Autonomous Buoy Sampling for Hydrocarbon Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional marine surveying methods for hydrocarbon exploration are limited by poor imaging fidelity at increasing depths, high costs, and limited coverage due to reliance on manned vessels and traditional remote sensing techniques, which struggle to accurately detect and sample subsurface hydrocarbon accumulations in a timely and cost-effective manner.
Innovation Solution
Deploying buoys equipped with measurement and sampling components that utilize remote sensing data to identify and collect samples of biological, chemical, and hydrocarbon materials, enabling concurrent and autonomous operations to enhance hydrocarbon exploration and environmental monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional remote sensing technologies (reflection seismic, potential field methods) are used to identify hydrocarbon accumulations, then the coverage area and initial detection capability are improved, but the imaging fidelity and measurement precision deteriorate at increasing depths
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the hydrocarbon detection process into multiple stages: initial broad-area remote sensing screening, followed by targeted buoy deployment to specific anomalies, and finally precise in-situ measurement at the anomaly location. This segmentation allows each method to operate at its optimal scale and depth range.
Solution Approach 2:
Autonomous buoys serve as intermediaries between satellite/airborne remote sensing and subsurface hydrocarbon accumulations. The buoys are deployed to identified anomalies and perform detailed in-situ measurements, bridging the gap between coarse remote sensing data and precise subsurface characterization.
2Quantity of substance
If manned vessels are deployed to collect samples from identified targets, then the sampling capability is improved, but the operational cost and deployment time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The autonomous buoys are self-deploying and self-operating systems that automatically navigate to identified hydrocarbon anomalies, perform in-situ sampling, and transmit data without requiring manned vessel deployment. The buoys independently execute the complete sampling workflow, eliminating the need for expensive crewed operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The buoy system creates a simplified, autonomous copy of the traditional manned sampling operation. Instead of replicating the complex manned vessel approach, the buoys perform equivalent sampling functions using automated navigation, sensing, and sample collection mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If conventional manned surveying approaches are used, then the sampling operations can be performed, but the flexibility for real-time course adjustments and response to ephemeral features deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The buoy system provides dynamic adaptability through automated real-time data processing and responsive deployment. When new anomalies are detected via remote sensing, buoys can be immediately deployed to those locations without the logistical constraints of manned vessel scheduling, enabling rapid response to ephemeral hydrocarbon features.
4Device complexity
If remote sensing data processing and vessel deployment are performed sequentially, then the operational workflow is simplified, but the response time to locate ephemeral features increases causing targets to age, dissipate, or move
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple buoys are pre-positioned in regions where hydrocarbon seeps are anticipated based on preliminary remote sensing and geological modeling. This preliminary deployment allows the system to immediately begin monitoring and sampling when hydrocarbons appear, eliminating the time lag associated with deploying vessels to distant locations.
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system is described for hydrocarbon exploration and development. The method and system include one or more remote devices, such as buoys, which are utilized to identify and collect samples of target materials. The buoys include measurement components, sampling components and storage components to manage the obtained samples.