Dynamically Controlled Foil Systems for Seismic Steering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seismic array systems face challenges in maintaining precise positioning and spacing between seismic sources and streamer cables during marine seismic surveys due to high drag forces and limited steering response caused by paravanes, diverters, and complex tow rope configurations.
Innovation Solution
A dynamically controlled foil system comprising a positive buoyancy device, control cables, foil sections, and an actuator, where the actuator adjusts the tension in the control cables to regulate the lift and steering of the foil sections, allowing for improved lateral positioning and reduced drag.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If paravanes, doors, diverters and similar steering solutions are used to maintain position and spacing of seismic sources, then positioning capability is improved, but drag forces increase and deck area requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical steering devices (paravanes, doors, diverters) with a hydrofoil-based positioning system. The hydrofoil generates hydrodynamic lift forces to control the lateral position and depth of seismic sources, substituting the need for large mechanical steering apparatus and reducing drag forces associated with traditional mechanical solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable hydrofoil attack angles and variable lift coefficients to dynamically control positioning. By changing the hydrodynamic parameters of the foil sections through actuator-controlled adjustment of attack angles, the system achieves precise positioning while optimizing drag characteristics throughout the survey operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If paravanes, doors, diverters and similar steering solutions are used to maintain position and spacing of seismic sources, then positioning capability is improved, but deck area during storage, deployment, and retrieval increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical steering devices (paravanes, doors, diverters) with a hydrofoil-based positioning system. The hydrofoil generates hydrodynamic lift forces to control the lateral position and depth of seismic sources, substituting the need for large mechanical steering apparatus and reducing drag forces associated with traditional mechanical solutions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable hydrofoil sections with actuators that can change the attack angle in real-time during operation. This dynamic capability allows the system to achieve precise positioning without requiring large static mechanical structures, thereby reducing deck space requirements for storage, deployment, and retrieval operations.
3Ease of operation
If traditional diverter operating system and complex tow rope configurations are used, then steering capability is provided, but steering response is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable hydrofoil sections with actuators that can change the attack angle in real-time during operation. This dynamic capability allows the system to achieve precise positioning without requiring large static mechanical structures, thereby reducing deck space requirements for storage, deployment, and retrieval operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical tow rope configurations and diverter operating systems with a hydrofoil-based control system. The hydrofoil's ability to generate rapid hydrodynamic responses replaces the slow mechanical response of traditional systems, significantly improving steering response speed while maintaining full steering capability.
4Manufacturing precision
If a number of source sub-arrays or strings are deployed using tow rope configuration to spread sources, then lateral spacing is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs hydrofoil sections that can perform multiple functions: lateral positioning, depth control, and steering. This multi-functionality replaces the need for complex multi-component systems including paravanes, diverters, and extensive tow rope configurations, achieving the same lateral spacing capability with a more integrated and simpler system architecture.
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 system enables precise control of seismic sources and streamer cables with reduced drag, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of seismic data collection while minimizing the complexity and space requirements of the positioning system.
Implementation Method 1
A dynamically controlled foil system comprising a positive buoyancy device, control cables, foil sections, and an actuator, where the actuator adjusts the tension in the control cables to regulate the lift and steering of the foil sections
Implementation Method 2
A dynamically controlled foil system comprising a positive buoyancy device, control cables, foil sections, and an actuator
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Foil systems for steering source and receiver arrangements for gathering seismic data are connected to buoys supporting seismic sources and receivers. Each foil system includes a positive buoyancy device (18), a pair of control cables, a plurality of foil sections (30), and an actuator (52). The pair of control cables may be attached to the buoyancy device and extend downward from the buoyancy device to a submerged end. The plurality of foil sections may be disposed along the control cables between the buoyancy device (18) and the submerged end. The actuator may be configured to adjust attack angles of the foil sections by changing a tension in one or both of the control cables. Steering control is provided through a number of modes described by data distributed through a control system in communication with the foil systems.