Reversible rigid coupling apparatus and method for borehole seismic transducers

Patent · Tue Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1991

OSTI ID:868125

Owen, Thomas E ^[1]; Parra, Jorge O ^[1]

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1. Helotes, TX

An apparatus and method of high resolution reverse vertical seismic profile (VSP) measurements is shown. By encapsulating the seismic detector and heaters in a meltable substance (such as wax), the seismic detector can be removably secured in a borehole in a manner capable of measuring high resolution signals in the 100 to 1000 hertz range and higher. The meltable substance is selected to match the overall density of the detector package with the underground formation, yet still have relatively low melting point and rigid enough to transmit vibrations to accelerometers in the seismic detector. To minimize voids in the meltable substance upon solidification, the meltable substance is selected for minimum shrinkage, yet still having the other desirable characteristics. Heaters are arranged in the meltable substance in such a manner to allow the lowermost portion of the meltable substance to cool and solidify first. Solidification continues upwards from bottom-to-top until the top of the meltable substance is solidified and the seismic detector is ready for use. To remove, the heaters melt the meltable substance and the detector package is pulled from the borehole.

• Research Organization: SOUTHWEST RESEARCH INSTITUTE
• DOE Contract Number: AC22-89BC14473
• Assignee: Southwest Research Institute (San Antonio, TX)
• Patent Number(s): US 5080190
• OSTI ID: 868125
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

/181/367/
100
1000
accelerometers
allow
apparatus
arranged
borehole
borehole seismic
bottom-to-top
capable
characteristics
continues
cool
coupling
coupling apparatus
density
desirable
desirable characteristics
detector
encapsulating
formation
heaters
hertz
lowermost
manner
match
measurements
measuring
melt
meltable
melting
method
minimize
minimum
overall
package
portion
profile
pulled
range
relatively
removably
remove
resolution
reverse
reversible
rigid
secured
seismic
seismic detector
selected
shown
shrinkage
signals
solidification
solidified
solidify
substance
top
transducers
transmit
underground
underground formation
upwards
vertical
vibrations
voids
vsp
wax