Patent ID: 8261875
Filing Date: 2012-09-11
Classification: G01V

Abstract:
1. A method for inducing seismic waves in a subterranean formation comprising the steps of: providing a seismic transducer apparatus comprising a frame, a baseplate attached to the frame, the baseplate having a lower surface, an external dampener secured to the lower surface of the baseplate, a reaction mass supported by the frame, and a driver configured to actuate the reaction mass in a reciprocating motion so as to impart vibratory energy to the baseplate; engaging the ground surface with the external dampener; selecting an operating frequency range at which to actuate the reaction mass; actuating the reaction mass via the driver in a reciprocating motion at a frequency within the operating frequency range; selecting the external dampener so as to dampen any harmonics or ringing of the baseplate that would otherwise occur without the presence of the external dampener within the operating frequency range; allowing vibratory energy to be imparted to the baseplate so as to propagate seismic energy waves through the external dampener in the subterranean formation; allowing the external dampener to dampen any harmonics or ringing of the baseplate that would otherwise occur without the presence of the external dampener within the operating frequency range; allowing the seismic energy waves to propagate through the subterranean formation so as to produce reflected and refracted seismic energy waves; and detecting one or more of the reflected and refracted seismic energy waves.