Patent ID: 9535180
Date: 2017-01-03
CPC Classifications: G01V

Claim:
1. A source element for generating seismic waves in water, the source element comprising: an enclosure having an opening covered by a piston; an actuator system configured to actuate the piston, wherein the piston is configured to move relative to the enclosure due to the actuator system to generate the seismic waves; a local supply accumulator located on the enclosure and fluidly communicating with an interior of the enclosure, wherein the local supply accumulator stores a fluid that is also present inside the enclosure, a pressure of the fluid inside the local supply accumulator being larger than a pressure of the fluid inside the enclosure; a local supply valve located between the local supply accumulator and the enclosure and configured to control a flow of the fluid from the local supply accumulator to the interior of the enclosure; and an electronic controller configured to control the local supply valve to maintain a balance between the pressure inside the enclosure and an ambient pressure of the enclosure while seismic waves are generated, wherein the source element is a vibratory source element.