A subsea node instrument

Abstract

This utility model discloses a subsea node instrument, belonging to the field of oil and gas exploration technology, comprising a support shell, sealing end caps, a detection component, and a battery component. The support shell internally forms at least two through-type cylindrical accommodating chambers, each with circular openings at both ends. A sealing end cap is independently provided for each circular opening, and the sealing end caps are detachably connected to the circular openings. The detection component and battery component are respectively housed in different accommodating chambers. In summary, this structure, through the use of regular cylindrical accommodating chambers, independent circular sealing end caps, and a compartmentalized layout of the accommodating chambers, improves the long-term sealing reliability, structural durability, and maintenance convenience of the subsea node instrument under harsh environments, effectively solving the technical problem of poor sealing performance of the main structure of subsea nodes in existing technologies.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of oil and gas exploration technology, and in particular to a seabed node instrument. Background Technology

[0002] A seabed node (OBN) is a multi-component seismograph deployed on the seabed that can independently acquire and record seismic signals. In seabed oil and gas seismic exploration, a source vessel deploys seabed nodes. After the source vessel has excited all seismic points, the seabed nodes acquire and store the seismic wave signal data fed back from the source excitation. The source vessel then retrieves the seabed nodes, downloads the seismic data, and processes and interprets it to complete the seismic exploration of the corresponding area for oil and gas. This acquisition method is currently widely used.

[0003] Currently, common subsea node structures on the market mainly include multi-cylinder structures, split cuboid structures, and disc structures. Due to the extremely complex and harsh underwater environment, subsea node instruments are constantly exposed to high-pressure seawater, enduring immense pressure and continuous corrosion. Furthermore, they are highly susceptible to impacts during deployment and retrieval. Therefore, subsea node instruments require extremely high levels of sealing performance, corrosion resistance, shell strength, and impact resistance.

[0004] However, most existing seabed node main structures are non-circular polygonal irregular structures. The sealing structures corresponding to non-circular polygonal irregular structures are extremely difficult to manufacture. Their complex shape requires more precise and complex processes. In actual manufacturing, it is difficult to guarantee high manufacturing accuracy, and problems such as insufficient manufacturing precision, such as dimensional deviations, are prone to occur. This directly leads to low sealing reliability of the sealing structure, and seawater may seep into the instrument through the seal, thus affecting the normal operation of the instrument. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide a seabed node instrument to solve the technical problem of poor sealing of the main structure of the seabed node in the prior art.

[0006] Based on the above concept, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0007] A seabed node instrument, comprising:

[0008] The supporting shell has at least two through-type cylindrical accommodating compartments inside, and each accommodating compartment has circular openings at both ends;

[0009] A sealing end cap is independently provided for each of the circular openings, and the sealing end cap is detachably connected to the circular opening.

[0010] The detection components and battery components are respectively housed in different accommodating compartments.

[0011] Preferably, the supporting shell is provided with two accommodating compartments, which are arranged adjacently and in parallel.

[0012] Preferably, a connecting hole is formed between the two accommodating compartments, the connecting hole being used to connect the two accommodating compartments.

[0013] Preferably, the radii of the plurality of circular openings are the same.

[0014] Preferably, the outer periphery of the support shell is covered with a node sheath.

[0015] Preferably, the node sleeve includes an upper sleeve and a lower sleeve, which can be interlocked and bolted together.

[0016] Preferably, the detection component includes three detectors, each with a control mainboard, and the three detectors are arranged perpendicularly to each other.

[0017] Preferably, the detection component includes a pressure sensor disposed on the sealed end cap.

[0018] Preferably, the battery assembly includes a battery structure, a shock absorber, and an attitude plate. The battery structure is used to power the detection component, the battery structure is equipped with the shock absorber, and the attitude plate is disposed on the top of the battery structure.

[0019] Preferably, at least one side of the support housing is provided with a grip handle.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0021] The subsea node instrument proposed in this invention features at least two through-type cylindrical storage chambers with circular openings at both ends, which simplifies the design and manufacturing of the sealing end caps compared to existing non-circular polygonal irregular structures. The regular shape of the cylindrical storage chambers and circular openings makes it easier to ensure the precision of the sealing end caps during manufacturing, effectively improving the processing quality and sealing reliability, thus better resisting seawater pressure and preventing seawater from seeping into the storage chambers. Each circular opening corresponds to an independently set sealing end cap, which is detachably connected to the opening. This facilitates the installation, debugging, maintenance, and replacement of the detection components and battery components within the storage chambers, improving the maintainability of the instrument. Furthermore, the independent sealing end cap design further enhances the sealing effect, allowing each end cap to be individually sealed, reducing weak points in the seal. The detection components and battery components are housed in different storage chambers, achieving a rational layout of functional components, avoiding mutual interference, ensuring stable operation of each component, and facilitating targeted troubleshooting and handling if a component malfunctions. Furthermore, the cylindrical housing configuration provides a natural advantage to the supporting shell in withstanding deep-sea pressure and external impacts. The continuous curved walls ensure even distribution of external pressure, avoiding stress concentration at the corners of irregularly shaped structures and enhancing the overall rigidity and compressive strength of the shell. Simultaneously, the regular cylindrical geometry optimizes the internal spatial layout of the housing, providing a reasonable and reliable space for electronic components while ensuring structural strength. In summary, this structure, through the use of a regular cylindrical housing, independent circular sealing end caps, and a compartmentalized layout, improves the long-term sealing reliability, structural durability, and maintenance convenience of the subsea node instrument in harsh environments, effectively solving the technical problem of poor sealing of the main structure of subsea nodes in existing technologies. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is an exploded structural diagram of the seabed node instrument provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the support shell provided in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0024] Figure 3 This is a first structural schematic diagram of the seabed node instrument provided in this embodiment of the utility model;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the second structure of the seabed node instrument provided in this embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the detection component and battery component provided in this embodiment of the utility model.

[0027] In the picture:

[0028] 1. Support housing; 11. Receiving chamber; 111. Communicating hole; 12. Circular opening; 2. Sealed end cap; 3. Detection assembly; 31. Detector; 32. Control main board; 33. Pressure sensor; 34. Wireless communication transmitter board; 35. Wireless charging receiver chip;

[0029] 4. Battery assembly; 41. Battery structure; 42. Shock absorber; 43. Attitude plate;

[0030] 5. Node sheath; 51. Upper sleeve; 52. Lower sleeve;

[0031] 6. Hold the handle. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The embodiments of this utility model are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this utility model, and should not be construed as limiting this utility model.

[0033] In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected," "linked," and "fixed" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances.

[0034] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0035] The technical solution of this utility model will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0036] See Figures 1 to 5The seabed node instrument provided in this embodiment of the utility model includes a support housing 1, a sealing end cap 2, a detection component 3, and a battery component 4. The support housing 1 has at least two through-type cylindrical accommodating chambers 11, each with circular openings 12 at both ends. A sealing end cap 2 is independently provided for each circular opening 12, and the sealing end cap 2 is detachably connected to the circular opening 12. The detection component 3 and the battery component 4 are respectively disposed within different accommodating chambers 11.

[0037] The subsea node instrument proposed in this invention features at least two through-type cylindrical housings 11 inside the supporting shell 1, with circular openings 12 at both ends. Compared to existing non-circular polygonal irregular structures, this structure simplifies the design and manufacturing difficulty of the sealing end caps 2. The cylindrical housings 11 and circular openings 12, due to their regular shapes, make it easier to ensure the precision of the sealing end caps 2 during manufacturing, effectively improving the manufacturing quality of the sealing end caps 2, thereby enhancing sealing reliability, better resisting seawater pressure, and preventing seawater from seeping into the housings 11. Each circular opening 12 corresponds to an independently set sealing end cap 2, and is detachably connected to the circular opening 12. This facilitates the installation, debugging, maintenance, and replacement of the detection components 3 and battery components 4 inside the housings 11, improving the maintainability of the instrument. Furthermore, the independent sealing end cap design further enhances the sealing effect; each sealing end cap 2 can be individually sealed, reducing weak points in the seal. The detection component 3 and battery component 4 are respectively housed in different compartments 11, achieving a reasonable layout of functional components, avoiding mutual interference, ensuring stable operation of each component, and facilitating targeted troubleshooting and handling if a problem occurs in any component. Furthermore, the cylindrical shape of the compartments 11 provides a natural advantage to the supporting shell 1 in withstanding deep-sea pressure and external impacts. The continuous arc-shaped walls allow for uniform distribution of external pressure, avoiding stress concentration at the corners of irregular structures, and enhancing the overall rigidity and pressure resistance of the shell. Simultaneously, the regular cylindrical geometry optimizes the internal spatial layout of the compartments 11, providing a reasonable and reliable space for electronic components while ensuring structural strength. In summary, this structure, through the use of regular cylindrical compartments 11, independent circular sealing end caps 2, and the compartmentalized layout of the compartments 11, improves the long-term sealing reliability, structural durability, and maintenance convenience of the subsea node instrument in harsh environments, effectively solving the technical problem of poor sealing of the main structure of the subsea node in existing technologies.

[0038] The specific structure of this seabed node instrument will be described in detail below.

[0039] The support shell 1 contains two adjacent and parallel compartments 11 for housing and mounting the detection components 3 and battery assembly 4. Specifically, the support shell 1 has two adjacent and parallel compartments 11. This arrangement optimizes the overall spatial layout within the support shell 1. The adjacent arrangement makes the instrument structure more compact, allowing for the efficient placement of the detection components 3 and battery assembly 4 within a limited space, reducing the overall volume of the support shell 1 and facilitating deployment and retrieval in complex seabed environments. The parallel arrangement of the compartments 11 ensures more even stress distribution when subjected to seawater pressure, enhancing the overall strength of the support shell 1 and further improving the instrument's resistance to seawater pressure. Simultaneously, this regular layout facilitates the arrangement and connection of internal wiring, reducing the complexity of wiring design and installation, minimizing the risk of wiring failures, and thus improving the instrument's stability. Furthermore, the adjacent and parallel compartments 11 facilitate installation and maintenance operations for personnel.

[0040] In other embodiments, the support housing 1 may also be provided with three, four or more accommodating compartments 11, and the different accommodating compartments 11 may be arranged in parallel or at an angle. The number and form of the accommodating compartments 11 are not limited here, and can be selected according to the on-site working conditions in actual application.

[0041] Furthermore, a connecting hole 111 is formed between the two accommodating chambers 11, which connects the two accommodating chambers 11. The connecting hole 111 provides more flexibility for the arrangement of internal wiring or pipes in the accommodating chambers 11. For example, if there is a necessary electrical connection or gas transmission requirement between the detection component 3 and the battery component 4, wiring or pipes can be laid through the connecting hole 111, reducing the sealing risks caused by external wiring, optimizing the internal structural layout of the instrument, and making the instrument more compact and reasonable.

[0042] Optionally, multiple circular openings 12 may have the same radius. In terms of manufacturing, this reduces processing difficulty and cost, allowing the use of the same set of processing molds or processes. It also reduces the design and manufacturing steps for molds of different sizes, improving production efficiency and ensuring consistent processing accuracy for each circular opening 12. Regarding the design and installation of the sealing end cap 2, circular openings 12 with the same radius facilitate the use of standardized seals, making the selection, procurement, and installation of the sealing end cap 2 more convenient and improving its interchangeability. If a sealing end cap 2 malfunctions, it can be quickly replaced. Furthermore, standardized sealing end caps 2 ensure consistent sealing performance, further enhancing the overall sealing reliability of the instrument and effectively preventing seawater ingress.

[0043] In other embodiments, the radii of the multiple circular openings 12 may be different, or the radii of some of the circular openings 12 may be the same; this is not limited here.

[0044] The sealing end cap 2 and the circular opening 12 can be connected by bolts, screws, snap-fit ​​connections, or pins, etc., and there is no limitation on this. To further ensure the sealing effect, a sealing ring or sealing gasket is also provided between the sealing end cap 2 and the circular opening 12.

[0045] In addition, a handle 6 is provided on at least one side of the supporting shell 1. The handle 6 allows staff to hold the instrument more easily and securely during deployment and retrieval, improving operational convenience and safety. The complex underwater working environment, with factors such as water currents and buoyancy, can increase the difficulty of operation. The handle 6 provides a reliable point of leverage, allowing staff to better control the instrument and preventing it from being dropped and damaged during handling.

[0046] To further improve the sealing performance of the seabed node instrument, the outer periphery of the support housing 1 is covered with a node sheath 5. The node sheath 5 provides additional physical protection for the support housing 1, reducing wear and damage caused by external factors such as rock collisions and water currents carrying debris in the complex seabed environment. This better maintains the structural integrity of the support housing 1 and ensures that its sealing performance is not compromised.

[0047] Optionally, the node sleeve 5 can be made of elastic materials such as rubber or silicone, so that the node sleeve 5 can play a certain buffering role. When the instrument is subjected to external impact, the node sleeve 5 can absorb part of the impact force, reduce the force transmitted to the support shell 1, and avoid cracks or deformation of the support shell 1 due to excessive impact force.

[0048] Furthermore, the node sheath 5 includes an upper sleeve 51 and a lower sleeve 52, which can be interlocked and bolted together. During instrument installation, operators can interlock the upper sleeve 51 and lower sleeve 52 from both sides onto the outer periphery of the support housing 1, and then secure them with bolts. This operation is simple and quick, improving work efficiency. In later maintenance stages, if it is necessary to inspect or repair the support housing 1 or its internal components, the upper sleeve 51 and lower sleeve 52 can be easily separated by removing the bolts, facilitating comprehensive inspection and maintenance of the instrument. The bolted connection provides reliable fastening force, ensuring a tight fit between the upper sleeve 51 and lower sleeve 52. Even in the complex underwater currents and pressures, they will not easily separate, ensuring that the node sheath 5 continuously provides effective protection for the support housing 1.

[0049] Optionally, in some embodiments, the node sleeve 5 may be integrally formed and sleeved on the outer periphery of the support housing 1, or the node sleeve 5 may include an upper sleeve 51 and a lower sleeve 52, which are detachably connected by means of buckles, pins or the like.

[0050] The detection component 3 is used to detect and convert submarine seismic wave signals. Specifically, the detection component 3 includes three geophones 31, each with a corresponding control motherboard 32. The three geophones 31 are arranged perpendicularly to each other. The structure of the three geophones 31, orthogonally arranged along the X, Y, and Z axes of a Cartesian coordinate system, allows them to synchronously and independently capture the vibration components of submarine seismic waves in three mutually perpendicular directions, completely recording the vector information of the seismic wave field and providing a more comprehensive and accurate raw data foundation for subsequent geological interpretation. Each geophone 31 is equipped with a control motherboard 32, effectively isolating the signal processing channel, avoiding the risk of crosstalk between multiple signals, and improving the purity and fidelity of single-component data.

[0051] In addition, the detection component 3 also includes a pressure sensor 33, which is mounted on the sealed end cap 2. The pressure sensor 33 accurately measures seawater pressure and, based on the relationship between pressure and depth, can calculate the instrument's depth and monitor changes in the ambient pressure. Based on this data, the operating status of each component within the instrument can be adjusted appropriately, ensuring stable and efficient operation under varying pressure conditions at different depths. Since the sealed end cap 2 is in direct contact with the external seawater environment, mounting the pressure sensor 33 on it allows for the most direct and accurate measurement of seawater pressure, providing the instrument with real-time and precise pressure data. This helps in understanding the instrument's depth and external pressure conditions, enabling appropriate adjustments to the instrument's operating status.

[0052] In addition, the detection component 3 is equipped with three wireless communication transmitter boards 34, and a wireless charging receiver chip 35 is installed inside the housing 11. The wireless communication transmitter boards 34 are used to transmit data collected by the seabed node instrument, such as seismic signals and pressure data, in the form of wireless signals to the surface receiving equipment or other related devices. The wireless charging receiver chip 35 is used to transmit power from external wireless charging devices to the seabed node instrument in a non-contact manner. The wireless charging receiver chip 35 converts the received external electromagnetic wave energy into DC power to charge the battery component 4 inside the instrument, thereby completely avoiding the need for a physical charging interface on the support housing 1. This maintains the overall sealing integrity of the instrument while ensuring the safety and convenience of the charging process.

[0053] The three wireless communication transmitters 34 can transmit wireless signals from different angles, enhancing communication coverage and signal strength. This allows the seabed node instrument to transmit data more effectively with external devices, ensuring the stability and reliability of data communication even in complex seabed environments. This helps to transmit acquired seismic signals and other data in a timely and accurate manner. The wireless charging receiver chip 35 is built into the housing 11, making full use of the protective space within the housing 11 and reducing electromagnetic interference to the high-sensitivity detector 31 during wireless charging through physical isolation, thus ensuring the accuracy of seismic signal acquisition.

[0054] The battery assembly 4 includes a battery structure 41, a shock absorber 42, and an attitude plate 43. The battery structure 41 supplies power to the detection component 3. The battery structure 41 is equipped with the shock absorber 42, and the attitude plate 43 is located on top of the battery structure 41. The battery structure 41 supplies power to the detection component 3, ensuring its stable operation and maintaining the instrument's data acquisition functions. The shock absorber 42 effectively buffers the impact of various vibrations in the complex seabed environment on the battery structure 41, reducing problems such as loose internal wiring and poor electrode contact caused by vibration, extending battery life, and ensuring a stable power supply. The attitude plate 43 on top of the battery structure 41 can monitor the attitude changes of the battery assembly 4 and even the entire instrument on the seabed in real time, providing operators with accurate information about the instrument's placement status. When the instrument's attitude becomes abnormal, timely adjustments can be made to avoid affecting the normal operation of the detection component 3 due to attitude problems, comprehensively ensuring the stable and reliable operation of the seabed node instrument in harsh seabed environments.

[0055] The above embodiments merely illustrate the basic principles and characteristics of this utility model. This utility model is not limited to the above embodiments. Various changes and modifications can be made to this utility model without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claimed utility model. The scope of protection of this utility model is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A seabed node instrument, characterized in that, include: The supporting shell (1) has at least two through-type cylindrical accommodating compartments (11) inside, and each of the accommodating compartments (11) has a circular opening (12) at both ends. A sealing end cap (2) is provided for each of the circular openings (12), and the sealing end cap (2) is detachably connected to the circular opening (12); The detection component (3) and the battery component (4) are respectively disposed in different accommodating compartments (11).

2. The seabed node instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, The supporting shell (1) is provided with two accommodating compartments (11), which are adjacent and parallel.

3. The seabed node instrument according to claim 2, characterized in that, A connecting hole (111) is formed between the two accommodating compartments (11), the connecting hole (111) being used to connect the two accommodating compartments (11).

4. The seabed node instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, The radii of the multiple circular openings (12) are the same.

5. The seabed node instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer periphery of the support shell (1) is covered with a node sleeve (5).

6. The seabed node instrument according to claim 5, characterized in that, The node sleeve (5) includes an upper sleeve (51) and a lower sleeve (52), which can be interlocked and bolted together.

7. The seabed node instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection component (3) includes three detectors (31), and a control board (32) is provided for each detector (31). The three detectors (31) are arranged perpendicular to each other.

8. The seabed node instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, The detection component (3) includes a pressure sensor (33), which is disposed on the sealing end cap (2).

9. The seabed node instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, The battery assembly (4) includes a battery structure (41), a shock absorber (42), and an attitude plate (43). The battery structure (41) is used to power the detection assembly (3). The battery structure (41) is equipped with the shock absorber (42), and the attitude plate (43) is provided on the top of the battery structure (41).

10. The seabed node instrument according to claim 1, characterized in that, At least one side of the support housing (1) is provided with a grip handle (6).

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