Autonomous Seabed Sensor Units for Continuous Data Acquisition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seabed seismic sensor units are costly, inflexible, and impractical for time-lapse seismic surveys due to high power consumption and the need for frequent retrieval and redeployment, which compromises data accuracy and introduces artifacts in seismic images.
Innovation Solution
Development of autonomous seabed sensor units that can remain on the seabed for extended periods, equipped with self-sufficient power sources, advanced data transfer capabilities, and navigation systems, allowing for continuous data collection and transfer without the need for permanent cables, enabling flexible and efficient seabed seismic and electromagnetic data acquisition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If conventional seabed sensor units are used with batteries and memory for continuous recording, then seismic data can be collected continuously, but the sensor units become costly and require frequent retrieval and redeployment
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit is divided into separate functional modules: a reusable base unit remaining on the seabed, and detachable data storage modules (memory cards) that can be independently retrieved. This segmentation allows the expensive base unit with sensors and power to remain permanently deployed while only the relatively inexpensive data storage is periodically recovered, reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary retrieval mechanism is introduced between the sensor unit and the surface vessel. Instead of directly deploying and retrieving the entire sensor unit, a separate retrieval system (such as a ROV or automated recovery device) is used to selectively collect data modules from the seabed sensor unit, facilitating easier and more frequent data retrieval without moving the entire complex sensor assembly.
2Productivity
If sensor units are deployed sparsely to reduce deployment cost and time, then deployment becomes more economical, but data transfer efficiency and coverage are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensor units are merged into a coordinated network that communicates through a central processing system on the seabed or via acoustic coupling. This allows sparse deployment of individual units while maintaining high data transfer efficiency through the networked architecture, where data from multiple distributed sensors is aggregated and transmitted together, improving overall productivity without sacrificing information completeness.
3Reliability
If permanent cable deployment is used for continuous data transfer, then data transfer reliability is improved, but deployment cost and flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical cable connection system is replaced with wireless or acoustic communication mechanisms for data transfer. The sensor unit uses acoustic transducers to transmit data through the water column to receiving vessels, eliminating the need for permanent physical cable deployment. This substitution maintains data transfer reliability through acoustic coupling while dramatically improving deployment flexibility, allowing sensor units to be positioned anywhere on the seabed without cable infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
Seabed sensor units, systems including same, and methods for acquiring seabed data are described, one seabed sensor unit comprising a base, the base containing at least one sensor able to detect a seismic signal, electronics comprising a clock and one or more electronic components enabling the sensor to communicate seismic data to one or more memory modules, and a local autonomous power source. This abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract, which will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. 37 CFR 1.72(b).