Simultaneous OBN Deployment Using Preconfigured Reel Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing marine seismic survey methods using ocean bottom nodes (OBNs) often result in non-uniform spacing of OBNs due to sequential deployment, leading to decreased efficiency and accuracy of data collection.
Innovation Solution
Deploying multiple lines of OBNs simultaneously from a marine vessel, with prearranged reels and tethers to form a uniform 2D grid, and using marine vessels and paravanes to maintain uniform spacing and stability during deployment and data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple lines of OBNs are deployed simultaneously from a marine vessel, then deployment efficiency and consistency are improved, but device complexity and operational difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment system is divided into multiple independent reel assemblies, each capable of deploying one or more lines of OBNs. Each reel assembly operates independently but is coordinated through a central control system, allowing simultaneous deployment of multiple lines while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple reel assemblies are combined on a single marine vessel, with each reel mounted on the vessel's deck. The reels are integrated into a unified deployment system that shares common control infrastructure, positioning systems, and coordination mechanisms, enabling synchronized operation while leveraging shared resources to manage complexity
2Ease of operation
If OBNs are deployed sequentially one line at a time, then operational simplicity is maintained, but deployment time and overall efficiency decrease
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple lines of OBNs are pre-configured and loaded onto separate reel assemblies before deployment begins. The reel assemblies are pre-positioned and prepared on the vessel deck, allowing immediate simultaneous deployment when operation commences, eliminating the sequential setup time while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized pre-configured units
3Ease of manufacture
If OBNs are deployed without prearranged reels and tethers, then deployment process is simpler, but spacing uniformity and grid formation accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Tether assemblies serve as intermediary components between the reel assemblies and the OBNs. Each tether is pre-measured and pre-attached to both the reel and the corresponding OBN, acting as a precision spacer that ensures uniform spacing. This intermediary element transfers the spacing precision from the manufacturing stage to the deployment stage, maintaining accuracy while simplifying the actual deployment operation
Solution Approach 2:
The spacing between OBNs is controlled by changing the parameter of tether length. Tethers are manufactured with precise, pre-determined lengths that correspond to the desired OBN spacing. By standardizing this critical parameter during manufacturing rather than during deployment, the system achieves high spacing uniformity while keeping the deployment process simple
Data Source
AI summary
A system for ocean bottom node (OBN) deployment can include a first deployment device located on a marine vessel, a second deployment device located on the marine vessel, a first line coupled to the first deployment device and comprising a first plurality of OBNs, and a second line coupled to the second deployment device and comprising a second plurality of OBNs. The first deployment device and the second deployment device can be configured to deploy and retract the first line and the second line simultaneously.