Sample high-resolution, near-surface data. (Image courtesy Falmouth Scientific)

Falmouth Scientific, Inc. (FSI) has received a patent immunity from ExxonMobil for its cable head marine seismic source (CHS) patent (US 9,864,081). This immunity enables FSI to incorporate its seismic source with HawkEye Clear Signature technology into ExxonMobil’s CHS concept for near-zero offset data acquisition in 3D marine seismic surveys.

ExxonMobil’s CHS concept generates near-zero offset traces by placing an acoustic transmitter on one or more of the cable-end buoys, preferably the head but also the tail, that provide flotation to each streamer and tow umbilical. ExxonMobil’s CHS concept also significantly enhances the characterization of the near-surface complexity for seismic acquisition on the continental shelf.

As detailed in the patent description, an acoustic transmitter placed at the cable buoy needs to have a stable source signature, be very reliable, be relatively small, have relatively low power requirements and be electrically powered. An acoustic transmitter with these characteristics can get its power and be controlled by the existing electrical power and telemetry in the buoy, and should be capable of remaining in the water for the duration of the seismic survey.

FSI’s seismic source with HawkEye Clear Signature technology meets all of these requirements. The FSI seismic source can be used independently or synchronized with other sources during off-shore, transition zone and site surveys, and the systems have demonstrated more than 500,000 shots without maintenance. —Falmouth Scientific Inc.