LOW NOISE DIGITAL SEISMIC STREAMER AND METHOD OF MARINE SEISMIC EXPLORATION

摘要

A streamer for towing behind a marine vessel engaged in seismic exploration comprises a plurality of substantially identical modules connected serially to one another, each module comprising: plural hydrophone means (36) for detecting reflected acoustic waves (34), and outputting analog electronic signals in response thereto; digitizing means (42) for converting said analog signals to digital representations thereof; and means for multiplexed transmission of said digital representations along conductor means (58) comprised in said modules up said streamer to said vessel for recording (52). The digitizing means comprises a summing means (44) to sum the output of a group of hydrophones, a preamplifier (45), an A-to-D converter (46) and a multiplexer (50). A single clock (48) controls the multiplexing operation for a streamer. Each module comprises a PVC, polyurethane or rubber wall (32), open cell foam (38), bouyancy oil, and Kevlar strength members (40). IMAGE