Biodegradable Seismic Node Sleeve for Acoustic Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The removal of seismic data acquisition nodes with ground contact sleeve devices from the ground is time-consuming and expensive, especially for those wedged into the earth, due to the conventional methods of mounting and extracting these devices.
Innovation Solution
A biodegradable ground contact sleeve with a tubular body and internal ribs for secure acoustic coupling, featuring a rotational collapsing mechanism for easy node release and a composite material like polylactic acid (PLA) for enhanced acoustic performance and environmental compatibility, allowing for efficient deployment and potential long-term use without manual retrieval.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional ground contact sleeve devices are wedged into the ground for secure acoustic coupling, then acoustic coupling and mechanical stability are improved, but removal time and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The ground contact sleeve is segmented into a reusable node interface and a biodegradable ground-embedded portion. The biodegradable portion degrades in place after use, eliminating the need for manual removal while the node interface can be recovered. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing secure initial coupling while enabling automatic release through material degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a biodegradable material (such as polylactic acid or cellulose) for the ground contact sleeve portion that is embedded in the ground. This disposable component provides the necessary acoustic coupling and mechanical stability during the survey period, then degrades naturally without requiring removal, thus eliminating the time-consuming extraction process while maintaining reliable acoustic coupling during operation.
2Strength
If ground contact sleeve devices are designed for secure wedging into the ground, then mechanical stability is improved, but extraction complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The biodegradable ground contact sleeve provides sufficient mechanical stability during the seismic survey through its structural design and material properties. After completing its function, the material naturally degrades through hydrolysis and microbial action, eliminating the need for complex extraction equipment or procedures. The node interface can be simply retrieved by pulling it from the degraded material.
Solution Approach 2:
The biodegradable material performs the extraction function automatically through its degradation process. As the material breaks down via hydrolysis and microbial decomposition, it releases the node interface on its own without requiring external extraction mechanisms. This self-service approach eliminates complex extraction systems while maintaining mechanical stability during operation.
3Productivity
If reusable ground contact sleeves are used for multiple surveys, then cost-effectiveness is improved, but environmental impact worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a reusable node interface and a biodegradable ground contact portion. The node interface can be recovered and reused for multiple surveys, maintaining cost-effectiveness. The biodegradable portion degrades naturally in the environment through hydrolysis and microbial action, eliminating environmental contamination from discarded materials. This segmentation allows both economic and environmental benefits to be achieved simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses biodegradable materials such as polylactic acid (PLA) or cellulose that change their physical and chemical properties over time through hydrolysis and microbial degradation. These parameter changes allow the material to provide structural integrity during the survey period, then progressively degrade to harmlessly integrate into the environment. This parameter transformation enables the system to be both cost-effective and environmentally sustainable.
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
The biodegradable ground contact sleeve facilitates quicker and cost-effective deployment and potential indefinite use, maintaining mechanical integrity for time-lapse seismic surveys while promoting environmental sustainability through plant growth seeding after use.
Implementation Method 1
The material for the ground contact sleeve may comprise a biodegradable material such as polylactic acid (PLA) or other composite materials having a desired degree of biodegradability
Implementation Method 2
The biodegradable ground contact sleeve facilitates quicker and cost-effective deployment and potential indefinite use, maintaining mechanical integrity for time-lapse seismic surveys while promoting environmental sustainability through plant growth seeding after use
Data Source
AI summary
A biodegradable ground contact sleeve for a seismic data acquisition node includes a ground contact sleeve having a substantially tubular shaped body insertable into the surface of the earth and having an internal opening at one longitudinal end for receiving a seismic data acquisition node and making acoustic coupling thereto. The ground contact sleeve is formed of biodegradable material.