Downhole Vibratory Seismic Sources

Downhole Orbital Vibrator (DOV) — broadband borehole seismic source.

Orbital Eccentric-mass source emitting P & S waves at 30–200 Hz from inside the borehole — permanently installed or retrievable, fluid coupled or clamped.

GPUSA Downhole Orbital Vibrator (DOV)

The GPUSA Downhole Orbital Vibrator (DOV) generates unbalanced centrifugal forces through rotation of an eccentric mass, producing radial vibration in all directions. This orbital motion emits both P and S waves simultaneously, with output frequency controlled directly by motor RPM. At 200 Hz the DOV exceeds 2,400 lb of force.

Deploying the source at depth and below the near-surface weathered zone reduces signal attenuation by 95% or more. Radial vibratory motion minimizes tube-wave noise. A built-in ±5,000 g digital accelerometer delivers real-time QC data and correlation/deconvolution capability. Up to eight source modules can be stacked on a single downhole cable for multi-level array acquisition. Test results validated by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

  • Emits P & S waves — orbital vibration in all directions
  • 30–200 Hz frequency range, RPM-controlled output
  • >2,400 lb force at 200 Hz (>2,200 lb demonstrated in field tests)
  • Reduces effective near-surface attenuation by 95% or more
  • Fluid coupled, bow-spring clamp, or cemented deployment
  • Controlled onsite or remotely via internet — permanent or e-wireline
GPUSA Downhole Orbital Vibrator (DOV) tool string
GPUSA DOV tool string ready for deployment. Up to 8 source modules can be stacked on a single downhole cable.
Single or multiple sources can be deployed with or without clamps or cemented in

DOV — Specifications

ParameterUnitsValue
Frequency RangeHz30–200
Force Generated (at 200 Hz)pounds-force>2,400
Max. Source Modules per Cablenumber8
Weight (per source module)lb36
Length (per source module)inches48
Max. OD (source module)inches3.2
Downhole Cable Diameterinches0.930
Downhole Cable Break Strengthlb6,000
Electric Motor OutputHP2.5
Power RequirementV / Hz240V, 3-Phase, 50–60
Maximum Operating Depthft1,500
Duty Cycle (in well fluid) — borehole fluid cools the motor; 60 s max in air (3 min rest between runs)%100
Operating Temp. — Downhole°F / °C−20 to +150 °F (−29 to +66 °C)
Operating Temp. — Topside°F / °C20 to 120 °F (−7 to +49 °C)

*Specifications subject to change without notice.

>2,400 lb
Output @ 200 Hz
95%+
Effective attenuation reduction
30–200 Hz
Frequency range
1,500 ft
Max operating depth

Interested in the Downhole Orbital Vibrator?

Tell us about your project — environment, depth targets, and objectives — and we’ll come back with a preliminary scope.