Autonomous Seismic Nodes for Flexible Data Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seismic data collection methods require workers to enter dangerous waters to repair broken streamers, are costly, and pose safety risks due to the need for extensive electrical connections and a large crew, limiting flexibility and increasing environmental impact.
Innovation Solution
A floating vessel-based system using non-stationary seismic nodes attached to ropes, eliminating the need for power or electrical connections, reducing crew size, and allowing for reconfigurable data collection, which includes seismic sources and sensors that generate and record multidimensional seismic data sets without requiring workers to be in the water.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional seismic streamer methods are used, then seismic data can be collected, but workers must enter dangerous waters to repair broken streamers, increasing safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The seismic data collection system is divided into independent autonomous nodes that can operate separately. Each node is self-contained with its own power supply and electronics, eliminating the need for continuous streamer cables that require repair in dangerous waters. When one node fails, others continue operating, and repair can be done from the vessel without entering the water.
Solution Approach 2:
Each seismic node is equipped with autonomous power supply (battery), self-contained electronics, and onboard storage. The nodes independently generate, receive, and process seismic signals without requiring external power or control connections. This self-sufficiency eliminates the need for workers to enter dangerous waters for repairs, as nodes can be replaced or serviced from the vessel.
2Reliability
If conventional seismic streamer systems are used, then seismic data collection is possible, but extensive electrical connections and large crew are required, increasing costs
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into independent autonomous nodes, each with its own power supply, electronics, and data storage. This eliminates the need for extensive electrical connections between components and reduces the crew required for system management and maintenance, directly reducing operational costs.
Solution Approach 2:
Each node independently manages its own power, data acquisition, and communication functions. The autonomous operation reduces the need for large crews to monitor and maintain electrical connections, thereby reducing labor costs and operational complexity.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional seismic methods are used, then data collection can proceed, but flexibility and reconfigurability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from fixed streamer configurations to dynamic autonomous nodes that can be independently positioned and reconfigured. Nodes can be deployed, retrieved, and repositioned flexibly without requiring complex cable management or system shutdowns, enabling adaptive survey designs.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the system into independent modular nodes, the patent enables flexible reconfiguration of survey geometry. Nodes can be added, removed, or repositioned independently to adapt to changing survey requirements, unlike conventional streamers that require complex cable reconfiguration.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional seismic streamers are used, then seismic data is collected, but environmental impact increases due to fuel consumption and large crew
Solution Approach 1:
Autonomous nodes perform all seismic functions independently without requiring continuous vessel support or large crews. This reduces fuel consumption by minimizing vessel operations and reduces personnel requirements, thereby lowering the environmental footprint of seismic survey operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power supply and electronics from the central vessel system and places them within each individual node. This distribution of functionality eliminates the need for extensive electrical infrastructure and reduces the vessel's power requirements, leading to reduced fuel consumption and lower environmental impact.
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 system reduces costs by 30-40% compared to conventional methods, enhances safety by minimizing exposure to hazardous conditions, improves productivity, and reduces environmental impact through reduced fuel consumption and fewer personnel, while maintaining high data quality with flexible and reconfigurable seismic node arrangements.
Implementation Method 1
The seismic sources provide a plurality of seismic energy pulses through water to the target area and a plurality of reflected seismic energy pulses are provided back to the floating vessel from the target area
Implementation Method 2
The plurality of non-stationary seismic nodes are neutrally buoyant and are being towed through the water at a plurality of different depths
Data Source
AI summary
A floating vessel based system generates a multidimensional seismic data set for a target area. The floating vessel based system includes a seismic source proximate to a floating vessel, providing a plurality of seismic energy pulses through water to the target area forming a plurality of reflected seismic energy pulses, a non-stationary seismic node configured for being towed from the floating vessel using at least one rope through the water, a non-stationary seismic node, and a second processor with second data storage on the floating vessel. The second data storage instructs the second processor to receive, each digital data series, combines the digital data series for all non-stationary seismic nodes utilized, and automatically generates multidimensional seismic data set for the target area.