Method and apparatus for monitoring and controlling a multiplicity of air guns for seismic surveying

Patent · Tue Dec 23 04:00:00 EST 1980

OSTI ID:6563561

Chelminski, S V

Firing of a seismic source of the type called an air gun is detected by means of a fluid pressure sensor located in the housing of a solenoid actuated control valve. Through a pressurized gas support port the pressure sensor is in fluid contact with a shuttle-operating chamber of the air gun, and the sensor detects a surge in fluid pressure resulting from rapid motion of the shuttle. If a misfire or malfunction of the air gun is detected by means of the fluid pressure sensor, the malfunctioning air gun can be shut down by actuating the solenoid valve, which is a novel dual action solenoid valve, thereby preventing pressurized gas from being supplied to that particular air gun. The valve includes a valve stem with radial gas inlet ports and radial triggering ports. A solenoid plunger is movable to close one or the other of the sets of ports. A chamfered sealengaging lip and a shoulder on the plunger are in fluid contact with the gas inlet port and pressure forces on the lip and shoulder are balanced to reduce the electrical power requirements of the solenoid.

• Assignee: Bolt Assoc Inc
• Patent Number(s): US 4240518
• OSTI ID: 6563561
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

58 GEOSCIENCES
580203* -- Geophysics-- Geophysical Survey Methods-- (1980-1989)
COMPRESSED GASES
CONTROL
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
FLUIDS
GASES
MARINE SURVEYS
MONITORING
PRESSURE DEPENDENCE
SEISMIC SOURCES
SURVEYS