SURVEY BEACON AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a beacon for marine survey operations comprising a coil, arranged to be at least partially provided around an umbilical arranged to transmit power and a light source, electrically coupled to the coil. The present disclosure further relates to a towed device for performing marine surveys, a kit of parts of a beacon, and a method of using a beacon. Unlocking insights from Geo-Data, the present invention further relates to improvements in sustainability and environmental developments: together we create a safe and liveable world.

Description

FIELD OF THEINVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure generally relates to a beacon for marine survey operations and to atowed device for performing marine surveys, a kit ofparts of a beacon, and amethod ofusing abeacon. Unlocking insights from Geo-Data, the present invention further relates to improvements in sustainability and environmental developments: togetherwe create a safe and liveable world. BACKGROUND OF THEINVENTION

[0002] There is a general and ongoing need to improve the reliability and quality of survey equipment. In certain types of surveys, a survey device is towed behind a vessel. For safety purposes, during such survey activities, the towed device must be visible. To this end, beacons are often utilised which emit light to show the presence of equipment when the equipment is not readily visible. This is particularly important in cases of low visibility due to, for example, operations being carried out during the night, bad weather, waves, or distance from the vessel.

[0003] In many geographies, the use of a beacon to show the location of the towed device is mandated by law. Because the use of a beacon increases safety, it is also often a requirement of the surveying company, or their client, that beacons are used.

[0004] One example oftowed device which often comprises a beacon, is a boomer. This is an acoustic source which is towed behind a vessel at the surface ofthe water. The vessel also tows a hydrophone streamer, comprising a series ofhydrophones which are linearly aligned. The signal emitted by the boomer will travel through the water column and back up to the hydrophone. The traveltime of the signal will indicate a depth of the seabed at various points. This method can be used to map the prole ofthe ocean oor.

[0005] Beacons, attached to towed device, are typically powered by batteries. However, the batteries ofthe beacons typically only last for a day and lack reliability. When a beacon no longer transmits, the survey work needs to be halted, and the towed device must be retrieved and recovered to the deck of the vessel to change the beacon or its batteries. This typically costs one or two hours of time, thus limiting the efciency of the survey procedure. Furthermore, the interruption of the survey reduces the quality of the collected data as it is complex to precisely determine where the survey was stopped and to restart the survey at that exact location.

[0006] There is thus a need for an improved beacon which is robust, durable and simple, and solves at least one ofthe problems described above. BRIEF SUMMARY OF THEINVENTION

[0007] In one aspect ofthe invention there is provided a beacon for marine survey operations. The beacon comprises a coil, arranged to be at least partially provided around an umbilical arranged to transmit power. The beacon further comprises a light source, electrically coupled to the coil.

[0008] By providing a light source which is electrically coupled to a coil arranged to be provided around the umbilical, the light source may be powered through magnetic induction.

[0009] Magnetic induction, also known as electromagnetic induction, is a fundamental principle in electromagnetism. It involves the generation of an electromotive force (EMF) or voltage in a conductor due to a change in magnetic ux. When the magnetic environment around a conductor changes, it induces a voltage in the conductor. The direction of this induced voltage is such that it opposes the change in magnetic ux.

[0010] An alternating current (AC) in a primary coil creates a changing magnetic field, which induces a voltage in the secondary coil. This process allows for the efcient transfer of electrical energy between circuits at different voltage levels.

[0011] When an electric current ows through a high-voltage cable, it generates a magnetic eld. By wrapping a (semi) cylindrical coil around the high-voltage cable, this magnetic eld induces an electromotive force in the coil.

[0012] The induced electromotive force is a result of the changing magnetic eld caused by the uctuating current in the high-voltage cable. This induced voltage can be harnessed to power the light source.

[0013] In the case of a boomer, the voltage over the umbilical will typically be around 1500 Volts. This power supply is provided in a pulsed manner to the boomer. To directly use thatpower to drive the light source, requires complex electronics, which would render the beacon fragile. Other solutions such as solar panels or other types of energy sources are not reliable and would also decrease the durability ofthe beacon.

[0014] The present invention provides a solution through magnetic induction, which ensures that the high-voltage power through the umbilical is transformed and stepped down to a power supply suitable for a light source. Since this does not require complex electronics, the system is robust and durable, making it suited for rough marine operations.

[0015] In an implementation, the beacon further comprises an energy storage unit. This may be a capacitor and / or a battery. In implementations where the power supply is pulsed, such as the power supply of a boomer, using an energy storage unit may provide a steady supply of low- voltage power. This may be benecial in implementations where other equipment is also powered using the system proposed by the present invention.

[0016] In an implementation, the coil denes a semi-cylindrical shape. By utilising a semi- cylindrical shape, the coil may easily be connected to the umbilical. In an alternative implementation, the coil denes a cylindrical shape. In an implementation, the coil denes a cylindrical shape having an opening, such that the umbilical can move through the opening as the coil is attached to the umbilical.

[0017] In an implementation, the coil comprises a substantially cylindrical shape, and further comprises a hinge, such that the cylinder can open and close around an umbilical.

[0018] In an implementation, the coil comprises a plurality of windings, the windings being advantageously formed by a wire. In an implementation the coil comprises copper wire. In an implementation, the wire has a diameter ofbetween 0.1 and 2 mm, advantageously between 0.2 and 1.5 mm, more advantageously between 0.3 and 1 mm, still more advantageously about 0.5 mm. In an implementation, the coil comprisesbetween about 50 and 300 windings, advantageously between about 100 and 200 windings, more advantageously between about 120 and 150 windings.

[0019] In an implementation, the beacon further comprises a coil housing, wherein the coil is provided in the coil housing. In an implementation the coil housing comprises a polymer material. In an implementation the coil housing comprises Polyethylene Terephthalate Glycol (PETG). In an implementation the coil housing comprises a thermoplastic polyester. The principle ofmagnetic induction will work through the housing, but the housing can protect the coil from water and / or damage. In an implementation, the coil housing comprises a polymer material. In an implementation, the coil housing comprises a plastic. In an implementation, the coil housing is water-resistant.

[0020] In an implementation, the coil housing is watertight. In an implementation the beacon further comprises a cable, the cable being providedbetween the coil and the light source. The cable allows for more exibility in the placement ofthe light source and the coil.

[0021] In an implementation, the light source comprises at least one LED. In an implementation, the beacon comprises a light housing, the light source being provided in the light housing, and the light housing being water-resistant. In an implementation, the light housing comprises a polymer material. In an implementation, the light housing comprises a plastic. In an implementation, the light housing is water-resistant. In an implementation, the light housing is watertight. In an implementation, the light housing is at least partially transparent.

[0022] In an implementation the beacon further comprises a rod, the rod being attached to the light source. The rod may be attached such that the light source is provided on one end ofthe rod. The rod may aid in mounting the light source in a robust position, while still allowing the light source to protrude from the equipment to which it is mounted.

[0023] In an implementation the beacon further comprises at least one reector provided adjacent to the light source. In an implementation, the at least one reector is provided on an interior portion of the light housing. The reector may advantageously aid in reecting light directed at the beacon. For example, ifthe towed device, or the beacon, must be located, lightfrom a torch would reect from the beacon, making it easier to nd in the dark. In an implementation, the reectors may be unilaterally transparent and unilaterally reective. This may allow light from the light source to travel through the reectors, but incoming light to be reected. As such, the benets of seeing the reected light does not retract from the visibility ofthe light source itself.

[0024] The beacon ofany ofthe preceding claims, further comprising a radial light deector. In an implementation, the radial light deector is a cone-shaped light deector. In an implementation, the cone-shaped light reector is provided above the light source, such that the light transmitted upward is radially reected. The use of a radial light deector focusses the substantially spherical emission oflightfrom the light source intothe directionwhere the observers are positioned. Lightwhich is transmitted in an upward direction will not aid in the identication of the beacon if the observers are positioned on a vessel. As such, the radial deector redirects upwardly transmitted light towards the position ofthe observers.

[0025] In an implementation the beacon further comprises a clamp arranged to mount the coil to the umbilical. The clamp may comprise two semi-cylindrical units with lateral protrusions through which fastening means, such as screws or bolts, are provided.

[0026] According to an aspect ofthe present disclosure, there is provided a towed device for performing marine surveys. The towed device comprises atowed frame and an umbilical arranged to provide power from a vessel to the towed frame. The towed device further comprises the beacon ofany ofthe implementations described herein. The coil ofthe beacon is provided at least partially around the umbilical.

[0027] In an implementation, the towed device further comprises a location device. In an implementation, the location device is a GPS unit. In an implementation, the beacon comprises an energy storage unit such that the location device is provided with a constant power.

[0028] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a kit of parts of a beacon for marine survey operations. The kit of parts comprises a coil, arranged to be at least partially provided around an umbilical arranged to transmit power and a light source, arranged to be electrically coupled to the coil.

[0029] According to an aspect ofthe present disclosure, there is provided a method ofusing a beacon. The method comprises providing a beacon according to any of the implementations described herein. The method further comprises providing a towed device for performing marine surveys, the towed device comprising a towed frame and an umbilical arranged to provide power from a vessel to the towed frame. The method further comprises the steps ofmounting the coil of the beacon at least partially around the umbilical and transmitting power through the umbilical such that the light source ofthe beacon is powered.

[0030] The above mentioned and other features and advantages ofthe disclosure will be best understood from the following description referring to the attached drawings. In the drawings, like reference numerals denote identical parts or parts performing an identical or comparable function or operation. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THEDRAWINGS

[0031] In order to describe the manner in which the above-recited and other advantages and features of the disclosure can be obtained, a more particular description of the principles briey described above will be rendered by reference to specic embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only exemplary embodiments of the disclosure and are therefore not to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the principles herein are described and explained with additional specicity and detail through the use ofthe accompanying drawings in which:

[0032] FIG. 1 is a three-dimensional view ofone implementation ofthe invention showing the beacon,

[0033] FIG. 2 is an exploded three-dimensional view ofone implementation ofthe invention showing the beacon, and

[0034] FIG. 3 is a three-dimensional view ofone implementation ofthe invention showing a towed device. DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVEEMBODHVIENTS

[0035] The following is a description of certain embodiments ofthe invention, given by way ofexample only and with reference to the drawings.

[0036] Various embodiments of the disclosure are discussed in detail below. While specic implementations are discussed, it should be understood that this is done for illustration purposes only. A person skilled in the relevant art will recognize that other components and congurations may be used without parting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Thus, the following description and drawings are illustrative and are not to be construed as limiting. Numerous specic details are described to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosure. However, in certain instances, well-known or conventional details are not described in order to avoid obscuring the description. A reference to an embodiment in the present disclosure can be a reference to the same embodiment or any other embodiment. Such references thus relate to at least one of the embodiments herein.

[0037] Reference to one embodiment or an embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the disclosure. The appearances of the phrase in one embodiment in various places in the specication are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive ofother embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others.

[0038] The terms used in this specication generally have their ordinary meanings in the art, within the context ofthe disclosure, and in the specic contextwhere eachterm is used. Alternative language and synonyms may be used for any one or more of the terms discussed herein, and no special signicance should be placed upon whether or not a term is elaborated or discussed herein. In some cases, synonyms for certain terms are provided. A recital ofone or more synonyms does not exclude the use of other synonyms. The use of examples anywhere in this specication including examples ofany terms discussed herein is illustrative only and is not intended to further limit the scope and meaning ofthe disclosure or ofany example term. Likewise, the disclosure is not limited to various embodiments given in this specication.

[0039] Without intent to limit the scope ofthe disclosure, examples ofinstruments, apparatus, methods and their related results according to the embodiments ofthe present disclosure are given below. Note that titles or subtitles may be used in the examples for convenience of a reader, which in no way should limit the scope of the disclosure. Unless otherwise dened, technical and scientic terms used herein have the meaning as commonly understood by one ofordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. In the case of conict, the present document, including denitions will control.

[0040] Additional features and advantages ofthe disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or can be learned by practice of the herein disclosed principles. The features and advantages ofthe disclosure can be realized and obtained by means ofthe instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims or can be learned by the practice ofthe principles set forth herein.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, a three-dimensional view ofone implementation ofthe beacon 1 is shown. The beacon 1 comprises a coil 2, arranged to be at least partially provided around an umbilical arranged to transmit power. The beacon 1 further comprises a light source 3, electrically coupled to the coil 2. The coil 2 denes a semi-cylindrical shape such that it can easily be mounted, at least partially, around an umbilical.

[0042] The beacon 1 ofthe shown embodiment further comprises a coil housing 4 and a light housing 5. The beacon further comprises a cable 6, and a rod 7. The light source 2 is provided on an end ofthe rod 7, such that the rod 7 can be used to couple the beacon 1 to a frame of a towed device.

[0043] The beacon 1 further comprises a plurality of reectors 51 provided adjacent to the light source 2, around the periphery ofthe housing 5. A radial light deector 52 may be provided in the form of a cone-shaped deector 52 provided at the top ofthe light housing 5.

[0044] A clamp 41 is provided to mount the coil 3 to the umbilical. The clamp 41 is provided as a semi-cylindrical unit which is attached to or integrally formed with the coil housing 4.

[0045] Now referring to FIG. 3, a three-dimensional view ofone implementation ofthe towed device 10 is shown. The towed device comprises a frame 11 and two laterally opposed oats 12, attached to the frame 11. The towed device 10 ofthe shown implementation comprises a boomer 13. The boomer 13 is powered by an umbilical 14. The coil 3 of the beacon 1 is attached to the umbilical 14 ofthe towed device 10 to power the light source 2 in the light housing 5.

[0046] The invention has been described by reference to certain embodiments discussed above. It will be recognized that these embodiments are susceptible to various modications and alternative forms well known to those of skill in the art.

[0047] Further modications in addition to those described above may be made to the structures and techniques described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, although specic embodiments have been described, these are examples only and are not limiting upon the scope ofthe invention.

Claims

1. Beacon for marine research operations, whereby the beacon comprises; a coil that is arranged to at least partially around an umbilical, which is arranged to assets to transfer, to be provided; and a light source that is electrically coupled to the coil.

2. Beacon according to claim l, where the coil defines a semicylindrical shape.

3. Beacon according to one of the preceding conclusions, where the coil a multitude of includes windings.

4. Beacon in accordance with one of the preceding claims, further comprising a coil housing, where the coil is provided in the coil housing.

5. Beacon in accordance with claim 4, where the coil housing is water-resistant.

6. Beacon within the meaning of one of the preceding claims, further comprising a cable, where the A cable between the coil and the light source has been provided.

7. Beacon in accordance with one of the preceding claims, where the light source is at least one LED includes 8. Beacon within the meaning of one of the preceding claims, where the beacon is a light housing includes, whereby the light source is provided in the light housing and the light housing is water-resistant is.

9. Beacon in accordance with one of the preceding claims, further comprising a bar, where the the rod is attached to the light source.

10. Beacon pursuant to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one refractor provided adjacent to the light source. II. Beacon in accordance with one of the preceding claims, further comprising a conical light reflector, where the conical light reflector is provided above the light source, such that The upward-emitted light is reflected radially.

12. Beacon in accordance with one of the preceding claims, further comprising a clamp that is arranged to mount the coil to the umbilical.

13. Towed equipment for conducting marine surveys, comprising: a towed frame, an umbilical arranged to transmit power from a vessel to the towed frame to provide, and the beacon according to one of the preceding claims, where the coil at least partially provided around the umbilical.

14. Kit containing components of a beacon for marine research operations, where the kit with parts includes: a coil that is arranged to at least partially around an umbilical, which is arranged to assets to transfer, to be provided, and a light source arranged to be electrically coupled with the coil.

15. Procedure for using a beacon, whereby the procedure includes: providing a beacon pursuant to one of claims 1-12, providing a towed device for conducting marine surveys, where the towed device is a towed frame and an umbilical, which is arranged to power to provide of a vessel to the towed frame, includes, mounting the beacon coil at least partially around the umbilical, and the transmission of power via the umbilical such that the light source of the beacon of capacity is provided.

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