Neutrally Buoyant Marine Node for Seismic Surveys
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional marine seismic survey systems are expensive and prone to inaccuracies due to water surface noise and the high cost of streamers, while ocean bottom stations offer better data but are also costly and not flexible, with potential for ocean pollution from left-behind pedestals.
Innovation Solution
Deployment of buoyant, neutrally buoyant marine nodes equipped with seismic sensors that float on the water surface or are tethered to the seabed, using a combination of hydrophones and geophones to record seismic waves, allowing for flexible and cost-effective seismic data acquisition without leaving behind pollution-causing equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional streamers are used for seismic data acquisition, then the system can operate with a vessel towing the equipment, but the cost becomes expensive and water surface noise interferes with recordings
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the seismic recording function from the traditional vessel-towed streamer system and places it in independent underwater nodes that operate autonomously at the seabed, separating the recording function from the surface environment that generates noise
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces acoustic coupling as an intermediary mechanism between the seismic waves and the sensors. By using water-coupled hydrophones instead of direct air-to-ground coupling, the system effectively transfers seismic energy while filtering out surface noise
2Reliability
If ocean bottom stations with heavy pedestals are deployed, then wide-azimuth geometry and better positioning repeatability are achieved, but the cost increases and pedestals remain on the seabed causing pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, permanent ocean bottom station pedestals with lighter, deployable nodes that can be recovered. The nodes use buoyant materials and modular designs that allow for retrieval, making them temporary rather than permanent installations
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements a recoverable node system where seismic recording devices are deployed to the seabed, used for data acquisition, and then retrieved using buoyancy mechanisms or towing systems, eliminating the need to leave equipment permanently on the ocean floor
3Ease of operation
If conventional streamer surveys with single vessel operation are used, then the system is simple to operate, but narrow azimuthal coverage results in poor illumination of targets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the seismic survey system into multiple independent nodes distributed across the survey area. Each node operates autonomously, providing coverage from different azimuthal angles simultaneously, thereby achieving wide-azimuth geometry without requiring complex multi-vessel coordination
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 approach provides accurate, flexible, and cost-effective seismic data acquisition by uniformly coupling nodes to water, reducing noise interference and environmental impact, while allowing for efficient deployment and retrieval of nodes, enhancing imaging capabilities beneath complex overburdens.
Implementation Method 1
a spherical body made of a material that has a density similar to a density of the water so that the body is buoyant neutral or positive
Implementation Method 2
a first sensor located in the body and configured to record three dimensional movements of the node
Implementation Method 3
a second sensor located in the body and configured to record pressure waves propagating through the water
Data Source
AI summary
A marine node for recording seismic waves underwater. The node includes a spherical body made of a material that has a density similar to a density of the water so that the body is buoyant neutral; a first sensor located in the body and configured to record three dimensional movements of the node; a second sensor located in the body and configured to record pressure waves propagating through the water; and one or more cables connected to the first and second sensors and configured to exit the body to be connected to an external device. The body is coupled to the water.