel as the vessel moves in the water, wherein said conduit has an end attached to said compressed air source for conveying compressed air and has a following end trailing behind the vessel; anda plurality of apertures in said conduit for distributing compressed air bubbles into a water zone proximate to the seismic source, wherein said apertures are selected to distribute air bubbles in said water zone to attenuate a selected range of the seismic source signals, and wherein an aperture size in said conduit trailing end is larger than an aperture size in the conduit end near the vessel.