Towed Marine Sensor Streamer Geometry Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine geophysical survey systems face challenges in maintaining the precise spatial distribution and geometry of sensor streamers due to interactions with water and currents, affecting the quality of subsurface geophysical images.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of lateral force and depth (LFD) control devices along the streamers, which apply hydrodynamic lift and directional control to maintain selected geometric arrangements, utilizing position determination devices like acoustic range sensing and heading sensors to adjust the streamers' positions relative to the survey vessel or energy source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If streamers are towed through water without active control, then the system is simpler and easier to operate, but the streamers cannot maintain precise geometric arrangements due to water interaction and currents
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic control by making the streamers actively adjustable rather than static. Lateral force devices and depth control devices are deployed along the streamers to dynamically adjust their positions in response to water currents and vessel movement, maintaining precise geometric arrangements throughout the survey operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback control through position determination devices that continuously monitor streamer locations and provide data to the control system. This feedback loop enables real-time adjustments to lateral force and depth control devices, ensuring streamers maintain their intended geometric configuration despite environmental disturbances.
2Ease of operation
If lateral force devices with large diameter are used to control streamer position, then directional control is improved, but the devices become difficult to deploy and retrieve from water
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral force control system is segmented into multiple smaller lateral force devices distributed along the length of the streamer rather than using a single large device. Each device operates independently to provide directional control, and their smaller size facilitates easier deployment and retrieval from water compared to a single large-diameter device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from controlling streamer position at a single point to distributed control along the entire length of the streamer. By placing lateral force devices at multiple longitudinal positions, the system achieves comprehensive directional control while each individual device remains small enough for easy deployment.
3Reliability
If streamer geometry is not controlled, then the system is simpler to operate, but the quality of geophysical images deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The streamer control system operates autonomously using automated control devices that adjust lateral position and depth based on feedback from position determination devices. This self-service capability maintains precise streamer geometry and high image quality without requiring constant manual intervention, thereby reducing operational complexity despite the advanced control mechanisms.
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 method ensures accurate and consistent positioning of geophysical sensors, improving the quality of subsurface images and enhancing safety during deployment and retrieval, especially in hostile environments.
Implementation Method 1
Lateral force and depth (LFD) control devices along the streamers, which apply hydrodynamic lift and directional control to maintain selected geometric arrangements
Implementation Method 2
position determination devices like acoustic range sensing and heading sensors to adjust the streamers' positions
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for towing a streamer array includes moving a vessel along a body of water. Streamers (20) are towed by vessel. A relative position is determined at selected points along each streamer with respect to the vessel. At least one of the streamers (20) is deflected at at least one longitudinal position along the streamer in response to the determined positions to maintain the streamers in a selected geometry. The selected geometry is related to one of survey vessel heading, energy source trajectory, previously plotted sensor trajectory and a lateral separation related to distance from the towing vessel.