Optimizing Sweep Parameters Based on Field Conditions and Vibrator Behavior to Maximize Signal Quality

Background

At the start of 2024, Sercel proposed its manufacturing and geophysical expertise to design the most efficient broadband sweep for a customer in Asia. The design utilized Nomad65 vibrators and VE464 electronics, incorporating Sercel’s patented Low/High dwell sweep technology, EmphaSeis.
 

Methodology

The service was separated into various phases:

1. An assessment of the field conditions was performed to identify the terrain families.
2. A first set of sweep propositions was tested in our facilities to control the vibrator behavior.
3. The sweep was then tested in the field for the different terrain conditions.
4. An analysis of the results was performed by our acquisition solutions engineers.
5. The parameters were fine-tuned to optimize the useful transmitted energy.
6. A detailed report was provided for the final parameter selection and approval.

Results

Thanks to the service provided, the contractor could illustrate to the energy company the benefits of the low frequencies brought to its data and the reduction of distortion due to better control of the energy emitted at high frequencies.

The gain of the final approved sweep was confirmed after processing by a dual test comparing a linear sweep with the EmphaSeis sweep on a 2D line test.