Multiwing Deflector System for Seismic Streamer Positioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Towed-array marine seismic surveys face challenges in maintaining the ideal straight and parallel shape of seismic streamers due to environmental and survey conditions, which affects data acquisition and positioning.
Innovation Solution
A deflector system is introduced that laterally spreads seismic streamers using multiple deflectors attached to the tow cable or streamer, with some deflectors being self-stabilizing and others actively controlled to maintain depth and angle of attack, and a positioning system that includes underwater acoustic and GPS components to ensure precise positioning without surface connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional deflector systems connected to surface floats are used, then positioning control is achieved, but system complexity and surface interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the float connection from the deflector system, extracting the surface-dependent component that caused complexity and interference. The deflectors are now attached directly to the streamer or tow cable, eliminating the need for surface floats and their associated control mechanisms while maintaining positioning capability through underwater acoustic and GPS systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces underwater acoustic positioning systems and GPS as intermediaries to replace the direct float connection. These intermediaries provide positioning information without requiring physical connection to the sea surface, enabling control of the streamer array while reducing system complexity and surface interference.
2Measurement precision
If streamers are towed at larger depths, then data acquisition quality improves, but hydrodynamic forces and drag increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs actively controlled deflectors that can adjust their orientation and position dynamically to counteract hydrodynamic forces. The deflectors are equipped with control systems that respond to real-time conditions, allowing the streamers to maintain optimal depth and orientation while reducing the impact of drag and hydrodynamic forces at greater depths.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the deflectors, including their angle of attack, orientation, and position, to optimize performance at various depths. By adjusting these parameters dynamically, the system maintains data acquisition quality while minimizing hydrodynamic forces and drag during towing at larger depths.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple actively controlled deflectors are used, then streamer positioning precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the positioning control into multiple independent deflector units, each capable of active control. This segmentation allows for precise positioning of individual streamers while distributing the control complexity across multiple simpler, independently controllable units rather than requiring a single complex system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control systems in the deflectors that use underwater acoustic and GPS positioning information to automatically adjust their orientation and position. This feedback mechanism maintains positioning precision while reducing the need for complex manual control systems, as the deflectors self-correct based on real-time positioning data.
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 solution allows for more effective control and positioning of seismic streamers, reducing drag and hydrodynamic forces, enabling better data acquisition and allowing for towing at larger depths and in varied conditions, while minimizing system drag and maximizing lift.
Implementation Method 1
The deflector system laterally spreads the seismic streamers... the deflectors are not connected to a float on the sea surface... enabling better data acquisition and allowing for towing at larger depths
Implementation Method 2
reducing drag and hydrodynamic forces... minimizing system drag and maximizing lift
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for seismic surveying is presented in which a towed array, marine seismic spread, includes a plurality of streamers and a deflector system. The deflector system laterally spreads the seismic streamers, wherein at least one streamer in the spread is deflected using more than one deflector attached to the tow cable or streamer, and where the deflectors are not connected to a float on the sea surface. Other aspects of the technique include methods for towing such a spread and for controlling such a spread. Still other aspects include computing resources which may be used to perform the methods.