Design of a P-wave seismic vibrator with advanced performance

For optimal seismic imaging, the vibroseis method requires the vibrator to generate synchronous, repeatable sweeps over a broad frequency range and output the ground-force energy with minimum harmonic distortion. This requires re-evaluating each element of the vibrator system to ensure that it contributes to the success of the method. Key factors that cause the vibrator to suffer from severe harmonic distortion are fluctuations in the hydraulic power supply pressure, flexing of the baseplate, coupling or loading between the baseplate and the ground, nonlinear servo-valve flow-pressure characteristics, and servo-valve characteristics near null. This paper examines these factors and describes the design of a new P-wave vibrator by ION (previously I-O) to improve seismic resolution. Experimental results demonstrate that the newly designed vibrator dramatically reduces harmonic distortion in the ground-force signal under various coupling conditions, particularly on hard and uneven ground. With the high-frequency controller and Pelton DR valve, a broad-band sweep frequency is achieved. Cavitations in the supply pressure, a long-standing problem in vibrator mechanics, are almost completely eliminated.