DigiSHOT - Digital Source Control
High quality 3D and 4D seismic imaging requires a highly repeatable, broadband source array signature. In order for an array of air guns to achieve this type of signature, all the air guns must fire close to their predetermined target fire-times.
Many vessels still use traditional analog, air gun controllers. These controllers rely on passing small analog control and monitoring signals through long and expensive umbilicals, which are highly susceptible to leakage in the marine environment. As a result, source signatures are often not adequate for high resolution 3D and highly repeatable 4D applications.
DigiSHOT is ION’s second generation of digital source controller. All signals are carried digitally to and from the Gun Control Module – typically located within 1 meter of the gun. Field trials and a growing number of production installations have demonstrated that DigiSHOT:
- Reduces timing errors by up to 80%
- Ensures repeatable 4D signatures
- Maximizes energy delivery to the subsurface
- Reduces source downtime
- Lowers crew operating costs by enabling the use of smaller umbilicals, which reduces deck space requirement, drag and fuel consumption.
Digital source control is fast being recognized as a requirement for 4D seismic. DigiSHOT is the leading source control system available today.
