Methods for generating boreholes used for generating geothermal energy or other purposes include forming the borehole by accelerating a projectile into contact with geologic material. Interaction between the projectile and the geologic material generates an acoustic signal, such as vibrations within the formation, that is detected using acoustic sensors along a drilling conduit, at the surface, or within a separate borehole. Characteristics of the geologic material, such as hardness, porosity, or the presence of fractures, may be determined based on characteristics of the acoustic signal. The direction in which the borehole is extended may be modified based on the characteristics of the geologic material, such as to create a borehole that intersects one or more fractures for generation of geothermal energy.

A pneumatic actuator (4b), in particular for use in a pressure wave generator (1) comprises: a first piston surface (91) which acts counter to a gaseous working medium in a first volume (41), wherein a pressure in the first volume (41) effects an actuator force in a first direction upon the first piston surface (91); a second piston surface (92) which acts counter to the working medium in a second volume (42), wherein a pressure in the second volume (42) effects an actuator force in a second direction opposite to the first direction, upon the second piston surface (92); a throttle between the first volume (41) and the second volume (42); an inlet/outlet opening (45) of the first volume (41) for bringing the working medium into and discharging it out of, the first volume; wherein the first piston surface (91) is larger than the second piston surface (92).

A system and method for deep detection of petroleum and hydrocarbon deposits is disclosed. The system includes a sensing array that includes a plurality of electrodes positioned in the ground at a testing site, a sensing device, and a system for generating a seismic event that generates below-ground signals that are received by the sensing array. The system enables detection and depth determination of underground features such as petroleum and hydrocarbon deposits at greater depths compared to conventional systems.

A system and method for deep detection of petroleum and hydrocarbon deposits is disclosed. The system includes a sensing array that includes a plurality of electrodes positioned in the ground at a testing site, a sensing device, and a system for generating a seismic event that generates below-ground signals that are received by the sensing array. The system enables detection and depth determination of underground features such as petroleum and hydrocarbon deposits at greater depths compared to conventional systems.

A device adapted for a down-hole seismic source in a down-hole in the subsoil and containing water, the device being adapted for introduction into the down-hole and immersion in water, includes: a cartridge-holding head, having a cavity having a number of firing mouths on the side surface of the head, inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the head towards the operationally lower end of the closed head, the cavity accommodating a cartridge inserted into the upper end of the head; a cartridge percussion system into a sealed body and adapted to cause the explosion of the cartridge, and connected in a top position of the head, the explosion of the cartridge, of the blank-loaded type, causing water to be expelled laterally through the firing mouths when the device is operationally immersed in water within the down-hole.

A device adapted for a down-hole seismic source in a down-hole in the subsoil and containing water, the device being adapted for introduction into the down-hole and immersion in water, includes: a cartridge-holding head, having a cavity having a number of firing mouths on the side surface of the head, inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the head towards the operationally lower end of the closed head, the cavity accommodating a cartridge inserted into the upper end of the head; a cartridge percussion system into a sealed body and adapted to cause the explosion of the cartridge, and connected in a top position of the head, the explosion of the cartridge, of the blank-loaded type, causing water to be expelled laterally through the firing mouths when the device is operationally immersed in water within the down-hole.

The methods described are for determining distribution, orientation and dimensions of networks of hydraulically-induced fractures within a subterranean formation containing fluids. Micro-seismic events are generated by particles introduced into the fractures which are capable of explosive or chemical reaction. Specially designed particles with specific functionalities are positioned in the fracture. The particles include encapsulated capacitive devices or nano-rfid devices for triggering reaction of reactive particle materials. The resulting energetic reactions cause micro-seismic events detected by sensors positioned at the surface, in local observation wells, or in the wellbore from which the particles are released.

The methods described are for determining distribution, orientation and dimensions of networks of hydraulically-induced fractures within a subterranean formation containing fluids. Micro-seismic events are generated by particles introduced into the fractures which are capable of explosive or chemical reaction. Specially designed particles with specific functionalities are positioned in the fracture. The particles include encapsulated capacitive devices or nano-rfid devices for triggering reaction of reactive particle materials. The resulting energetic reactions cause micro-seismic events detected by sensors positioned at the surface, in local observation wells, or in the wellbore from which the particles are released.

The present invention pertains to the fields of geology and geophysics, is designed for use for onshore seismic acquisition. The method involves distributing and arranging the elements used in the acquisition of two-dimensional seismic data from dynamite sources, enabling imaging quality to be improved. The use of sources of dynamite with single charges and variable weight at each shot point results in the generation of seismic waves with variable energy that provide reflections with complementary frequency and amplitudes content for use in the geophysical imaging of geological features. The stacking of this incremental content generated by charges of variable weights results in a significant improvement in the resolution of the processed seismic data on both the continuity of stratigraphic reflectors and existing geological framework.

The present invention pertains to the fields of geology and geophysics, is designed for use for onshore seismic acquisition. The method involves distributing and arranging the elements used in the acquisition of two-dimensional seismic data from dynamite sources, enabling imaging quality to be improved. The use of sources of dynamite with single charges and variable weight at each shot point results in the generation of seismic waves with variable energy that provide reflections with complementary frequency and amplitudes content for use in the geophysical imaging of geological features. The stacking of this incremental content generated by charges of variable weights results in a significant improvement in the resolution of the processed seismic data on both the continuity of stratigraphic reflectors and existing geological framework.