Autonomous Underwater Vehicle Collision Avoidance for Seismic Probes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Seismic surveys face challenges in accurately collecting data due to changes in water column characteristics, such as sound velocity, which are often measured infrequently and can lead to entanglement issues with seismic spread equipment, limiting the frequency and accuracy of sound velocity probes.

Innovation Solution

An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is deployed to independently collect data on water column characteristics, using preprogrammed trajectories and sensors to estimate sound velocity variations, and can steer clear of seismic spread equipment to avoid entanglement, with data transferred to a surface vessel for processing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sound velocity probes are dropped frequently to measure water column characteristics, then measurement accuracy improves, but the risk of entanglement with seismic spread equipment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound velocity measurement accuracyVSAvoidentanglement risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) serves as an intermediary between the seismic vessel and the water column. The AUV independently navigates to collect sound velocity data using onboard sensors, eliminating the need for traditional probe deployment that risks entanglement with seismic spread equipment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If probes are deployed close to the water surface for continuous measurement, then measurement frequency improves, but the risk of tangling with seismic spread equipment increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement frequencyVSAvoidentanglement risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The AUV employs dynamic positioning capabilities with steerable fins and propulsion systems to actively maintain its position and navigate away from seismic spread equipment while performing continuous sound velocity measurements, adapting its position in real-time to avoid entanglement risks

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If traditional sound velocity probes are used, then equipment complexity is reduced, but operational safety and measurement accuracy are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprobe system simplicityVSAvoidoperational safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The AUV is equipped with autonomous navigation capabilities, onboard sensors for sound velocity measurement, and self-propulsion systems that enable it to independently perform measurements without requiring frequent manual deployment and retrieval, thereby improving operational safety while maintaining system functionality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9207348B2Collision avoidance for instrumented probes deployed from a seismic vessel

Publication Date: 2015.12.08 WESTERNGECO LLC

AI summary

One embodiment of the invention concerns a probe that couples to a seismic vessel via a tow cable. When deploying probes from a seismic vessel that is towing source arrays and streamers, the probe and its tow cable can tangle with elements of the towed seismic spread. However, a cable guide may be used to lessen the risk for such entanglement by guiding the tow cable into the water at a distance removed from the seismic spread. Also, the probe may be steerable to steer the probe and tow cable away from the seismic spread. Other embodiments are described herein.