Abstract
High-resolution subsurface seismic imaging that places sources and receivers in wellbores is an emerging exploration technology that can help petroleum companies find and recover more oil and gas. Successful commercialization of this enabling technology requires the development of receiver arrays that can couple fifty or more three-component sensor modules to the wellbore in a reliable manner. Although electrical clamping systems have been successfully used in small arrays, hydraulic clamping is required for more than ten modules. Both inflatable-bladder and cylinder-actuated clamp arrays have been designed However, when arrays must operate in 200° C environments, elastomer bladders become unsuitable. Research at the University of Arkansas has produced a failsafe fluid power system design makes feasible the successful development of large seismic sensor arrays that can operate in deep well bores.