Seismic Research Compression Solutions

Seismic research uses acoustic signals to investigate geological structures below the Earth’s surface. In offshore seismic surveys, specialized vessels tow arrays of seismic sources and sensors to collect data about formations beneath the seabed.

High pressure compressed air is supplied to air gun arrays, which release controlled pulses into the water. The resulting acoustic waves travel through subsurface formations and are reflected back to the receiver system, providing data for geological analysis.

Reliable air compression is essential throughout long survey campaigns. The compressor system must provide the required pressure and flow during data acquisition while accommodating limited onboard space, vessel-specific installation requirements and changing operating modes.

Different compressor configurations can be combined to improve operational efficiency. High-capacity compressors supply the air required during seismic acquisition, while a smaller compressor can maintain system pressure when full flow is not required, such as during vessel line changes.

With more than 80 years of experience in reciprocating high pressure compressor technology, LMF develops tailor-made compressor solutions for seismic research. Every solution is individually engineered according to the required pressure, air capacity, operating profile and vessel-specific requirements.

Recommended Compression Solutions by LMF

Trunk-type Compressors

Recommended for maintaining system pressure during line changes and other operating phases in which only a reduced air flow is required. Using a smaller compressor for these periods can reduce unnecessary power consumption compared with operating the main seismic compressors at low demand.

  • Capacity:
    up to 340 Nm³/h
  • Pressure:
    up to 207 bar
  • Power consumption:
    up to 130 kW

ISO 13631 Compressors

Recommended as main compressors for continuous seismic acquisition requiring high air capacities, stable pressure and reliable operation during extended offshore survey campaigns.

  • Capacity:
    up to 78 Nm³/min
  • Pressure:
    up to 207 bar
  • Power consumption:
    up to 1.2 MW

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FAQs

Seismic research uses generated acoustic signals and recorded reflections to investigate subsurface geological formations. The LMF application presented on this page focuses on offshore seismic surveys using high pressure compressed air to operate air gun arrays.

The compressed air supplies the air gun arrays used to generate controlled acoustic pulses. Consistent pressure and sufficient air capacity are required to support repeatable source operation during seismic data acquisition.

Air demand is significantly higher during seismic acquisition than during certain non-acquisition phases. Combining high-capacity main compressors with a smaller pressure-maintaining compressor can better match the different operating modes.

During a line change, the vessel turns and moves into position for the next survey line. Full seismic-source air flow may not be required during this period, but the system may still need to remain pressurized.

Initial engineering requires the acquisition and standby air demand, operating pressure, duty cycle, redundancy concept, ambient and seawater conditions, available space, vessel motion criteria and applicable marine and project specifications.