Autonomous Marine Vessel for Seismic Node Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional marine-based seismic surveys face challenges in deploying and retrieving seismic receivers and nodes, which limits the flexibility and complexity of seismic array configurations, especially as more advanced systems are employed, leading to increased logistical difficulties.
Innovation Solution
An unmanned or autonomous marine vessel is configured to deploy and retrieve seismic receivers or nodes, equipped with a hull system for buoyancy, storage apparatus for seismic nodes, and a deployment system that allows for automatic deployment at desired depths and orientations, enabling flexible and efficient deployment of seismic arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional marine-based seismic surveys use traditional towing methods for seismic receivers and nodes, then the deployment and retrieval process becomes logistically challenging and complex, but the array width and length are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The seismic receiver system is divided into multiple independent nodes that can be deployed and retrieved separately. Each node operates autonomously, allowing flexible configuration of the seismic array without requiring complex coordinated towing of all receivers simultaneously. This segmentation enables adaptable array configurations while simplifying deployment logistics.
Solution Approach 2:
The seismic nodes are equipped with autonomous capabilities including self-positioning, self-synchronization, and automated data transmission. This self-service functionality reduces the need for complex external control systems during deployment and retrieval, allowing the nodes to operate independently and be deployed more simply while maintaining flexible array configurations.
2Measurement precision
If larger numbers of increasingly complex node and receiver systems are employed, then measurement precision and data quality improve, but logistical challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
Each seismic node is equipped with autonomous capabilities including onboard power management, self-positioning systems, automated synchronization with other nodes, and independent data storage and transmission. This self-service functionality allows complex high-precision sensor systems to operate without requiring proportionally complex deployment logistics, as the nodes manage their own operations independently after deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows dynamic adjustment of operational parameters such as node spacing, deployment depth, and sampling rates without requiring physical reconfiguration of the entire array. This parameter flexibility enables optimization of measurement precision for different survey conditions while maintaining the same deployment infrastructure, reducing logistical complexity.
3Ease of operation
If traditional towing methods are used for seismic streamers and receivers, then the system is simpler to operate, but drag and towing stresses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver system is segmented into multiple small autonomous nodes distributed throughout the water column, replacing traditional large towed streamers. This segmentation dramatically reduces the total drag and towing stresses on the survey vessel, as each small node experiences minimal hydrodynamic resistance compared to large continuous streamers, while maintaining comprehensive seismic coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from two-dimensional towed streamers to a three-dimensional distributed array of autonomous nodes throughout the water column. This dimensional change allows the receivers to be positioned at optimal depths and locations for each seismic reflection event, reducing the need for extensive towing and repositioning operations while minimizing drag and towing stresses.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces drag and towing stresses, allows for increased array width and length, and improves survey efficiency by enabling simultaneous deployment and retrieval of multiple lines, thereby reducing operational costs and time.
Implementation Method 1
an unmanned or autonomous marine vessel (UMV) 12... configured to deploy and retrieve seismic receivers or nodes
Data Source
AI summary
An unmanned seismic vessel system can include a hull system configured to provide buoyancy and a storage apparatus configured for storing one or more seismic nodes, each seismic node having at least one seismic sensor configured to acquire seismic data. A deployment system can be configured for deploying the seismic nodes from the storage apparatus to the water column, where the seismic data are responsive to a seismic wavefield, with a controller configured to operate the deployment system so that the seismic nodes are automatically deployed in a seismic array.