Buoyancy-Controlled Retrieval for Marine Seismic Cable Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current control devices for instrumented cables in marine seismic surveys are complex, expensive, and prone to failure due to harsh underwater conditions, leading to operational disruptions and increased risk of cable entanglement, with existing retrieval systems either noisy, vulnerable, or costly, and lacking remote control capabilities for maintenance or failure scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A control device equipped with buoyancy means, such as an inflatable flexible bag, that can be remotely activated via control signals, pressure sensors, or timers to lift the control device and instrumented cable to the surface for inspection and maintenance, reducing the risk of failure and operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If control devices are used to maintain instrumented cables at constant depth, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and vulnerability to failure increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies buoyancy means (inflatable bags or buoyant spheres) as counterweight to the control device's weight, enabling it to rise to the surface for retrieval. This resolves the contradiction by providing a simple mechanical retrieval mechanism that doesn't increase operational complexity while maintaining positioning capability during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is equipped with autonomous retrieval capability through integrated buoyancy means and activation mechanisms (pressure sensors, timers, or remote control). When failure occurs, the device can autonomously signal for retrieval or automatically rise to the surface, eliminating the need for complex manual intervention or cable reeling operations.
2Ease of operation
If retrieval devices are arranged exterior to the instrumented cable, then retrieval capability is provided, but noise interference with hydrophone signals increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retrieval mechanism is merged with the control device itself rather than being a separate exterior component. The buoyancy means and activation systems are integrated into the control device housing, eliminating exterior retrieval devices that would generate noise and interfere with hydrophone signals.
3Reliability
If multiple retrieval devices are arranged along the instrumented cable, then retrieval coverage is improved, but deployment and operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each control device is equipped with universal retrieval capability through integrated buoyancy means, allowing any control device along the cable to be retrieved independently. This eliminates the need for multiple specialized retrieval devices distributed along the cable, simplifying deployment while maintaining reliable retrieval coverage.
4Reliability
If control devices are made more robust for harsh submarine conditions, then reliability is improved, but cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control device incorporates buoyancy means and activation mechanisms as preventive measures before failure occurs. These features provide a safety net that prevents total operational loss by enabling easy retrieval and replacement, reducing the need for overly complex robust designs while maintaining high operational reliability.
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 solution allows for efficient and cost-effective retrieval of control devices and instrumented cables to the surface for maintenance, reducing operational risks and costs, enabling remote activation and autonomous operation to address failure scenarios, and minimizing the risk of cable damage.
Implementation Method 1
A control device provided with buoyancy means for buoyantly lifting the control device and the instrumented cable to the surface
Data Source
AI summary
Control device (10, 20) for controlling the position of an instrumented cable towed in water, such as a marine seismic streamer, and/or an instrumented towed cable array (streamer array), which control device (10, 20) is provided with buoyancy means (30) for retrieving the control device (10, 20) and instrumented cable to the surface, at least sections of the instrumented cable, which means (30) are arranged for providing the control device (10, 20) with buoyancy.